Mia immediately caught my attention on Saturday morning. Her length, athleticism, shifty crossovers, lethal three-point accuracy, and defensive impact put her in an elite category for Mac Irvin Lady Fire Godfather 17U. She answered the opponent’s triple with one of her own in the corner, drilled a pull-up jumper off a crossover, and buried another smooth corner triple. She maintains balance and fires with a confident follow-through. Mia moved her feet quickly to deflect passes, generate steals, and block shots from the help side. She used a fancy eurostep and switched hands to cause a foul, then knocked down both shots from the line. Mia had a dominant day one at the PGH MI College Tour.

This was my first time watching Mia play, and she immediately stood out with her overall skill and ability to score in a variety of ways. She is a talented, skilled, and athletic three-level scorer who can put the ball in the basket from all areas of the floor. What really impressed was her confidence and aggressiveness—she competed at a high level regardless of the matchup and never shied away from the moment.

Mia shows a strong feel for the game, allowing her to create her own shot off the dribble, finish through contact, and knock down shots at different levels. She plays with pace and control, which allows her to stay effective even when defenses try to speed her up. Defensively, she competes and stays active, making it difficult for opponents to get comfortable.

Watching her play, she didn’t look like a freshman. Her poise, pace, and understanding of the game were well beyond her years, and she consistently made impactful plays on both ends. Mia has the ability to take over stretches of a game, and her combination of skill, athleticism, and competitive edge makes her a tough matchup and a player with a very bright future.

She play this game at a different level. Her and Guy make a very incredible duo for the squad, physical & athletic, and her on-ball pressure with her length causes a lot of problems.

Gage capped off her first year with a state championship, and she wasn’t just along for the ride. Joining a top tier program and stepping right into a starting role is no easy task, but she held her own all season. A majority of the highlights and evaluations surrounding Mia focus on her scoring ability, but what stood out to me was her IQ on the defensive end. She’s a true two way player who will only continue to grow.

The #2 prospect in her class, and arguably a top 15 prospect in the state, Gage left her mark in her first but most likely not last state finals trip. Entering her first year as a starter, she hasn’t slowed down. Gage came up big on both ends of the floor, especially on the defensive end, where the length, athleticism, and ability to guard 1-3 brought a different level to a program that’s already high level. She walks away with a state championship in year one. | Tournament Average: 12ppg, 6.5 rebs, 2 asts, and 4 stls 47.1% FG

ALL-TOURNAMENT SECOND TEAM MVP | 4A STATE CHAMPION

First year in high school and a starter on a powerhourse program. Mia is a player who can blend in but also has the talent to stick out. A maority os her scoring came near the rim. Whether it was cuts, slips, or dives to the rim. She has strong hands, strong vision, and doesn’t rush. | 13 pts, 8 rebs, 3 stls

A top player but my first time seeing her play. She is a strong athlete who drove the ball with low leverage and control. Effective on both ends and played with quiet intensity. Rebounded well and pushed it in transition while also knocking down perimeter shots, including a four-point play in this game. Produced impact plays without forcing the action and showed promising long-term potential.

Gage has been a seamless addition to an already established program. From a skill standpoint, she’s ahead of most in her class, but what stands out is her ability to shift roles for this team. Operating as a second or third option hasn’t limited her impact. It’s highlighted her versatility. She shows real combo guard traits, can hurt you off the ball as a cutter or wing, and understands when to blend in versus when to take over. That adaptability matters, and it’s the type of trait college coaches value early. High potential.

It is going to be fun to watch Mia in the coming years. Under Eddie Stritzel’s coaching and the talent that surrounds her, she is going to propel to one of the best players in Illinois. Not only does she have innate talent, but as a freshman, she is blessed with IQ. Her length, athleticism and speed will continue to refine and you may not see anyone better.

Gage is one of the more notable prospects in the state.. regardless of her class. The potential is scary.. and she has already etched herself as a top threat for an already stacked Nazareth team. She is on her way to being one of the best players in this state as well. An all-conference type of talent already.