Wrap up of the Headliners Invitational Showcase by Prepare to Win directed by @CoachEvanBell & @CoachRayKimball at Portland High School (continued): Both groups did a #MakeShots session with @coachmsoukup , some fast-paced 3-on-3 play, skill work run by JUCO/D-III coaches/players, and entertaining 5-on-5 games. The middle school age group in the afternoon had a wide mix, ranging from players with considerable club experience to players that are rather new to the game. I selected an All-Showcase Team along with some Honorable Mentions. All-Showcase Team: @BlakeTaipalus (5'7", '31, Jonesville) Tri-MVP--Blake Taipalus displayed the ability to score at all 3 levels and was dynamic off the dribble. She displayed outstanding body control to score smoothly off the drive, to hang and adjust her shot in the air, or to absorb contact and finish. Taipalus had the ball on a string when it was in her hands; she hit open teammates and created many fast break opportunities with her defense. Addison Simmons (5'5", '31, Homeschool) Tri-MVP--Addison Simmons took on the challenge of going toe-to-toe with Taipalus throughout their teams' 5-on-5 matchup as well as during 3-on-3 play, and made her work for everything in the half-court. Offensively, she buried multiple 3s, created scoring opportunities for others at the point, and attacked the basket aggressively and used her physicality to play through contact on her way to the rim. Lauren Casselman (5'7", '31, Harper Creek) Tri-MVP--During the #MakeShots segment, only 3 players finished the 15-Spot Shooting Drill (making a shot at all 15 spots) in the 1:30 time limit; Lauren Casselman was the only player in the middle school session. She continued her hot shooting in 5-on-5 play while also showing the ability to get to the rim and score smoothly off the break and drive. Defensively, Casselman used her length to be disruptive and was active on the boards. Kendall Allison (5'6", '31, Portland) Kendall Allison was aggressive offensively and defensively throughout 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 play. She pushed the ball up court in transition, attacked the paint off the break/drive, and was active on the boards. Alyssa Reau (5'6", '32, Chelsea) Alyssa Reau ran the floor rim-to-rim and crashed the offensive glass to score repeatedly in the paint. As the day wore on, she also seemed to get more aggressive attacking the basket off the dribble to get shots or create contact for trips to the FT line. . Honorable Mention: Alayna Evanson (5'8", '31, Portland) Laityn Kellogg (5'4", '31, Grand Ledge) Caya Chavez (5'3", '32, Lumen Christi) Annalee Fortson (5'8", '32, Bedford) Alexis Slack (5'3", '32, Michigan Center) Brylee Wilder (5'5", '32, Grass Lake) Josie George (4'7", '33, Pewamo-Westphalia) . @JonesvilleGBB @HCAthleticDept @ladyraidersbbal @dawggirlsbball @CometWBB @LumenGirls @BedfordGBB @MCGirlsHoops1 @GrasslakeGbball @Pdubgirlsbball Picture (from left to right): Kendall Allison, Lauren Casselman, Addison Simmons, Blake Taipalus, Alyssa Reau