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 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.

Ella earned Top Performer honors for Team 7 at the PGH Expo by doing all the little things that make a big difference. She brought constant hustle, diving on the floor for loose balls and battling hard for offensive rebounds to create second-chance opportunities. On defense, she stayed locked in and made life tough for opposing guards with her effort and intensity. Offensively, she finished effectively around the rim and stretched the floor by connecting from behind the arc. Ella’s energy and versatility gave her team a boost every time she was on the court.

Ella is playing basketball at a high level right now, coming off a solid travel season for Ladies F1RST and a great Northwood Team Camp with Brandon. She contributes in every statistical category, knocks down perimeter shots, finishes around the basket, and works hard on the defensive end. Ella creates for teammates and her combination of length, fundamental skills, and high motor should stand out at The Expo.

Ella had a memorable day at SkillCase. She knocked down many jumpers from mid-range and three-point spots during drills. Ella was one of the best during the tip-rebounding drill. In games, she swiped the ball away on defense and attacked down the baseline with a burst to score a tough layup off the glass. Ella drained a corner three and penetrated gaps with a burst to score several layups, finishing well with both hands at full speed. Ella pushed the ball in transition with pace, put her trailing defender in jail, then added an exclamation point with an and-one layup off two feet. She made another highlight reel worthy play, scoring a silky smooth high-pickup layup with her left after creating space with a crossover dribble. Ella is on the right path to becoming a targeted guard prospect and her hard work is going to show up in a big way for Brandon this winter.