The Expo: Team 4 evaluations, part 1

After covering our series of Prep Girls Hoops events all month long, this week we're wrapping things up with our coverage of The Expo, which was held at Maple Grove Middle School on Sunday. The 60-plus players in the gym were all there for different reasons. Some returning from injury, some looking to prove themselves against tough competition, and others hoping to be seen for the first time. Whatever the reason may be, these juniors and seniors came to play. PGH scouts Grant McGinnis, Tony Ragulen, and I are breaking down our evaluations one team at a time. Here is Team 4, part 1.    It seems like every time we watch her play, Williamson brings her A-game. The Fairmont junior (pictured above) is one of the most consistently hard working players in her class, bringing her full energy and effort on each possession. At the Expo she did all that and more. In areas where she once relied solely on grit and determination, Bria has added a new level of skill and finesse to her game. Compared to this time last year, the 5'10 wing seems more comfortable bringing the ball up the floor, facilitating the offense, and taking shots from beyond the arc. With Fairmont graduating their long-time leading scorer, MSU-Mankato freshman Brylee Miller, Williamson's play will be more important than ever for the Cardinals.     All throughout Sunday's event, Dorn showcased her simple, but highly effective style of play. Using her quickness in the open court, the 5'8 guard made strong cuts and flashes towards the rim, allowing her to get open and finish in a variety of ways at the rim. No matter where she was on offense, Vanessa was constantly ready for the ball to come her way, allowing her to make split-second decisions based on what the defense gave her. On the other end of the floor her long, lanky build came in handy. The Parkers Prairie junior consistently got her hands in the passing lanes, walled up to stop drives to the rim, and grabbed rebounds over her opponents.     Definitely an under-the-radar post prospect, George did plenty of things well at The Expo. Standing at 5'10 with a strong, powerful frame, Peyton excels at positioning herself on the block. She knows where to be and is able to pin defenders on her back with ease. Once the ball was in her hands, the Roseville junior made good reads, usually finishing at the rim with a simple drop-step or finding an open teammate with a well-timed kickout pass. Another area where George shined was in her rebounding. With the ability to physically dominate her opponents in the post, she controlled the glass for Team 4 all afternoon. Already a consistent contributor at the varsity level, Peyton is expected to play a key role for the Raiders this season.     Despite being one of the smallest players on the court on Sunday, Quinnell was determined to make her presence known. The 5'4 guard didn't hesitate to get in the mix, particularly on the defensive end of the floor. With a consistent work ethic all afternoon, McKenna stayed active on the perimeter, using her quick hands to disrupt the other team's ball handlers. On the other end of the floor it was the Northfield senior's three-point shooting that grabbed our attention. Quinnell is a confident shooter with a smooth stroke on her release. All afternoon she got to her spots, stayed ready at all times, and let the ball fly when it came her way.

After covering our series of Prep Girls Hoops events all month long, this week we're wrapping things up with our coverage of The Expo, which was held at Maple Grove Middle School on Sunday. The 60-plus players in the gym were all there for different reasons. Some returning from injury, some looking to prove themselves against tough competition, and others hoping to be seen for the first time. Whatever the reason may be, these juniors and seniors came to play. PGH scouts Grant McGinnis, Tony Ragulen, and I are breaking down our evaluations one team at a time. Here is Team 4, part 1.