Breakdown Fall League: Wings and forwards we liked at STMA

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This past Sunday brought the conclusion of Breakdown's Fall League series. Taking place over the course of four weeks at numerous sites around the state, the annual event allows high school squads to start finding their rhythm in the preseason, while giving us scouts a glimpse into what the regular season may hold. With many of the top prospects away on college visits or participating in other sports, Fall League can also provide an opportunity for younger players to step up and show what they can do. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the final week of Fall League competition, PGH Intern Paxyn Rendahl headed out to St. Michael Albertville High School to see what things are looking like in the North Metro. Here are 5 frontcourt prospects who caught her eye at STMA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1827207"],"_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-6af650c76439c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Following a strong AAU season with [program_tooltip program_id='712697' first='MN' last='Crossfire'], Dabout (pictured above) impressed in the final week of Fall League. The 5'11 forward is a physical post player who brings a strong interior presence and a willingness to battle in the paint. She uses her size and strength to establish position down low, creating opportunities to score around the basket and making herself a reliable offensive option. Kaitlyn works hard on the glass, competing for rebounds and generating second chance opportunities for her team. Defensively, the Spring Lake Park freshman uses her physicality to hold her ground and challenge opponents looking to score inside. Dabout's ability to occupy space in the paint makes her an imposing presence on both ends of the floor. Continuing to develop her footwork, touch, and versatility around the basket will only add to her overall impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2001076"],"_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-6af650c764409"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Both young and determined, Zemple is a strong, physical presence who consistently works to create advantages in the paint. The Blaine 8th grader does a great job using her size and length to establish position down low, making herself a difficult matchup for most defenders. Offensively, Sydney constantly battles for space, looking for opportunities to finish around the basket and create second-chance scoring opportunities for her team. On the other end of the floor, the Bengals post brings a powerful presence, using her size, strength, and willpower to make life difficult for opponents in the paint. Despite being somewhat undersized, she continues to compete for rebounds, challenge shots, and does not give up easy looks inside. Zemple's physicality and determination will make her a valuable two-way presence for the Bengals going forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1881819"],"_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-6af650c764458"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Evidenced by her play with the [program_tooltip program_id='712687' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] over the summer, Steinhoff brings a versatile presence to the court, using her height, length, and physicality to create advantages across all areas of the game. Standing at 5'10, the Centennial wing's&nbsp; ability to dominate down low on both ends of the floor, plus her mobility around the rim make her a difficult matchup for opposing teams. Offensively, Josie does a great job establishing position in the paint, finishing around the basket, and creating scoring opportunities for herself. On defense her size and length allow her to challenge shots, protect the paint, and make it hard for opponents to find comfortable looks inside. Steinhoff's versatility allows her to impact the game in several ways, making her a crucial presence whenever she steps onto the floor for the Cougars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1817722"],"_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-6af650c7644e9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson-Barnes showed plenty of upside in her game on Sunday. The 5'10 power forward&nbsp; is a physical post player who brings much more than just an inside presence to her team. The Maranatha freshman serves as a glue player, consistently making an impact through her effort, communication, and willingness to put her teammates first. Mikayla's physicality allows her to compete down low, establish position in the paint, and battle for rebounds on both ends of the floor. Apart from her on-court abilities, the Mustangs post consistently brings a positive attitude and encouragement, helping create an uplifting team environment. She leads through her actions, celebrates her teammates' successes, and brings a winning spirit that others can feed off. After averaging 7.1 points per game as an 8th grader, Johnson-Barnes will be a key asset for Maranatha this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["999563"],"_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-6af650c7644a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Adrian's on-court court identity is built around her defensive presence, where she constantly makes life difficult for her opponents. Now in her senior season at St. Michael-Albertville, the 5'8 wing brings valuable experience, confidence, and leadership, particularly on the defensive end of the floor. At Fall League on Sunday, Presley displayed outstanding aggression and intensity when guarding her matchups, and she used her defensive instincts to wreak havoc on every possession. What makes her game even more effective is her ability to communicate with teammates away from the ball. The Knights senior understands the importance of playing in help, calling out screens, and keeping everyone connected defensively. Adrian truly shines as a senior leader, setting the tone through her effort, communication, and loyalty to her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>These evaluations were written by PGH Intern Paxyn Rendahl.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->