By: George Courtney
Finest Hoops did a phenomenal job in creating the matchups for teams. Almost all the games I attended were very competitive with very few blowouts. The Inaugural Girls Cali Live Event provided true exposure for student athletes because I was able to count 67 different college programs in attendance. Here are some of the top performers from day 2:
Belle Bramer 2024 6-1 Wing Archbishop Mitty (CA)
A solid looking wing prospect with good length and athleticism. Bramer likes to go down hill to attack the defense and finishes well inside. She is a fundamentally sound defender with tremendous upside. I expect her to be a key for Archbishop Mitty’s success this upcoming season.
Elana Weisman 2024 6-1 Wing Archbishop Mitty (CA)
Archbishop Mitty is loaded with talent, Weisman intrigued me with her three level scoring ability. I liked how she ran the floor and competed on both ends of the floor. She is active on the glass which creates additional scoring opportunities on the offensive end with put backs. Weisman is athletic enough to guard the perimeter. A solid prospect that will have a huge senior campaign this winter.
Harper Peterson 2024 6-2 Forward Whitney (CA)
Peterson is an elite high major prospect with an elite skill set. In college, she has the skills to play the wing but physical skill set to play inside. Peterson is active inside on both ends of the floor and cleans the glass. After hearing so much about her, I was excited to be able to see her play. She has tremendous upside and could be a future WNBA pick with continued development.
Kendall Dykstra 2024 5-10 Guard Whitney (CA)
Dykstra caught my attention because she has a natural feel for the game. She has a high basketball IQ and makes sound and smart plays. I like her decision making and scoring ability. A solid sleeper prospect for coaches to keep an eye on.
Kyara Walter 2024 5-7 Guard Mission Hills (CA)
A southpaw, Walter has a tight handle and looks to attack the opposition down hill. She has good finishing ability and plays physically. I like her game as it is close to how I used to play, plus I am also a southpaw. Walter has sold me, I am a big fan and can’t wait to see what she does in her senior campaign.
Maria Gorbushin 2024 5-7 Guard Mission Hills (CA)
Gorbushin’s game compliments her teammates as she is strong, athletic, and can convert from long range. Besides being a certified bucket, Gorbushin defends at a high level. She thrives in locking up opponents to force bad possessions and create offensive possessions for her team. Another under the radar player with great upside.
Mariah Brown 2024 5-4 Point Guard Mission Hills (CA)
A crafty downhill point guard who utilizes her skill set to set up her opponents by getting into the paint to score or dish to open teammates. Brown has a tight handle and defensively impresses as she is able to guard bigger opponents. She is a tough hard nosed point guard prospect with tremendous upside.
Niyati Bangalore 2025 5-5 Point Guard Archbishop Mitty (CA)
Bangalore’s game grew on me over the course of watching her compete because she is very fundamentally sound. Her play may not be loud however she is extremely effective as a floor general and makes the right play at the right time. I like her cool calm and collected demeanor and how she controls the flow of the game. She will have a big junior campaign as Archbishop Mitty looks to be a championship competitor this winter.
Samantha Schuler 2024 5-10 Guard Whitney (CA)
Schuler is a vocal leader who has a solid guard skill set. She has good ball handling and plays with confidence. Schuler has a high basketball IQ and over the course of the game she stood out to me because she complimented her team well. This is another prospect that has tremendous upside and I expect her recruiting stock to climb.
