Zero Star Showcase Preview: 2026 Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Girls Hoops is breaking a new trail this weekend. [program_tooltip program_id='923712' first='Prepare' last='2 Win Basketball'] and AdvantEdge Sports Training have combined forces to present the first-ever Zero Star Showcase at Northern Michigan University. Middle/High School boys and girls prospects from the Zero Star travel basketball program are putting their best basketball on display with live Prep Girls Hoops coverage and college coaches in the gym. This is a monumental moment for Michigan girls' basketball recruiting and coverage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":879008,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/03/20240325_142416-crop-1536x1009-1711391481.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-879008" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jenna Maki, 2024, Ishpeming, Breslin Center, Mar. 22</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The seed was planted in March of 2024 during the state semifinals when I watched prospects Ella Mason from Negaunee and Jenna Maki of Ishpeming blow the roof off the Breslin Center. Both were soon-to-be graduating seniors who, quite frankly, should have been on our radar sooner and more heavily recruited by colleges in the state. That day, I realized an entire peninsula of Michigan was being missed and made a silent promise never to let another Yooper girls basketball prospect graduate without being seen by Prep Girls Hoops and evaluated by college coaches. Many schools with great basketball players in the U.P. do not make it to the big dance at the Breslin Center, and those kids deserve an opportunity to be noticed. I met Advantedge Sports Training and [program_tooltip program_id='928192' first='Zero' last='Star Basketball'] Owner/Director Dustin Brancheau when he brought his [program_tooltip program_id='928192' first='Zero' last='Star Basketball'] teams to our Prep Girls Hoops Live tournament. There, I discovered many additional U.P. prospects with college basketball pedigree. <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/05/prep-live-17u-morning-session-notes/">Read More</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1261138,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/06/PXL_20240624_002006959.MP_-crop-3657x2401-1750431982.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1261138" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Zero Star Practice, Republic Jr/Sr High School, Michigamme, June 23rd, 2024.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After driving up with Cleary University Assistant Coach Jerry Wallace for a Zero Star Girls Basketball practice almost a year ago to the day, it was clear that this needed to become an annual event. I started the <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/12/yooper-hoopers-week-one/">"Yooper Hooper"</a> article series to give U.P. prospects Prep Girls Hoops coverage during their high school season, and I'm excited to see many of those girls competing this weekend. Dustin and I have high hopes for the U.P., and this Zero Star Showcase is the starting point of what will be a marquee event for Yooper boys and girls basketball prospects for years to come. Here are the unsigned 2026 prospects lacing up their shoes during the girls' showcase on Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["884795"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68558c11df378"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lauren is a prolific scorer from Norway who hit 1,000 points in her junior year. She's well decorated, boasting U.P. Dream Team, Skyline conference POY, Skyline conference Defensive POY, and BCAM First Team All-State. A long guard who can torment teams with her three-point shooting, create space with dynamic dribbles, finish at the rim, and play lockdown defense--I'm thrilled to watch Lauren compete at the Zero Star Showcase. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1212913"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68558c11df406"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Alecia is a Hancock prospect that I'm excited to see on the court at the Zero Star Showcase. She keeps good defensive positioning and utilizes her length to block shots and create deflections. Alecia produces as a rebounder and scorer--she has a smooth three-point shot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["886857"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68558c11df460"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lexi is a scrappy point guard prospect from Marquette that competes for every loose ball and rises to the occassion. She has shifty handles and a burst that helps her get by defenders to score floaters and layups. Lexi knocks down step-back jumpers from the mid-range and beyond the arc. She'll be one of the top guards to watch at the Zero Star Showcase. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["884596"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68558c11df4b1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jenessa was a huge reason why Ishpeming won the State Championship in 2024, and she's continued to prove herself as a talented college prospect since. Jenessa is an ultra-competitor who doesn't quit on a play. Her athleticism and competitiveness show up when she chases down breakaways to block shots and steal the ball. Jenessa has an explosive second gear when she drives downhill and can take over games from three-point distance. Her recruiting has taken off since May, and she is one of the headliner prospects competing at the Zero Star Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1261146"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68558c11df501"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Romi is a defensive specialist from Houghton that I'm eager to see more of at the Zero Star Showcase. She moves laterally very well to keep ball-handlers trapped and picks their pocket using her quick hands. Romi closes out hard on the perimeter to block shots and anticipates passes to grab steals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["902915"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68558c11df565"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cleo is a gritty prospect from Lake Linden-Hubbell with athleticism that jumps out. She uses her length to create steals and drives hard downhill to score layups in traffic. Cleo has the range to pour in three-pointers and works hard to secure rebounds. She's a versatile two-way player and I'm excited to see her compete at the Zero Star Showcase. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["904974"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68558c11df5ce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Clare from Negaunee is one of the hardest workers you'll ever see on the court. She has the strength and height to defend the paint, plus the foot speed to defend the perimeter. Clare boxes out forcefully to secure rebounds and pursues 50/50 balls with determination. She finishes well around the basket and plays effectively off two feet. Every team needs a Clare to set the standard, and I'm excited to see her again this weekend at the Zero Star Showcase. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["903282"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68558c11df63d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kara is a pit bull point guard who fearlessly attacks downhill and has phenomenal touch finishing tough shots around the basket in a crowd. She's a sniper with college range from three-point distance and puts on a ball-handling clinic against pressure. Kara plays hard at all times, contributes to every statistic, and has outstanding court vision. Her performance against elite 2026 guards in May proved why she's one of the best point guards in her class, and Kara is a Baraga prospect who will be a headliner in the gym at the Zero Star Showcase. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1261145"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68558c11df6ab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hayley is a forward from Marquette that I'm excited to watch. She works hard to seal defenders in the post and is a physical rebounder. Hayley finishes off two feet with good touch around the rim and will be a prospect to see at the Zero Star Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->