Empire State Takeover Fall Showcase-The Next Wave (PM)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last weekend, I attended the Empire State Takeover Fall Showcase at Union College in Schenectady, NY. 100 of the best prospects from New York were on hand to display their skills. A few players from Vermont and Pennsylvania also attended. Several of the players who attended are currently in the Prep Girls Hoops rankings, making for an exciting day of hoops. The event was divided into two sessions. One in the morning. One in the afternoon. Here is my next wave of standouts from the PM Session.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1882501"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1882889,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad27345ecc93"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1882501' first='Payton' last='Rundell'] is one of the most dynamic finishers at the rim I have seen all year, and she did nothing to change that opinion last weekend. Rundell is always playing downhill, using a variety of moves to get to the basket. She is an excellent ball-handler and a superior passer. Rundell can also pull up for mid-range jumpers and knock down shots from behind the 3-point arc. As solid as she is on offense, defense may be her greatest strength. Rundell is an incredible defender who can add possessions for her team by creating steals with her anticipation skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1937150"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1938078,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad27345eccc8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brinley Gandin came across the border from nearby Rutland, VT, and turned the heads of the coaches in the building. Gandin is one of the most prolific scorers in the Green Mountain State. She is a lethal, left-handed 3-point shooter with deep range. When she gets hot, she puts up points in a hurry. Gandin is crafty off the dribble and knows how to beat defenders to the hoop and score. If defenses react to her, she dishes off to teammates, creating easy opportunities for them. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1937153"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1938079,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad27345ecced"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1937153' first='Niahm' last='Donnelly'] was another player from the deeply talented Tappan Zee pipeline assembled at the showcase. Donnelly is a rising star in the Tappan Zee program. Her skill set far exceeds her grade level. Donnelly is a very good outside shooter. She squares her feet well and has a quick release and perfect follow-through. She is fearless when attacking the basket and understands how to score through contact. Donnelly runs the floor well and is solid in transition. Her court vision and passing skills make players around her better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1276548"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad27345ecd0c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are not too many players I have seen play more than [player_tooltip player_id='1276548' first='Bella' last='Craig'], and every time I watch her, she seems to add to her game. At Empire Takeover, I was impressed with how well she muscled her way to the hoop in half-court sets. I also noticed the fakes with her head and eyes to throw defenders off and create space. Craig also understands the use of changing speeds off the dribble to navigate around defenders. She continues to extend her shooting range and is an outstanding finisher in transition. Rounding out Craig's repertoire is her defensive ability fueled by her superior lateral footwork.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1867230"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad27345ecd27"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> [player_tooltip player_id='1867230' first='Mia' last='Natale'] is a natural scorer who can put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways. Natale is a superior shooter from behind the 3-point arc. She has unlimited range and can knock shots down off the catch or pull up off the dribble. Natale understands how to create space between herself and defenders. She can put the ball on the floor to drive past the defense and score at the rim. Natale also utilizes an effective spin dribble to create shots. Natale has excellent court vision, finding open teammates. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->