Shining Seniors at the Stars Summer Kickoff, part 1

Over the weekend we capped off the month of May at the [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'] Summer Kickoff Classic. Prep Girls Hoops intern Paxyn Rendahl and I spent the bulk of the weekend at Kennedy High School in Bloomington, looking for seniors-to-be who have yet to announce their college commitments.   It should be noted that there have only been 14 members of Minnesota's Class of 2027 rankings who have made their final decisions, so most of the prospects are still on the table. Among the verbal commits are [player_tooltip player_id='578467' first='Amisha' last='Ramlall'], [player_tooltip player_id='498658' first='Morgan' last='Mathiowetz'] and [player_tooltip player_id='766676' first='Skyler' last='Mancini'] of the [program_tooltip program_id='712687' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'], [player_tooltip player_id='665719' first='Addison' last='Bjorklund'] of the [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'], [player_tooltip player_id='659119' first='Maren' last='Day'], [player_tooltip player_id='763004' first='Lyla' last='Hentges'] and [player_tooltip player_id='630241' first='Kate' last='Arnold'] of [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'], [program_tooltip program_id='756457' first='Opportunity' last='Basketball']'s [player_tooltip player_id='1175103' first='Morgan' last='Rysdam'] and [player_tooltip player_id='759866' first='Samantha' last='Bennett'], [player_tooltip player_id='675971' first='Trinity' last='Baker'] of the [program_tooltip program_id='767539' first='Minnesota' last='Comets'], and [player_tooltip player_id='595199' first='Maya' last='Kilian'], [player_tooltip player_id='654990' first='Kayla' last='Stork'], [player_tooltip player_id='498657' first='Aubrey' last='Steffl'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1323607' first='Danielle' last='Nubile'] from the [program_tooltip program_id='712699' first='Minnesota' last='Rise']. Here is the first of three installments of unsigned upperclassmen from the Summer Kickoff who are ready to contribute at the next level.    As predicted during our last rankings update in February, Bursey-Dixon's game has continued on an upward trajectory since the high school season. The [program_tooltip program_id='712665' first='Metro' last='Stars'] wing (pictured above) showed out over the weekend, leading the team with an average of over 14 points per game. Jaelyn produced her offense in a variety of ways; from sharp cuts to the basket, to midrange jumpers and sprinting the floor for easy buckets in transition. Around the rim the Spring Lake Park senior excels at maintaining her balance and playing off two feet, allowing her to absorb plenty of contact from the defense. In addition to her scoring, Bursey-Dixon's relentless effort on the boards was crucial in creating extra possessions for her team.     It's hard to know why Douah didn't make it onto our radar sooner. The 5'11 forward is a physically imposing presence for the [program_tooltip program_id='712665' first='Metro' last='Stars'] 2027 Black squad. She has a sturdy, well-built frame with plenty of strength, a reasonable amount of mobility, and a really solid fundamental skillset. All around, Alaia keeps the game simple, focusing on all the little ways she can create a positive impact for her team. At the Stars Summer Kickoff, the Northfield senior did just that. Douah fought hard for rebounds, set well-timed screens, and defended straight up in the paint without fouling. When the ball was in her hands, Alaia maintained her balance on the block, using a soft touch and a simple set of post moves to consistently finish at the rim.     As a top 15 prospect in South Dakota's class of 2027, Geiver has brought another layer of depth to the [program_tooltip program_id='712687' first='Minnesota' last='Fury']'s 2027 S40 roster this spring. A versatile scorer with a robust understanding of the game, the 5'9 Brandon Valley guard made a significant impact over the weekend. London scored 37 points in four games, making her one of the division's top scorers. She showed off her ability to knock down shots from three point range, as well as some crafty footwork on drives to the rim. In addition to her scoring, Geiver showed some excellent passing at the Stars Summer Kickoff. Using her court vision and ability to anticipate where her teammates were headed, London dropped dimes on numerous pick-and-rolls and backdoor cuts.     While she may not draw the same level of fanfare as a Division 1 commit like [player_tooltip player_id='659119' first='Maren' last='Day'], Doherty has been gradually climbing the ranks at Wayzata for several years now. Following her standout junior season, the 5'10 guard has been a constant presence for Fury 2027 S40 this spring. Over the weekend Ava impressed with her consistent motor and effort level, particularly on the defensive end. Keeping her head on a swivel, Doherty sees the whole floor, allowing her to be effective in help-side defense and anticipate where the ball is headed at any given time. On the other end of the floor Ava is constantly creating movement off the ball, doesn't force contested shots, and is a consistent finisher at the rim. She picked up an offer from Hamline University this past Saturday.     Well-known around Southern Minnesota for her abilities as a three-point shooter, Christopherson didn't hesitate to let the ball fly at this year's Stars Summer Kickoff. The Hayfield senior found her stroke early in the weekend, capping off the event with six made triples against Rise Above 17U on Sunday afternoon. The 5'7 shooting guard finished the weekend with 58 total points in four games, making her the weekend's top scorer in the 11th grade Silver division. In addition to her shooting prowess, Jenna showed off her abilities as a reliable ball handler under pressure, a staunch perimeter defender, a vocal leader who isn't afraid to talk on defense or pick up her teammates when it's needed.     The [program_tooltip program_id='712700' first='Minnesota' last='Suns'] Bluestar point guard has put up some serious numbers in recent weeks with 37 points at the Summer Kickoff and 55 points at the AAU State Championships back in May. With a tight handle on the basketball and an explosive first step, Ogunleye does most of her scoring at the rim, though she can extend out to three-point range as well. On the other end of the floor, Toni uses active hands and her keen ability to anticipate passes to create a disruptive force on the perimeter. Quick in her lateral movement and ridiculously even-keeled on the court, the Champlin Park senior has started making some noise on the AAU circuit this spring. Toni is definitely a player to watch going forward.

Over the weekend we capped off the month of May at the Minnesota Stars Summer Kickoff Classic. Prep Girls Hoops intern Paxyn Rendahl and I spent the bulk of the weekend at Kennedy High School in Bloomington, looking for seniors-to-be who have yet to announce their college commitments.