Bell’s Elite Eight from the Top 250 Expo

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Top 250 Expo had countless prospects, scouts, and coaches in attendance. The expo promoted and delivered on the hype surrounding the event. The only difficulty was deciding who performed the best on the day and as always there were some prospects I saw play more than others. Five girls just didn't feel like enough, so I chose eight in my list of elite performers on the day. Ring the bell!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["614704"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":771732,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"2026 PG [player_tooltip player_id='614704' first='Kayla' last='Hairston'] from Goodrich was a top performer among many star point guards Saturday. She may be undersized, but her athleticism, speed, and confidence is outstanding. Some notes on her day: downhill crossover with a step back floater finish, spot up 3 from wing, OREB put back, dribble into a 3 pointer, pull up 3 off dribble. She is an aggressive on-ball defender who moves fast laterally. Kayla made a u0022wowu0022 play where she ripped through a defender baseline, crossed over in front of her and then finished with a high left layup over a much taller post. Kayla turned heads Sunday and should be on the map as one of the top PG's in the state.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["502309"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_player_featured_image":771738,"_player_evaluations_1_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"2026 SG [player_tooltip player_id='502309' first='Lilly' last='Thelen'] from Portland dominated on both sides of the court on Sunday. Sometimes a prospect just looks like they have more will to win than their opponents and Lilly had that kind of day. Lilly finished strong around the basket, caused turnovers, and secured rebounds. She scored at all three levels and had the composure to split double teams and pass teammates open. Lilly had a relentless motor on both ends and was one of the brightest performers at the Top 250 expo.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["506385"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_player_featured_image":771327,"_player_evaluations_2_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"2024 CG Karma Jones is a lefty from Romulus who was unstoppable Saturday. There was a possession where she used consecutive double crossovers and between the legs to quite literally tie her defender in knots. She physically imposed her will on the court and displayed an athleticism few athletes possessed at the event. Karma showed she can attack the basket baseline and dish to open shooters. She converted contested shots at the rim and created steals. Karma uses hesitation moves, crossovers, step backs, whatever she needs to create space. Her ability to score efficiently at all three levels makes her an exceptional next level prospect.  Karma was an elite prospect who had an elite performance at the Top 250 Expo.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["693832"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_player_featured_image":769769,"_player_evaluations_3_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"2024 SG [player_tooltip player_id='693832' first='Iliana' last='Williams']' stock shot through the roof after her performance Sunday. There were many college coaches watching and impressed by her all around effort on the court. She scored at all three levels many times throughout the day and her physical tenacity in the paint stood out. Iliana is a pressure defender and energizer on her team. She is a prospect who looks ready to contribute at the next level and has consistently performed at these showcases and summer camps. Iliana will be someone to watch this winter with Port Huron and an exciting additional to a college program.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["502311"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_player_featured_image":772112,"_player_evaluations_4_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"CG 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='502311' first='Mariah' last='Sain'] from Muskegon had an incredible Saturday at the Top 250 Expo. The fact that she is only a 2026 is terrifying for opponents. Mariah jumped out of the gym and was one of the most athletic prospects at the showcase. She never stops rebounding and attacking the basket, she's relentless. Notes from Saturday: rebounder PG, double crossover top of key into a contested and one finish, downhill speed, inside out dribbles, spin dribble, steal and transition layup. Mariah had a special day at the Top 250 Expo and will be an exciting prospect to see this winter.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["589743"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_player_featured_image":771748,"_player_evaluations_5_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"2025 Wing/PF [player_tooltip player_id='589743' first='AJ' last='Rickli'] from Paw Paw was in the zone on Saturday at the Top 250 Expo.  AJ probably scored more points and had more offensive rebounds than any other prospect I saw at the showcase: she would not be denied. Rickli battled for inside position and had the pivot moves and drop steps to finish strong at the rim. She blocked shots and displayed the ball handling control and drives that make a stretch big dangerous. There was not a more offensively dominating post player at the showcase who scored in the paint at a higher clip. Schools and coaches will want to see more of Rickli this winter.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["663349"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_player_featured_image":771951,"_player_evaluations_6_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"PG [player_tooltip player_id='663349' first='Isabella' last='Nooe'] from South Lyon is a prospect whose stock should be soaring after the Top 250 Expo. Nooe finished at the rim with both hands effectively and knocked down the 3 point shot all day. She was one of the few defenders who fearlessly applied pressure on the ball and forced turnovers because of her tenacity. Isabella's ability to finish contested shots at the rim against taller posts was impressive. She used a pause dribble drive and converted a contested floater. Nooe is a 2025 prospect who should not be slept on by schools at the next level.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["771873"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_player_featured_image":771741,"_player_evaluations_7_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"CG [player_tooltip player_id='773848' first='Ariyana' last='James-Benson'] used her length and athleticism to make her mark on Saturday. She is an East Lansing lengthy guard who put herself on the map as a prospect. She can shoot from all three levels and what impressed me most was her commitment to selling out on defense. She blocked shots help side and on ball, chasing down transition passes and ball handlers. Her footwork at full speed is phenomenal. Ariyana drove full speed into a pro hop contested finish at the rim. She utilized a punch step to create space for a shot and uses her long strides and speed to redirect the ball on defense. Ariyana is a 2025 prospect who rose to the occasion on Saturday and I am excited to see how she does this winter.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":8,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-651720cb0e1d9"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Upcoming Events</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2024-2029 UNCOMMITTED prospects who are looking to compete in an elite camp/showcase event with college coaches have the opportunity to register for the HEADLINERS INVITATIONAL happening on Nov. 12th at Great Lakes Christian College. Register using this&nbsp;<a href="https://register.ryzer.com/camp.cfm?ID=254862">link</a>. Coach Bell from&nbsp;<a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='715992' first='Lapeer' last='County Cobras']</strong></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;and Coach Kimbell from Great Lakes Christian College are organizing this event with media coverage by PGH scouts and film provided by SnipBack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 &amp; 2026 girls looking to join an independent travel team focusing on skill development and Michigan-based travel please email Coach Bell to attend open runs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":765474,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/09/Headliners-Invitational-at-GLCC.png?w=791" alt="" class="wp-image-765474" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">At the Buzzer</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Evan Bell</strong>&nbsp;is currently a scout for Prep Girls Hoops, Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach at Lapeer High School, and Director of<strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='715992' first='Lapeer' last='County Cobras']</strong></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>. Our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prepnetwork.com/frequently-asked-questions/">mission</a>&nbsp;at PGH is to cover as many athletes with D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO potential in the state as possible. If you have knowledge of a prospect off our radar, please DM Evan through Twitter @CoachEvanBell or email him at lapeercountycobras@gmail.com</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->