*** the write-up from this event’s morning session can be accessed at https://empirestatetakeover.com/2026/10/29/views-from-the-couch-game-film-review-est-fall-showcase-suny-brockport-am-session/ ***

With things winding down just a touch in between the end of EST event season & the onset of scholastic basketball, it allows some additional time to do what I always aim to accomplish – evaluate players from my own stuff.

Call me biased, but as far as evaluation settings go, there isn’t much as productive as an EST event. I tweak things accordingly, especially during the EST Summer Run sessions in August, but there’s a reason my event format is what it is. Might as well use it to the most of its abilities in identifying talent & tracking progress.

The 12th year of EST Fall Showcase sessions wrapped up on October 11 in the New York Capital District. Before that, there was the first-ever ‘Downstate’ session on September 27. And prior to reaching that point, the Western New York region got it jumping with a two-session run at SUNY Brockport, just west of Rochester, on September 20. Athletes at all of these locations ran through 2.5 hour sessions that included 5v5 play, 3×3 competition in various formats (the more fast-paced FIBA style and action-based reps to see players operate within basic set structures), and group skill work coordinated by the renowned Mark Williams (Team Footprintz).

I’ve finally completed the review of all 3×3 & 5v5 game film from both sessions at SUNY Brockport on September 20. 69 players participated in this event as a whole, with 34 of them taking the court in the 12:30-3 PM group. Coming ahead are more detailed thoughts & observations on a few players that really caught my eye from the closing session, but first, some general notes:

PLAYER REPRESENTATION: Exactly 50% of the afternoon session participants hailed from Section V, the ‘home’ region of this event. Others from this group came from Sections 2, 3, 4, and 6 in New York – from north of Albany to the southwestern corner of NY and many places in between. The furthest drive out of this group matched mine at 3.5 hours, and they came from my Capital District backyard – shoutout to travelers Maddie Chatt (Stillwater), Elizabeth Kearney (Bethlehem), and Avery Ostrander (Ballston Spa).

THE COACHES: Players competed in front of 26 Division II, III, and NJCAA college coaches – a true ‘showcase’. It was actually more visible if a school in the western half of New York wasn’t represented in attendance. Solid showing for a fall Sunday.

LEVEL UP: This happens far more often than you could imagine at EST events. When it’s a multi-session event, the earlier one fills up first. Never fails. Doesn’t matter what time of day. But more often than not, it’s the closing session that really comes correct in energy & sheer compete level. That was the case here. The 12:30 session featured one of the more purely competitive groups I’ve had at an event in a while. The majority of them were gassed at the end, and that didn’t come from nothing. It became kind of a sink-or-swim environment – fun to watch them really get after each other.

NEW FACES: This is a rarity. There were more EST event first-timers in the Brockport afternoon session than returners. I’m sure several factors went into that – filled up later so some more relative last-minute additions, fewer players from Western New York do EST events at a younger age since I run my annual Middle School Combine in the Albany area, so on. But no complaints here. Happy to have 20 out of this session’s 34 making their EST event debut. In comparison, the morning session only had 6 first-timers out of 36.

DOUBLE THE FUN: Once in a great while, I have a multi-session event where someone requests to do the marathon – front to back, both sessions. It’s not a first, but it happens rarely enough that I remember who, when, and where over the years. Lancaster 2027 Julia Lyman, one of the few uncommitted seniors that opted to keep a ball in their hands this fall and compete in an EST event, dialed it up and kept the black jersey on for Session #2 immediately after completing the first 2.5 hour group. The majority of athletes aren’t well-conditioned enough to do that in the fall even if they want to, let alone the desire element. The ‘want to’ is impressive and speaks to different ways she can impact a college program going forward.

SMALL SCHOOL, BIG GAME: I made a comment while watching one particular 3×3 group that we had about half of the top 10 players in New York Class C basketball in that set alone, which says something as those that really pay attention to scholastic basketball know that the Cs have actually boasted more standout individual talent in recent years than a couple classes above them. It was fun to watch Maddie Chatt (Stillwater 2028), Emalyn Mucher (Fillmore 2029), and Hadley & Harper Hicks (Oakfield-Alabama 2031) battle with each other in every portion of the event. All scholarship prospects to varying degrees. Big dogs on any court.

