Shining Seniors at the Stars Summer Kickoff, part 3

For part 3 of our focus on unsigned seniors from the [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'] Summer Kickoff Classic, Prep Girls Hoops intern Paxyn Rendahl and I will highlight five more 2027s who showed out over the weekend. As a reminder, there have only been 14 commitments among those ranked in the Prep Girls Hoops class of 2027 (see the full list in part 1), so most of the seniors-to-be are still on the table for now. That said, here are another handful of prospects who made a strong impression during this week's competition.    Whitehill, pictured in the banner photo above, made a significant impact for the [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'] Lodermeier squad at the Summer Kickoff. The 5'11 guard got going early on Sunday morning, using her explosive first step, tight handle on the ball, and ability to elevate over her defender to create her own shots off the dribble. Taylor kept the offense rolling, finding openings for slick pull-up jumpers and crafty step-through moves in the lane, even when facing heavy pressure from the defense. The Mounds View senior-to-be finished the matchup against the [program_tooltip program_id='718403' first='Minnesota' last='Freeze'] with a team-high 16 points. We'll be keeping an eye on her game as the summer goes on, but it's become evident what Whitehill is gearing up for a big senior year with the Mustangs.     Following a big-time performance at this year's high school state tournament, Ndomb is leading the way for [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'] Lodermeier on the AAU circuit. Over the weekend, the 5'8 guard's scrappy, high-intensity defense jumped out straight away. With an endless motor, active hands, and significant athletic ability, Candice was lethal both as a perimeter defender in the half-court and at the top of a full-court press. On the other end of the floor she was just as effective. The team's offense consistently flowed through Ndomb, who found opportunities to score at all three levels. The Duluth Marshall senior-to-be finished the weekend with 38 points, tying teammate [player_tooltip player_id='665721' first='Peyton' last='Walker'] and making her a top 10 scorer in the 11th grade gold division.     When searching for a true point guard at the Summer Kickoff Classic, Tennessen was one of the first to get our attention us over the weekend. The floor general from [program_tooltip program_id='712362' first='Legacy' last='Hoops'] Elite is a shifty ball handler with superb vision of the offensive floor. Her ability to weave to the basket through several defenders shows her control of the ball, and her quick decision-making shifts the momentum on the court for her team's offense, whether that's a swift drive in and kick-out for a 3-point shot, or an open look in the paint. When offense seems static, Livia takes her signature dribble drive, consistently finishing at the rim and earning trips to the free throw line. The rising senior from Cannon Falls involves herself in her team's offensive identity, focusing on tempo, footwork, ball handling, passing, and agility.     Well-known for her consistent, unwavering effort level on the court, Whynott has a unique style of play. She focuses heavily on the details, such as a screen away from the ball or a backdoor cut to get her team's offense flowing. The 5'11 forward stays in a powerful stance on defense, where she not only takes away the rim from her opponent, but uses constant communication to help her teammates out on the perimeter. Her physical strength and the bounce in her step elevate Breckin's game tremendously, allowing her to guard a wide variety of players. On the other end of the floor the Woodbury senior keeps things simple. Whynott looks for smart passes, easy open looks, and second chance scoring opportunities on the offensive glass.     Having clearly made a name for herself in the PGH Minnesota Class of 2027, Drange has continued to grow her game this summer. The [program_tooltip program_id='712362' first='Legacy' last='Hoops'] guard has extended her range, making the three-point shot a larger part of her offensive identity. In close games, Ellie's teammates look for her on the line, trusting that she will hit shots when they're needed most. She makes space for her shot when the ball is not in her hands, creating openings for her teammates to find her on the perimeter. Drange is also a strong presence on the defensive end. With her swift lateral movement and imposing wingspan, she takes away passing and driving lanes from her opponents. A strong, scholarship-level prospect, Ellie's versatility is a distinct advantage for whatever team she plays on.    PGH intern Paxyn Rendahl contributed to these evaluations.

For part 3 of our focus on unsigned seniors from the Minnesota Stars Summer Kickoff Classic, Prep Girls Hoops intern Paxyn Rendahl and I will highlight five more 2027s who showed out over the weekend. As a reminder, there have only been 14 commitments among those ranked in the Prep Girls Hoops class of 2027 (see the full list in part 1), so most of the seniors-to-be are still on the table for now. That said, here are another handful of prospects who made a strong impression during this week's competition.