Beartails Elite 15U – Hardwood Challenge
The Beartails Elite 15U team competed at the Pentagon Hardwood Challenge and I was able to catch them in action. The team has an elite inside 6’3 presence, solid guard play, and versatile wings. The guards can handle, pass, and…
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Continue ReadingThe Beartails Elite 15U team competed at the Pentagon Hardwood Challenge and I was able to catch them in action. The team has an elite inside 6’3 presence, solid guard play, and versatile wings. The guards can handle, pass, and have range to three. They play together and make good decisions with the ball. A team with good individual defenders that play sound team defense.
Although, I was only able to see one game, I have a good feel on how these prospects perform and the skills they possess. Let’s get to know the team.
Brooklynn is a true traditional post prospect. Upon putting on the film, the first thing that stood out was how well she was moving. She showed activeness on D and contesting shooters. Gifted with a long wingspan, Brooklynn is a bonafide paint protector, that stays alert and focused on her defensive responsibilities. Offensively, she was receiving some help defense, but she was still able to score, scoring away from the double team. A solid understanding of how to score inside. Brooklynn was nearly dominant as an inside presence, scoring with finesse and strength, and protecting and clearing out the paint. Her drop-step and power was highly impressive and tough to handle. She’s a top 3 prospect in the North Dakota 2025 class.
There’s a lot to like about Whitney and what she brings to the court. Whitney is high energy, effort, and motor at the guard spot. She plays extremely fast and doesn’t tire or slow down throughout the action. A nightmare for opposing point guards trying to bring the ball up the court. Her lateral ability and ability in general is on an elite level. With the ball in her hands, she nearly always blows past the first defender, forcing help defense and creating a consistent offensive advantage for her team. Whitney is a real game-changer.
Highlights
Emily has solid size and length at a wing spot. I came away impressed with Emily going forward as a 5’9 prospect with some decent athletic ability. She’s a slasher and will D-up and be a stopper and playmaker.
Brooklyn seems like a prospect with a great understanding of the game and has a high b-ball IQ. You can see it in her defensive positioning and where she decides to setup and how she reacts to the movement of the ball via dribble or pass. Her decision making as a passer stood out as well. Made solid passes and took care of the ball. Got the ball to the right spots. Great at feeding the post, and did a good job making sure Felchle got her touches.
Natalie is a prospect that is already a varsity contributor for Bismarck St. Mary’s. She’s an offensive threat from three if she’s left unattended. An offensive threat that isn’t shy from scoring.
Payge has good skills and can handle the ball well, often bringing the ball up for Bearstails. A solid shooter with a nice looking shot out to the three-point line. A solid passer that can pass the ball cleanly when being pressured.
Emma Duffy
Emma Duffy
Emma is another guard with some skills with the ball and can shoot the three. Will pickup and get down and defend with focus and energy. Doesn’t have elite traits but is a heady and smart player.
Alexis is a two-way player that is sound and effective on both ends. Good size and a solid build and strength. A versatile defender that can defend on the perimeter and rebound in the interior. Not an elite ball-handler, but can get to the rim off the dribble, with some speed and strength.