Ella, a guard for Ladies F1RST , displayed the qualities of a true floor leader at the Mitten Summer Showdown. She consistently made the right reads with the ball in her hands, delivering pinpoint passes through tight windows to set up her teammates for easy scoring opportunities. In transition, Ella did an excellent job of pushing the pace while keeping her head up, allowing her to quickly identify open teammates and keep the offense flowing. Defensively, she was just as effective, using active hands and sharp instincts to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers. Her vision, decision-making, and ability to impact both ends of the floor made her a valuable presence in the backcourt.

Ella turned in a complete performance for Brandon in their opener at Northwood Team Camp. She swiped the ball away in the back court for a left-handed layup, then went back to the well, swiping the ball away at half and driving straight to the basket for two more points. Ella showed her determination by sticking with a missed shot, sprinting into position for the rebound, and ripping it away from the defender. She grabbed another offensive board and dished out a great lob entry pass with touch to a backdoor cutter for an assist. Ella has length, athleticism, and versatility as a scorer and facilitator. She’s unselfish and makes the hustle plays to help the team be successful.

Ella started practice strong during the hex ring split dribble segment and spin dribble build-up. Her ball-handling speed, command, balance, and confidence were strengths throughout the session. Ella’s ball-handling was synonymous with the word “quick”, which appeared several times in my notes. She kept good posture and used low crossovers in the resistance band dribbling segment. Ella drove by with a burst for a layup and added a contested finish with her left hand during the 1v1 segment. She knocked down two straight free throws and added two corner threes during a shooting drill. Ella is an effective court general who can create, distribute, score, and also play without the ball. She’ll be a prospect to watch with Ladies F1rst 17U this spring.

Ella, a guard for Ladies First, was another playmaker who stood out at MI College Tour II at Wayne State. She played with her foot on the gas throughout the day and showed confidence handling pressure while bringing the ball up against the press. Ella is a strong ball handler who stayed composed in traffic and helped her team stay organized offensively. Defensively, she brought consistent energy, jumping passing lanes for steals and deflections while also coming up with a few blocks. Offensively, she knocked down a mid-range jumper and did a good job attacking downhill, drawing multiple defenders and making the correct read to keep her team flowing.

Ella took another step forward at Brandon this season, receiving Flint Metro League First Team honors. She produced in every category, averaging 15.1 points (33% 3PT), 5.4 rebounds, 3.6 steals, and three assists per game. Ella had a solid showing at the P2W Headliners Invitational Showcase and was recognized as a top performer at the LBI April Showers Classic. Fluid handles, good court vision, penetrates off the dribble, finishes in traffic, is a three-point threat, and works hard on both ends. She has length, instincts, skill, unselfishness, and coachability you want to coach at the next level.

Ella, competing with Team Shock at the P2W Headliners Invitational Showcase, showed her ability to control the game as a guard with her handle and playmaking skills. She used a smooth hesitation move to keep defenders off balance and create opportunities, not just for herself but for her teammates as well. Ella was especially effective in the pick-and-roll, reading the defense well and delivering a perfectly timed pass that led to an easy basket. Her ability to break down defenders and make smart decisions with the ball made her a key facilitator on the floor.

Ella received Flint Metro League First Team honors after a stellar junior season for Ortonville Brandon. She has the offensive firepower to put up 20+ points and looks to set up teammates when her shot isn’t open. Ella plays hard on both ends, gets to the rim off the dribble, and is an unselfish teammate. She’s a junior college coaches are going to gravitate towards at the Headliners Invitational Showcase on Sunday.

Ella has come out firing to begin her junior season, quickly establishing herself as the engine that makes her team go. Handling point guard duties, she’s been excellent at setting the table while also knowing when to attack and score on her own. Her impact shows up all over the box score, as she contributes in nearly every category and consistently makes winning plays. With her feel for the game and ability to elevate those around her, Ella has been one of the most well-rounded performers early this season.

“Brandon returns Junior Ella Rizzo Ella Rizzo 5'8" | PG/SG Brandon | 2027 State MI 2027 who will be leaned on as a leader, point guard, and primed to improve on a breakout sophomore year, in which she was All State honorable mention.” – Coach Rivers

Ella earned 3rd team selection honors as a top performer for Team 7 at the PGH Expo, making a significant impact through her energy, effort, and attention to the little things. She consistently hustled on every possession, diving on the floor for loose balls and battling for offensive rebounds to generate extra scoring opportunities. On defense, Ella’s intensity and focus made life difficult for opposing guards, as she contested shots, denied passing lanes, and stayed disciplined in help-side rotations. Offensively, she displayed a versatile scoring touch, finishing strong around the rim in traffic and stretching defenses with accurate shots from beyond the arc. Beyond the stat sheet, her leadership, relentless motor, and ability to contribute in multiple ways gave Team 7 a boost every time she was on the floor, solidifying her as a true all-around performer.