THE FUTURE (again)… these events were open to the 2027-2030 classes, which is current 9th-12th grade. However, since I don’t run something specific to the middle school ages in the fall like the spring’s annual Middle School Combine, I’m more open to mixing in advanced 8th graders during fall events. The afternoon session had an abnormally high number of 2031s (eight), and it really turned into more a changing of the guard as they more than held their own – and in some cases actually were the alphas. More on them below as I’m making it a point to write about all seven after their performances. If I’m allowing middle schoolers in the HS session, it means that I think they can compete without being overwhelmed, and safe to say they accomplished that feat.

LATE ADDS… EVENT BOOSTERS!: Usually at EST events, last-minute movement isn’t a good thing. I typically don’t add players in the 11th hour for several reasons. I aggressively publicize & work on these events for months and have a solid following on social media and beyond in the coverage region. Once people are a part of it, they recognize the amount of pre-event prep, detail that goes into team/rotation splits, having coaches’ packets set, so on. Also, it is what it is – these things fill to capacity often (this event was a little short of full). Chaos typically comes from the day-of backouts. Although this event wasn’t immune to the late drops & no-call no-shows, the afternoon group received some welcome ‘chaos’ with a few quality walk-ins. It was my first time watching local up-and-comers Bianca White (Greece Odyssey 2029), Ronnie Haddas (Brighton 2030), & London Singleton (Aquinas 2030), and although it wasn’t my first time watching Aleeah Ross (Aquinas 2031), it was my first real evaluation opportunity. This is why I started hitting the road to run these sessions instead of just holding everything in my Albany area backyard and making everyone come to me all the time. Good opportunity for an introduction to some players that’ll lead the way in the Rochester area before long.

3×3 DEMONS… Some repeat names from above & a couple new ones, but I thought these players had the strongest showings in the FIBA and action-based 3×3 sessions in their respective groups:

• Mikeylah Biles (JFK 2028)
• Maddie Chatt (Stillwater 2028)
• Astrid Bellamy (Perry 2029)
• Emalyn Mucher (Fillmore 2029)
• Avery Ostrander (Ballston Spa 2029)
• Bianca White (Greece Odyssey 2029)
• Emma Wyant (Perry 2029)
• Mia Browngardt (Oswego 2031)
• Hadley Hicks (Oakfield-Alabama 2031)
• Harper Hicks (Oakfield-Alabama 2031)
• Avery Noe (Kenmore West 2031)

5v5 KILLERS… and again, some repeat names, but these players separated themselves to me in 5v5 play in their respective groups:

• Molly Hitchcock (Livonia 2027)
• Mikeylah Biles (JFK 2028)
• Elizabeth Kearney (Bethlehem 2028)
• Emalyn Mucher (Fillmore 2029)
• Ronnie Haddas (Brighton 2030)
• Hadley Hicks (Oakfield-Alabama 2031)
• Reilly Hoyt (Union-Endicott 2031)
• Alex Pouria (Brighton 2031)

And now some more detailed player talk. I can’t do this for every single player – that would take all month – but more elaborate thoughts & observations on a few players that really caught my attention in various ways when looking at the event as a whole:

Mikeylah Biles (JFK 2028 (’26 AAU Team Northeast (inj)): And to think she really hadn’t been able to play that much basketball over much of the previous year. A significant ankle injury last November took away Mikeylah’s entire sophomore HS season and kept her off the circuit as well, but she showed no rust on event day in Brockport while delivering arguably the session’s top performance. The 5’10” lead guard was in attack mode throughout and displayed as one of the group’s most potent scorers while doing it with some balance & efficiency. She showed an ability to create mismatches, then recognize & exploit them. Perhaps most notable was signs of developing & rounding out her scoring package. More a slithery downhill guard & high level rim finisher in the past, which were traits she still showed here, Mikeylah countered with a smoother looking jumper that fell time & time again from the midrange and out to the college arc on several occasions. Really impressive showing; due for a monster year as one of the Buffalo area’s top guards.

