PGH Freshman Showcase TX: Team 8 Evals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Closing out my Freshman Showcase coverage with one final look at the talent on display from Team 8. These players are just beginning their high school journeys, and the growth from freshman to senior year can be tremendous. The foundation is set — now it's about who will put in the work to take their game to the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1221025"],"_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-68ceb65f13ccf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">My PGH colleague Simmie Colson already noted Ellison's IQ in a 3v3 <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2025/09/3-on-3-upside-from-freshman-showcase/">evaluation here</a>, but it bears repeating. For a freshman to conduct the offense with such poise alongside brand-new teammates is noteworthy. Her composure and decision-making set her apart and make her a standout at such an early stage. Also noteworthy, is the fact that Ellison <em><strong>will be in the mix </strong></em>in loose ball situations. She repeatedly used hustle plays to earn extra possessions for her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1303017"],"_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-68ceb65f13d85"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Confident in creating her own shot, she uses the step-back effectively to generate space against defenders. Shows poise and balance on the move, making her a tough cover in one-on-one situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1222356"],"_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-68ceb65f13e1a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kelly pushes the ball in transition with purpose, looking to get teammates involved and keep the pace high. Showed confidence from deep, rhythmically stepping into long-range jumpers and catching fire from three in the second half. Her athleticism ties it all together, making her a dynamic threat in multiple phases of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["966330"],"_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-68ceb65f13ead"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Long is textbook on the offensive glass: she comes down under control and patiently uses dribble drop steps to rise into a strong jumper. She also shows perimeter quickness to blow by defenders, while also communicating with teammates and providing effective help-side defense. Her balanced impact on both ends highlights her versatility and basketball IQ.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1277053"],"_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-68ceb65f13fa5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Anderson shows a good touch with a soft floater in the midrange and the ability to spot up from three. Shoots it light as a feather, often dropping nothing but net. Her scoring versatility makes her a constant threat in half-court situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->