Prep Girls Hoops Great Lakes Kickoff: More Top Guard Performances

The Prep Girls Hoops Great Lakes Kickoff brought together some of the top talent from across the country, showcasing a high level of competition throughout the event. I had the opportunity to evaluate several standout guards who made a strong impression with their play.   The players I'll be highlighting come from AAU programs such as Chicago Hoops, Michigan Basketball Academy, Mac Irvin, and <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/indy-one/">[program_tooltip program_id='1307580' first='Indy' last='One']</a> . Each program brought a unique group of guards who contributed in different ways, whether it was through scoring, playmaking, or overall leadership on the floor.   Many of these players stood out not just for their individual performances, but for how they impacted the game as a whole. Some were effective in creating opportunities for their teammates and elevating the play of those around them, while others delivered strong offensive performances and consistently put pressure on the defense.   Overall, this group of guards displayed a mix of skill, competitiveness, and basketball IQ that made them key contributors throughout the weekend.    [player_tooltip player_id='1306357' first='Tatum' last='Eberly'] is part of a very talented 2030 class across the state of Indiana. She competed against strong competition in Illinois this past weekend and continued to show why she is a name to watch. Eberly does a great job of running the point while also being an efficient scorer, knocking down shots at a high percentage. She plays with a natural leadership quality, showing a strong desire to win every time she steps on the floor.   What stands out most is her ability to control the pace of the game and make smart decisions under pressure. She keeps her teammates involved, reads the floor well, and understands when to look for her own offense. Her confidence as a ball handler allows her to create opportunities for herself and others, while her shooting ability keeps defenses honest. With her competitive mindset and well-rounded skill set, Eberly continues to develop into a player with a very bright future.     This was my first time watching Mia play, and she immediately stood out with her overall skill and ability to score in a variety of ways. She is a talented, skilled, and athletic three-level scorer who can put the ball in the basket from all areas of the floor. What really impressed was her confidence and aggressiveness—she competed at a high level regardless of the matchup and never shied away from the moment.   Mia shows a strong feel for the game, allowing her to create her own shot off the dribble, finish through contact, and knock down shots at different levels. She plays with pace and control, which allows her to stay effective even when defenses try to speed her up. Defensively, she competes and stays active, making it difficult for opponents to get comfortable.   Watching her play, she didn't look like a freshman. Her poise, pace, and understanding of the game were well beyond her years, and she consistently made impactful plays on both ends. Mia has the ability to take over stretches of a game, and her combination of skill, athleticism, and competitive edge makes her a tough matchup and a player with a very bright future.     I've watched Brooklyn, or at least kept an eye on her, since she was in 7th grade, and now seeing her as an 8th grader with just a few months left before heading into 9th grade, her development is very noticeable. She has continued to improve her skill set and shows more confidence each time out.   Brooklyn does a great job of using her size to get downhill and finish at the rim, and she has a polished go-to move with her one-foot fadeaway jumper that she can rely on in key moments. She understands how to play within herself and makes the game easier by making the right reads and decisions. Her footwork around the basket continues to improve, allowing her to create clean looks even when defended.   What stands out is that she plays the game the right way—under control, unselfish, and with a clear understanding of how to impact the game on both ends. She competes, stays engaged defensively, and continues to show growth as she gains more experience against stronger competition. That combination makes her a very enjoyable player to watch and a prospect that continues to trend in the right direction as she prepares for the next level.     This was my first time watching MBA play this past weekend, and they have a really nice group of kids. One player who stood out in particular was Myla Gortmaker. She showed a strong combination of skills, especially in how she operates within different actions. Whether coming off dribble handoffs or ball screens, she consistently made the right play and stayed within the flow of the offense.   Myla plays with good pace and control, showing a solid understanding of how to read the defense and react. She is comfortable handling the ball, can score when the opportunity presents itself, and does a great job of keeping her teammates involved. What stood out most was her decision-making—she rarely forced the action and instead took what the defense gave her.   She also showed the ability to stay poised in different situations, which allowed her to be effective throughout the game. Her feel for the game, combined with her skill set, makes her a dependable guard who can impact winning in multiple ways.     I first saw Arianna play last fall at the Prep Girls Hoops showcase, and she stood out very quickly with her ability to handle the basketball and score at a high level. She showed the ability to get to the rim and finish, while also being a threat from the perimeter with her ability to knock down shots.   This past weekend, she built on that performance and showed even more growth in her game. Arianna competed throughout her games and consistently made an impact on both ends of the floor. Her confidence with the ball in her hands allows her to create opportunities for herself and others, and she continues to expand her scoring ability in multiple ways. She does a good job of reading defenses, staying aggressive when needed, and making plays within the flow of the game.   What stands out most is her competitiveness—she doesn't back down from the moment and embraces the challenge against tough competition. She plays with energy and a clear understanding of how to impact winning. Arianna not only has a bright future ahead, but also a high ceiling, as she continues to develop and refine her game.     [player_tooltip player_id='910403' first='Ayla' last='Allen'] is another prospect who stood out. She competed at a high level throughout the games I watched, consistently bringing energy and effort on both ends of the floor. Offensively, she showed the ability to get her shot off quickly, especially in transition, where she was able to capitalize and score in open space. She doesn't hesitate when she has an open look and is confident in her ability to let it go with rhythm.   Defensively, she was active and disruptive, showing a willingness to compete and make plays. She stayed engaged on that end of the floor, applying pressure and being a presence that opponents had to account for. Her motor and ability to stay involved throughout the game were noticeable, as she continued to impact plays even without the ball.   Overall, Ayla showed a well-rounded game, a strong work ethic, and a competitive edge that allows her to impact winning in multiple ways.

The Prep Girls Hoops Great Lakes Kickoff brought together some of the top talent from across the country, showcasing a high level of competition throughout the event. I had the opportunity to evaluate several standout guards who made a strong impression with their play.