PGH Sophomore ID Camp: The best of Team 7

Continuous improvement. It's one of the most important aspects of determining whether or not any given player is capable of competing at the next level. That was a point of emphasis for me at Sunday's Prep Girls Hoops Sophomore ID Camp in Maple Grove and no group demonstrated that more than Team 7. Led by [player_tooltip player_id='1280969' first='Ady' last='LaValley'] of Prior Lake, all six players highlighted here made it clear they have been putting in the work to keep on getting better.    LaValley has been an intriguing subject from the first time we saw her play, but Sunday's performance at the Sophomore ID Camp was a new high-water mark. The 5'11 standout from Prior Lake owned the show for Team 7, constantly attacking with energy, pace and physicality. Ady plays fast but under control, changing speeds and directions as she navigates skillfully past defenders and finds creative ways to finish. Give her space and LaValley is perfectly comfortable pulling up from deep. Her length is equally valuable defensively, where she disrupts passing lanes and makes clean looks difficult. Ranked 34th in Minnesota's 2029 class, LaValley is clearly a scholarship-level prospect with the versatility to impact virtually every part of the game.     There's a rare combination of power and finesse to Oyesanmi's game. She's remarkably strong and plays with a big-time motor, allowing her to win rebounding battles against taller opponents and simply overpower defenders on drives. More than once Sunday, Ella went pounding through the middle and ended up on the floor – sometimes accompanied by whoever tried to stop her. Usually it was the defender who landed on the hardwood with a thud. The thing is, Oyesanmi isn't just a physical force. She showed off a polished Eurostep and can find scoring opportunities around the rim and in the midrange. The runner-up for our AAU Newcomer of the Year award averaged 13.4 points and 10 rebounds as a freshman at Tartan, leading her team in both categories, and joined our 2029 rankings this summer at #79. Her trajectory is going to be interesting to see.     Even a troublesome ankle couldn't keep Waterworth from making her presence felt on Sunday as per usual. The 5'8 St. Francis guard is crafty, quick-footed and bouncy, with the intelligence and attention to detail you often associate with a coach's kid which she is. Chloe reads what defenses give her and delivers sharp passes when teammates become available, but she's equally willing to attack an opening herself. She can get downhill with quality ball handling or knock down shots from distance with a smooth stroke. Her quickness and anticipation also make her disruptive defensively despite a lean  frame. After appearing in 24 varsity games as a freshman, Waterworth earned her way into our 2029 rankings this summer and currently sits at #56.     McFadden was one of our most satisfying players to scout on Sunday. Sure we've seen Mia before, but the current version of the guard from Maranatha is an upgrade from the player we watched one year ago. The 5'4 guard became more impressive as the day progressed, displaying the intelligence, skill and composure to suggest there's considerable upside here. McFadden threaded passes through narrow openings, handled defensive pressure without being rattled, and consistently chose the right play rather than chasing a highlight reel opportunity. A sweet corner three reminded us of her shooting ability with a quick release, good form and no shortage of confidence – a real “been there, done that” moment. McFadden clearly loves the game, competes defensively and quickly moves past mistakes. With three starters gone at Maranatha, including two talented guards, there should be considerably more opportunity for her this winter.     Nygaard's day provided a good example of the adjustment a showcase often requires. Accustomed to being one of the dominant players on the floor, the 5'8 guard from Benson found herself swimming in a much deeper pool. That can make it difficult to find your role and show what you are capable of. The good news? She adapted. Nygaard became increasingly comfortable as the day progressed, finding her turn as a primary ball handler and demonstrating the many impressive aspects of her game. Tess can navigate tight seams, knock down shots from beyond the arc and rebounds really well for her size. She averaged nearly 15 points per game last winter and produced several explosive performances, including a 30-point half against Dawson-Boyd. She was one of the primary reason Benson won 15 games after nearly folding the program the year before due to a lack of players.     George just kept finding ways to get herself noticed on Sunday. The 5'6 combo guard from Maple Grove wasn't the biggest or most explosive player on Team 7, but her calm, well-rounded approach became increasingly effective as she grew comfortable with her surroundings. George handled pressure, facilitated with maturity and showed good vision as a passer while never appearing hurried. She also displayed some offensive creativity, putting up a nice step-back three at one point and getting to the basket off the bounce, where she can finish well. A multi-sport athlete who plays goalkeeper for Maple Grove soccer, Etta brings a  spark and energy without sacrificing control. She hasn't cracked the Crimson varsity rotation yet, but Sunday provided plenty of reasons to keep watching.

Continuous improvement. It's one of the most important aspects of determining whether or not any given player is capable of competing at the next level. That was a point of emphasis for me at Sunday's Prep Girls Hoops Sophomore ID Camp in Maple Grove and no group demonstrated that more than Team 7. Led by Ady LaValley Ady LaValley 5'11" | SG/SF Prior Lake | 2029 State MN of Prior Lake, all six players highlighted here made it clear they have been putting in the work to keep on getting better.