PGH Freshman Showcase: Team 7 evaluations, part 1

Fall is finally here and that means one thing for the month of September; the Prep Girls Hoops Freshman Showcase. This year's event, which was held at Maple Grove Middle School on Sunday, featured more than 90 players from around Minnesota. With this being one of the deepest classes we've scouted in recent years, the level of play was outstanding and many players made their case for a spot in the upcoming Freshman 50, our initial ranking of the 2030 class that will be coming out in a few weeks. As for this week, we'll be releasing our evaluations on most of the players who were in the gym on Sunday, one team at a time. Here are the highlights from Team 7, part 1.    Sunday wasn't the first time we had seen Lyons play, but after spending the summer on a [program_tooltip program_id='712665' first='Metro' last='Stars'] team that was absolutely loaded with talent, the Freshman Showcase provided an avenue for her to really stand out. Jaeanna (pictured above) plays with a quiet confidence that translates to every area of her game. The 5'4 guard has a strong handle on the ball, soft touch around the rim, and had one of the smoothest pull-up jumpers out of anyone in the gym. On the defensive end of the floor, Lyons leverages her athleticism, high basketball IQ, and plays with a keen understanding of where the ball is at all times, allowing her to stay a step ahead of her opponents.     Brown has quickly catapulted herself into the upper echelon of players in the class of 2030. Standing at 6'1, the long, athletic shooting guard has dimensions that few other players can match, and a high degree of skill to boot. At Sunday's event, the Alexandria freshman showcased her silky smooth perimeter shot, versatile set of finishes at the rim and was dominant on the boards all afternoon. Already being recruited by multiple Division 1 programs, Scarlett has cemented herself as one of the best up-and-coming players in the state. We won't be surprised if she makes an immediate impact for the Cardinals this season.     Skoglund came into the Freshman Showcase like she was on a mission. From the first tip to the final buzzer, the 5'3 guard attacked every possession with a significant amount of energy and effort. Though she was one of the smallest players on the court on Sunday, Bri has some serious speed. Using her quickness to her advantage, the Parkers Prairie freshman was relentless on the defensive end. Time after time, she anticipated where the ball was headed on the perimeter, allowing her to cherry pick passes and create offense in transition. Already an accomplished performer at the varsity level, Skoglund was easily one of the hardest working players in the gym.     Quick and crafty with the ball in her hands, Churness' speed and bounciness are a significant advantage. The 5'6 guard also showcased her three-point shooting on Sunday, letting the ball fly with a snappy, left-handed release. On the defensive end, Adalyn guards the ball with both speed and intensity, playing with a consistent level of effort on each possession. Coming from a high school program as deep as Wayzata, it may be some time before we see the Trojans freshman make her varsity debut. But it's clear that Churness is already putting in the work needed to prepare for when her name is called.     Mckinney did a lot of things well on Sunday. Naturally gravitating to the point guard position, the St. Anthony Village freshman managed the role with ease. Vivia handled the ball well under pressure, made smart passes both in the half-court and in transition, and consistently created movement away from the ball. While she wasn't overly aggressive in her attempts to score, the shots she did take were well-selected, open looks on the perimeter. On top of that, the [program_tooltip program_id='712700' first='Minnesota' last='Suns'] guard communicated well on both ends of the floor and kept the energy up for Team 7 all afternoon.

Fall is finally here and that means one thing for the month of September; the Prep Girls Hoops Freshman Showcase. This year's event, which was held at Maple Grove Middle School on Sunday, featured more than 90 players from around Minnesota. With this being one of the deepest classes we've scouted in recent years, the level of play was outstanding and many players made their case for a spot in the upcoming Freshman 50, our initial ranking of the 2030 class that will be coming out in a few weeks. As for this week, we'll be releasing our evaluations on most of the players who were in the gym on Sunday, one team at a time. Here are the highlights from Team 7, part 1.