PGH Freshman Showcase: Team 7 Elite Post Presence+Solid Defenders

The transition to the 5-on-5 format at the Freshman Showcase gave Team 7 the perfect venue to showcase their skills, and they did not disappoint. With a varied mix of rebounders and size, this group controlled the paint in the game. Whether initiating the half-court offense or locking down on defense, Team 7 played with the aggression and high energy you expect from student-athletes.    [player_tooltip player_id='1835917' first='Taniah' last='Pace'] brought raw strength and a highly skilled post game to the court for Team 7. Standing at an imposing 6'0", Pace is a true back-to-the-basket post player, but her unquestionable skill allows her to play the 3 or 4 positions as well, seamlessly. During the 5-on-5 competitions, she was the BEST player that I evaluated. She dominated her opponents on the glass, routinely securing rebounds over multiple defenders. She also blocked and altered shots around the rim with excellent timing.   Offensively, she flashed elite footwork, highlighted by a beautiful spin move in the post that she finished strong for a tough and-1 bucket that made me get up out of my seat. To top it all off, she stretched the floor and proved her outside range by knocking down a smooth 3-pointer. After she hit that shot, I was left wondering if there is anything she can't do—because if there is, it certainly wasn't obvious.   Apart from her extensive skill set, Taniah has that Dog mentality, consistently diving for loose balls and outhustling everyone on the floor. Pace has tremendous upside and possesses the talent, size, and skill set to play at the collegiate level. On this day, she was flat-out dominant and proved that she is THAT GIRL!       [player_tooltip player_id='1785512' first='Alani' last='Devone'] boasts an EXPLOSIVE first step alongside an impressive ability to drive to the basket. If defenders do not lock in or lose focus for a split second, she will blow right past them and finish at the rim before they even realize it. Having previously written an article on Devone highlighting her 3-on-3 matchup, I really love the way she plays the game. She shows an excellent understanding of how to create space with sharp basket cuts, and she is completely fearless when she dives into the paint to fight for rebounds against the trees. On the other end of the floor, she is an absolute pest defensively, making life difficult for opposing ball-handlers with her constant pressure.       [player_tooltip player_id='1311067' first='Makenzie' last='Charles'] made a positive contribution on both ends of the floor, as shown by her active rebounding. Offensively, she demonstrated her slashing ability by putting the ball on the floor for a nice drive to the basket. On the other end, she put in a solid defensive performance to help her team.       [player_tooltip player_id='1773829' first='Jaycelyn' last='Lewis'] showcased tight ball-handling and excellent floor awareness, playing an effective role in pushing the tempo offensively. She calmly knocked down a smooth three-pointer.   Defensively, her persistent work ethic was obvious as she competed hard for 50/50 balls and outhustled and out-rebounded her opponents.         [player_tooltip player_id='1191852' first='Jayla' last='Whitehurst'] knocked down a three-pointer during the opening minutes of the game. What stood out the most was that she hustled every single minute she stepped onto the court. Defensively, she paired that work ethic with a solid defensive performance.       [player_tooltip player_id='1225868' first='Chloe' last='Lambright'] showcased great offensive awareness by scoring off a beautiful give-and-go pass through traffic. That play showed she can finish under pressure at the rim. On the other end of the floor, she put in a solid defensive performance.

The transition to the 5-on-5 format at the Freshman Showcase gave Team 7 the perfect venue to showcase their skills, and they did not disappoint. With a varied mix of rebounders and size, this group controlled the paint in the game. Whether initiating the half-court offense or locking down on defense, Team 7 played with the aggression and high energy you expect from student-athletes.