One of the youngest players in the gym Spaulding delivered one of the strongest defensive performances I watched in Game 1. Her awareness stood out, especially in how closely she stayed connected to the player she was guarding. She remained attentive to her assignment and made it difficult for her matchup to create separation. That level of focus is an encouraging trait in a young player, and her willingness to commit to the defensive end caught my attention. Scoring often draws the spotlight, but Spaulding’s defensive effort gave me a reason to keep watching. She is a player I look forward to evaluating further as she continues to develop.