Freshman Showcase: Team 5 in Action

The PGH freshman showcase guarantees all players get to compete against each other. If not in the rapid-paced 3-on-3 games, then players will face off against each other in the 5-on-5 games. Competing against ranked players provides a valuable opportunity to test your game against high-level competition and evaluate where you currently stand. Those matchups can serve as a tool for identifying strengths, exposing areas for growth, and understanding what you need to continue developing.    Williams play was relentless the entire time she was between court lines. PGH Simmie Colson already broke down her game (<a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2026/09/freshman-showcase-3-on-3-scoring-standouts/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2026/09/freshman-showcase-3-on-3-scoring-standouts/">read here</a>), and here are my two cents about her play leading Team 5 during the showcase.   Williams' raw athleticism makes a lot of hard things look easy. She she uses her speed to blow by the defense in transition, and she's just as difficult to contain in the halfcourt setting. She's not using a flashy crossover but simply reading when the defense rises in their stance to juke by them. She's just as dangerous off the ball because she moves well without the ball and can shoot the J.     Collins is long and lengthy, and showed a good feel for finding open space and making herself available in the half-court. She is a good interior passer, consistently keeping her head up and recognizing opportunities to deliver the ball to teammates inside. As an eighth grader playing up at the event, she appeared to gain confidence and settle in as the day progressed. She also showed a nice mid-range game and ran the court well, using her length and mobility to stay involved on both ends.     A high-effort rebounder who creates opportunities simply through hustle and consistently pursuing the ball. She plays with a strong motor and does a nice job competing for rebounds outside of her immediate area. Defensively, she showed great awareness as a help defender, recognizing when to rotate and positioning herself to help secure the paint for her team.     A capable spot-up shooter who looks comfortable finding open space and getting her feet set, particularly from the corner. She appears to favor the corner pocket and does a nice job staying ready to shoot when the ball finds her. Her ability to space the floor and knock down open perimeter looks adds value to the offense.     Did a nice job using her body to create contact and put pressure on the defense when attacking the basket. Shows the ability to finish through contact and get herself to the free-throw line. Uses a quick crossover to create separation, and once she gains that initial inside step, she does a nice job attacking downhill and turning the advantage into offense. Her combination of physicality, quickness, and ability to create space makes her difficult to contain.     Showed an impressive ability to sell a fake and get the entire gym leaning one way before using a euro step to finish at the basket. She has excellent deception, body control, and creativity around the rim. She did a great job manipulating the defense and changing direction to create a clean scoring opportunity.

The PGH freshman showcase guarantees all players get to compete against each other. If not in the rapid-paced 3-on-3 games, then players will face off against each other in the 5-on-5 games. Competing against ranked players provides a valuable opportunity to test your game against high-level competition and evaluate where you currently stand. Those matchups can serve as a tool for identifying strengths, exposing areas for growth, and understanding what you need to continue developing.