The Classic: Saturday Takeaways

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Day 2 of The Classic featured top-tier competition, from shoe teams to independent programs. The talent was on full display, the media was out in full force, and college coaches packed the baselines. Here are some takeaways from Saturday's action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["925198"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a0927d060743"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Anzlee made an impact in a game that went down to the wire against Full Package 2028 3SSB. She did a great job flashing and making herself available, and came up with a big rebound and putback over bigger players late in the game. A smaller guard, but she's tough and scrappy, plays well off the ball, and is dynamic with it in her hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["743739"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a0927d0607a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I caught part of the first half, but TSP Smith NE2K was already up big against Lincoln Basketball NE2K. As soon as I approached Court 34, Jada drilled a corner three, then ran the floor for an easy bucket right after. She followed that up by hitting another triple, she was on fire and really asserted herself offensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["961302"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a0927d0607da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Maliah had a good showing against 2027 MBA UAA. She ripped down a rebound and immediately pushed the pace, igniting the fast break. She showed a solid handle, keeping her dribble low, and dropped a dime, putting her court vision on display. She initiated contact, got to the line, and converted, while also using her length to contest shots on the perimeter on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1217963"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a093ba012dae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Olivia caught my eye with her play against Always 100 Lockdown E40. She showed her ability to stretch the floor by connecting on a straightaway three from the top of the key. She also displayed nice footwork in the post and the ability to score over either shoulder. She contributed on the glass as well. A lefty wing/forward with good size and a versatile game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["978239"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a093ba012de0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ava played really well in the 11:30 game I watched. She leaked out well in transition and made smart basket cuts. One play that stood out was when she turned down an open three and settled for a one-dribble pull-up from the mid-range, passing up a good shot for a better one. A smart, savvy guard, she helped lead STARS Basketball Club S40 to a 45–38 win over M14 3SSB.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->