PGH Freshman Showcase: The best of Team 8, part 2

Nearly 100 prospects competed on Sunday in the Prep Girls Hoops Freshman Showcase at Maple Grove Middle School. We'll be releasing the first ranking of the 2029 class in a few weeks – our annual Freshman 50 – and numerous players made a strong case that they should be included. We're publishing evaluations on all 10 teams in the event. This is the best of Team 8, part 2.    It wasn't long into the competition at the Freshman Showcase before Eggers' impact on the game became glaringly obvious. A gifted athlete with an ultra-competitive nature, Hailey gives 110% effort on every single play. She's highly aggressive on both ends of the floor, a vocal leader, and has a high basketball IQ. In late-game situations the Waconia freshman consistently aware of the clock, routinely getting her team an open look before the time runs out. Already a staple of the Waconia varsity roster, it won't be a surprise if Eggers emerges as a leader of the young Wildcats squad this winter.     Blakely was one of the most intriguing prospects we saw on Sunday. At 6'2, it's not a surprise that the young forward is able to back opponents down in the paint, but Alana surprised us with both her touch at the rim and her ability to play physically without picking up fouls. Another area of note was her keen passing abilities and her willingness to get out on the perimeter and apply pressure on defense. The Minnetonka freshman can knock down threes at a high rate and really excels in the pick-and-roll game. Blakely, who is still just scratching the surface of her full potential, provided us with flashes of greatness all day long.     Drossel made a positive impact for her team by doing the dirty work on both ends of the floor. She hustled for loose balls, outworked her opponents for rebounds, and brought energy to the defensive end. The Woodbury freshman's team-first style of play was palpable in every matchup. As was her positive energy both on the bench and on the floor. With some additional work on her offensive skill set, as well as her IQ on the defensive end, Lexi could soon become a rotational piece of the young Royals squad.     Larson showed off her versatility on both ends of the floor at the Freshman Showcase. On the offensive end, the 6'0 forward can play down low in the paint, but is mobile enough to work the perimeter, as well. Brooklyn is a capable three-point shooter and likes to attack the basket from the left side. On the defensive end, the Centennial freshman's ample length makes her a shot-blocking threat. Having already earned some varsity playing time in her 8th grade season, Larson is likely to fill a larger role for the Cougars this winter.

Nearly 100 prospects competed on Sunday in the Prep Girls Hoops Freshman Showcase at Maple Grove Middle School. We'll be releasing the first ranking of the 2029 class in a few weeks – our annual Freshman 50 – and numerous players made a strong case that they should be included. We're publishing evaluations on all 10 teams in the event. This is the best of Team 8, part 2.