PGH Sophomore ID Camp: Team 12 evaluations, part 2

Last week we covered the best of the best from the Preg Girls Hoops Freshman Showcase. This week we're back for more with our second event of the month, the PGH Sophomore ID Camp. The event, which was held at Maple Grove Middle School on Sunday, featured more than 100 players from around Minnesota. We saw great performances from some familiar faces, while others crossed our path for the first time. PGH scouts Grant McGinnis, Tony Ragulen, Paxyn Rendahl and I were on site all afternoon and have been breaking down the highlights one team at a time. Here is Team 12, part 2.    McCarney's game has been steadily improving year after year, and now it seems she may be ready for a breakout season at Lakeville South. At the Sophomore ID Camp on Sunday, the 5'8 guard (pictured above) used her significant speed to her advantage. With a tight handle on the ball and the ability to change pace with ease, Gabby had no difficulty getting into the paint for easy buckets. Just as proficient from the three-point line, the Cougars sophomore had a hot hand all afternoon. On defense, her consistent effort and energy on the perimeter paid dividends for Team 12. Using active hands and her ability to anticipate, McCarney forced a number of steals and turnovers.     Long, lanky, and naturally athletic, Birk's ability to space the floor was key to her team's success on Sunday. The 5'9 guard was constantly moving on offense, and was always poised and ready to shoot when the ball came her way. Wynne's release is smooth, textbook, and doesn't take much time to get off, allowing her to get good looks before the defense closed in. The Eagan sophomore didn't force anything, though. If her shot wasn't there, she made great reads, allowing her to find a driving lane or get the ball to an open teammate. After leading Eagan in scoring last season, it's clear that Birk is going to be instrumental for the Wildcats again this year.     Johnson has stood out to us for multiple years now, primarily due to her size, strength, and significant versatility. The 5'11 guard seems to have added even more to her bag this summer, showcasing a well-developed outside shot all throughout the Sophomore ID camp. Through her constant movement away from the ball, Brooke had no problems finding open looks on the perimeter. Catching the ball and immediately getting into her shooting motion, the St. Michael-Albertville sophomore has a smooth, high-arcing, left-handed release that needs very little time or space to get off. In addition to her three-point prowess, Johnson also brought consistent energy on the defensive end and fought hard on the boards.     Saulsbury got off to somewhat of a slow start at the Sophomore ID Camp, yet eventually found ways to make an impact for her team. Standing at just 5'6, the Willmar guard wasn't the biggest or fastest player on the court, but her effort on the defensive end helped her stand out. Emmy was the first to get in the mix anytime a loose-ball scenario presented itself, getting on the ground and fighting for each possession. On offense she used her strength to create space on the drive and find quality looks at the rim. After appearing in 28 games for the Cardinals as a freshman, Saulsbury will likely be a key piece once more in her sophomore season.

Last week we covered the best of the best from the Preg Girls Hoops Freshman Showcase. This week we're back for more with our second event of the month, the PGH Sophomore ID Camp. The event, which was held at Maple Grove Middle School on Sunday, featured more than 100 players from around Minnesota. We saw great performances from some familiar faces, while others crossed our path for the first time. PGH scouts Grant McGinnis, Tony Ragulen, Paxyn Rendahl and I were on site all afternoon and have been breaking down the highlights one team at a time. Here is Team 12, part 2.