PGH Illinois Freshman Showcase: Team 3 Recap

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">With over 70 players in the gym, this year's Freshman Showcase gave me a chance to get an early look at a group of young prospects. At this stage, it's less about being a finished product and more about the foundation already in place. Here is a small recap of what I saw from the players on Team 3.</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1241086' first='Cara' last='Wallace'] (#69)</strong> - <em>Regardless of her size, Wallace made sure she had a way to be impactful, and on defense, her scrappiness was well utilized. </em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Rayna Herring (#85)</strong> - <em>Strong handle and an even stronger rim attacker. There weren't many players who could stay in front of her. Could definitely be an impactful piece for her high school program this season. </em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874669' first='Mia' last='Ortiz'] (#94)</strong> - <em>There are players who just know how to make the right play.. wether they know it is or not. Ortiz was quick with her decision-making, and most of the time it had a positive impact on her team. Multiple pokes for extra possessions, and made some noise on the boards as well. </em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1228197' first='Ava' last='Anderle'] (#98)</strong> - <em>If you're looking for a kid to cause chaos on the defensive end, then Ava is a player you want. She has quick hands, quick feet, and has no problem being physical. Also, on the offensive end, she plays smoothly with the ball in her hands. Has the signs of a legit point guard. One of my favorite players from this event. </em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1861236' first='Lexi' last='Petermann'] (#101</strong>) - <em>A player who gives 100% effort on every possession. She plays with energy, competes, and finds ways to stay involved. As her confidence continues to grow, she can definitely assert herself more on both ends of the floor. She has a solid foundation of talent, and she had some strong moments throughout the event.</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1895452' first='Abby' last='Meola'] (#103</strong>) - <em>Meola has a high level of talent with the ball in her hands. From her handle to her body control, she shows skill well beyond her years. A player to for sure keep an eye on this year.</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1784480' first='Courtney' last='Sorich'] (#108)</strong> - <em>From a playmaking standpoint, Courtney made things happen constantly, she has the handle to facilitate, but also the scoring ability to be off the ball and score off the catch. </em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Layman McCullough (#149)</strong> - <em>Layman is in constant motion and knows how to fill whatever role the possession calls for. She can be a ball handler for the offense, and on the defensive end, she is just as active and versatile as you need her to be</em>. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Ella Amrheim (#158)</strong> - <em>The on-ball defense stood out immediately, and it helps that Ella has a stronger frame that can cause players to get "pushed" off balance when she's playing up close. Her ability to box out was key in her games too. She searches for the body and then reacts. Strong potential.</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->