The Smoke Film Breakdown
There was so much excellent basketball being played at The Smoke. We're going to take a look at some of our thoughts about some quick film clips from the event.
Lexi Baker (2027, G, The House, Spring Lake)
Baker was a key part of an impressive weekend for The House 2027. She proved to be a definite rising prospect. Baker really understands spacing and attacks the openings, with and without the ball. Her work off the ball was just really impressive. She rebounded very well for a guard, reading the ball off the rim. Baker was a definite asset in the backcourt defensively. Baker seemed to be one of those players that just seems to make good things happen around her on the court.
Gabriella Carson (2029, C, SOIL 2029, Buchanan)
Carson was dominant in the paint for SOIL 2029. She was able to overpower defenders. When she grabbed an offensive board, there was no hesitation in getting the ball back up at the rim. Carson was strong enough to power through contact. She showed that she could work with her back to the basket off the block and finish over her right shoulder. Carson showed the ability to pass in the paint with a nice dish across the lane for an assist.
https://x.com/gabbycarson54/status/1924976788892942789
Ella Rizzo (2027, G, Ladies F1rst, Brandon)
Rizzo looked impressive at The Smoke last weekend. She was patient and willing to swing the ball knowing it would come back to her after the defense was forced to move. When she got the ball, back Rizzo attacked the lane and finished with a pretty touch floater. She would show off that touch around the rim throughout the film. Rizzo shows a high basketball IQ in the way she attacks double lanes and space and converts on those attacks through her passing and ability to shoot and score.
https://x.com/EllaRizzo2/status/1924995288797683849
Saamiyah Banks (2029, G/F, UTS Elite)
Banks made a big time impression at The Smoke and it's easy to see why. She was so smooth with great feet and balance on the catch and shoot. Speaking of the catch and shoot, she showed that the defense can't come down off her to help on the dribble drive because she can and will bury a triple on the kick out. I really liked the way she pushed pace off a rebound, hit the free throw line on 2 feet, and made a play with the kick pass for an assist.
https://x.com/Bluv8410/status/1924490694795624574
Golden Nicholson (2027, G, Michigan Premier)
Nicholson definitely made noise at The Smoke. The film starts with an athletic catch off the pass with a crafty finish at the rim off the move. She then does some nice work in the paint off 2 feet. Nicolson hits 2, lets her defender go up, and then finishes around her at the rim. She also showed that she could touch paint off the bounce and hit her teammate with a kick out pass to a shooter. I really like the way that Nicholson sees the floor and passes in stride.