Brady’s Day One Notes: PGH Midwest Melee

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">In Kansas City, I saw many kids stand out. However, I’m only going to mention five today and more throughout the week. The five players did specific things I want to highlight today, and I’ll do that now.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="261722" first="Raegan" last="McQuarters"]-Banshees 2023</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">McQuarters is one of the best three defenders I’ve seen on the circuit over the last month and a half. She wrecked the opposing offense at every spot on the floor. There was no point where I didn’t think she had a chance of earning a steal. McQuarters brought an unbelievable amount of pressure to the ball, and she must’ve created at least five turnovers. She didn’t attack much, mostly because she didn’t have to. When she did attack, McQuarters was efficient and found ways to score or get to the line. Her defense is going to get her on the floor anywhere.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="342195" first="Laynee" last="Hogan"]-Iowa Prep 2024 Platinum</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">Ever since I saw Hogan play for the first time in Omaha, I’ve loved her aggression. When she decides she wants to drive and get to the basket, there isn’t a lot you can do to stop it. For the most part, Hogan is more powerful, faster, and more athletic than the girls who guard her. There are some things she could reign in to get slightly more efficient, but honestly, I love her game and think reigning her in might take away what makes her unique in the first place.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="197958" first="Morgan" last="Borgstadt"]-Shock 2023 Diaz</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">I became a big fan of Borgstadt today. She sums up everything I like in a player. She is a versatile 6-foot kid who can shoot, drive, and defend in the paint and perimeter. I saw her get to her game in the mid-post area and knock down a few jumpers, but defensively she can fit in any scheme like a glove. I have a hard time thinking of a system she couldn’t play in. She can competently do everything you think of asking her to do.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Mia Smith-Shock 2023 Diaz</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">I can give few guarantees in this world, but one of them is that Smith will reach her potential in basketball. I’m not even sure what her ceiling is, but she works ti hard on the floor to not also be working as hard off the floor. Smith went for every loose ball, the extra passes, making the right decision, and every possible winning play. She did it. I don’t know about Smith or teams she played on in the past, but it’s a safe bet that she’s been a big reason she’s played on winning teams.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Anastyn Pettlon-Kansas Elite 2023</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">I won’t say I know Pettlon that well, but I want to highlight some things I know about her. For one, she loves playing the game. In an 84,000-square-foot building, I could tell you exactly when Pettlon’s team plays from the furthest point away possible. She’s the most vocal leader around. That comes from her will to win. Kids who don’t talk are at least at times indifferent about the result. Pettlon’s team got beat soundly in the last game of the day. Even in that game, she was organizing her team. I talk about her leadership qualities but believe me when I say she can play with some of the best players in the region. She controls the game, shoots the ball at a high level, cuts well, puts pressure on the ball defensively, and is a release valve when her team gets full-court pressed. She’s competitive, so I’m sure wherever she plays at the next level, she’ll want to play. However, I genuinely believe her presence and the passion she brings on an everyday basis would help every program in the country get better every day.</span>