PGH Freshman Showcase: The best of Team 10

Intern Paxyn Rendahl has been with Prep Girls Hoops all summer contributing her basketball knowledge and scouting ability at tournaments throughout the AAU season. She is now part of our evaluation team for all of the PGH Minnesota showcases this fall.   A former college player at St. Scholastica who played high school ball for Pine Island, Paxyn has an excellent understanding of the game and what it takes to get seen and be recruited. She contributed the evaluations for Team 9 and Team 10. Here is our final team from Sunday's event.    Tyler (pictured above) was one of the most dynamic performers we watched on Sunday. The 5'10 guard is quick in her decision making, reading the court while in motion and reacting accordingly. Both tall and lengthy, Hayden is an athletic guard who knows how to bring the ball up the floor and get the pace of the offense going right away. The Orono freshman demonstrated her high basketball IQ at the Showcase by reading the defense, anticipating where the ball and her opponents are headed, and intercepting for a steal or deflection. Always thinking the game one step ahead, Tyler plays with confidence, while also being an uplifting team player.     A true point guard on the court, Goodman brings strength and confidence as a primary ball handler. Following a strong summer with [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan']'s 14U Elite squad, Alexa stood out at the Freshman Showcase with her efficient and simple, but highly effective passing. The 5'5 guard gets the ball up the floor quickly, making smart passes in transition. Her actions without the ball are important to note as well. The Eastview 9th grader was constantly moving in the half court, allowing her to keep the offense flowing and get open. A natural at playing with pace, Goodman excels at setting the tempo, adding to her wide array of skills at the point guard position.     Many teams use the phrase “defense is what wins games,” and a player who embodied that on Sunday was Segerstrom. A tall positionless player, the 6'1 freshman constantly stays active and creates chaos for her opponents on the defense. The intimidating factor of her sheer size, along with the attack mentality she brings, allows Mara to overwhelm most other players. The grit of her defense translates into her offense too, where she's continually staying involved by moving through the lane and blocking off defenders. With great versatility, athleticism and skill, Segerstrom has one of the highest ceilings of any player who was in the gym on Sunday.     Already an accomplished performer at the varsity level, Malmgren was an absolute powerhouse on Sunday. The St. James Freshman was a consistent threat on both ends of the floor, whether getting as many deflections as possible, or using her strength and speed to attack the basket on offense. Standing at 5'11, Kendall is a versatile forward who takes advantage of her height and length on defense, allowing her to block shots and pick up easy steals. Offensively, she's just as effective. Though listed as a forward, Malmgren plays with plenty of guard skills. The [program_tooltip program_id='712699' first='Minnesota' last='Rise'] standout brings the ball up the floor confidently, can hit shots from distance, while also going to battle down low.     Standing at an impressive 6-foot-3, Swenson was easily one of the tallest and longest players in the gym on Sunday. The [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'] forward showed off her significant mobility and athleticism at the Freshman Showcase, particularly on the defensive end. Quick enough to slide over and cover lane drives, Swenson protected the paint and used her length to control the glass and block shots. Not only is she consistent at protecting the basket, but the Orono freshman also crashes the boards offensively and finds the right pass to a teammate on the perimeter. When looking to score, Swenson reliably gets to her sports and is not afraid to fight for positioning down low.     Standing at 5'6, Hall is a quick, small, but muscular shooting guard with a strong frame. The MN Diamond Elite standout has a solid skillset, particularly in the case of her ball handling and passing. All throughout the Freshman Showcase, Evelyn was one of the most unselfish players on the floor. The Minneapolis Southwest 9th grader is constantly looking for her teammates and excels at making quick, smart passes, especially when it comes to getting the ball down low to the post. If the move is not there and her other teammates are not available, Hall is confident in taking the ball to the basket herself.     A sturdy and solidly built post who holds a signature spin move down at the block, Harfield spent the AAU season with [program_tooltip program_id='712697' first='MN' last='Crossfire']'s 2030 Wilson team. Whether on offense or defense, the muscular, 6'1 post grabs the rebound and finds her balance by going back up for the shot. Ellese is tough and does not lose control of the ball when in motion, and is particularly strong as a rebounder. The Coon Rapids freshman takes advantage of her height and power no matter who she is against, and is consistently battling in the paint.    These evaluations were written by PGH scout Paxyn Rendahl.

Intern Paxyn Rendahl has been with Prep Girls Hoops all summer contributing her basketball knowledge and scouting ability at tournaments throughout the AAU season. She is now part of our evaluation team for all of the PGH Minnesota showcases this fall.