Maddie Chatt (Stillwater 2028 (’26 AAU Albany Capitals)): To be honest, this wasn’t Maddie’s smoothest day at the office, and she’ll be the first to tell you (ok, maybe the second since I just did). That happens. What I liked was how she took a non-highlight day and still grinded out ways to be a positive value player. Her offensive instincts shined in 3×3, especially the action-based portion, where she quickly & effectively made reads and reacted to be a threat whether on the ball, off the ball, or as a screener. In particular, she killed the defense slipping switches on several occasions. She was also a constant source of energy, ran the floor hard, and undoubtedly the most active off-ball mover of the entire event – had to be accounted for at pretty much all times. Maddie has earned a reputation as a knockdown shooter, but on this day, she only made two from the perimeter. A couple years ago, that may have really cut into her impact on the court, but not now. More balanced & well-rounded, stays in the moment, finds a way. Has a strong college following already, both scholarship & nationally competitive D3, and it’s easy to see why.

Elizabeth Kearney (Bethlehem 2028 (’26 AAU Albany Capitals)): Another one of my 518 travelers, Elizabeth made the journey across the state & eventually made the most of it with a showing that gradually improved from the onset of 3×3 to the back end of 5v5. A fluid athlete with capabilities of filling lead & off-guard duties, she was at her best on this day as an off-ball threat & thrived as the pace lifted with more open court opportunities in 5v5 play. She showed vision & timing as a cutter, even changing speeds on cuts when necessary to be in the right place at the right time. In 5v5, Liz was tough in transition as a lane filler or leader of the break, finished well with each hand in 1v1 situations, and created the transition opportunity herself numerous times with activity against the ball defensively to generate turnovers. Solid showing overall for a 2028 that’ll find herself coveted by an assortment of colleges at multiple levels in coming months.

Astrid Bellamy (Perry 2029 (’26 AAU Genesee Venom & Elite Sports Group)): Astrid is a prime example of why I changed my approach a few years ago & started running events in different regions instead of just my Albany home base. Small school up-and-comer in Section V & really just getting into the heavier AAU world. Having something closer to her home area likely helped open the door, and in her first EST event – which was also my first time watching her – the wiry & springy 6 footer showed real ‘hidden gem’ potential. She was particularly strong with the greater spacing of 3×3. Her mobility & general athleticism shined against opposing forwards, as she was able to get feet in the paint off face-up drives & elevate to finish over the top, and she showed flashes with the jumper from short range fadeaways to spot makes out to 17 feet. With the height/athleticism & high release point in close range, as strength develops with time, I expect Astrid to build greater ability to produce in tighter windows & clogged lanes, something she’ll likely see a lot of going forward. In the meantime, the tools are there – intriguing 2029 that I’ll be paying attention to.

Emalyn Mucher (Fillmore 2029 (’26 AAU Team Northeast)): One of the things I remember most from April’s WNY Warm-Up, also at Brockport, was Emalyn not being happy with how she played – something I enjoyed as it showed how everything matters to her. Safe to say there was none of that this time. Emi looked every bit the part of a legitimate D1 prospect while putting her stamp on a competitive afternoon session. Her physical tools as a backcourt prospect are undeniable as she’s grown (up to 5’10”) & added strength in recent months. She played aggressively at both ends & maintained competitive energy for all 2.5 hours, which allowed her to separate more as the session wore on. Mucher’s footwork is teach tape level; time & time again, she gained advantages before the first dribble & after the last with pivots, stepthroughs, and jabs. She scored at three levels, from craftiness in close range to pull-up work & the occasional college three. I also appreciated that she matched energy defensively as one of the best at sitting in a stance, containing, and making multiple efforts as needed including a couple emphatic blocks in recovery. St. Bonaventure bought stock early with an offer on the local product, and in the pursuit of 2029s, it’ll be Mucher’s time to take off soon.

Avery Ostrander (Ballston Spa 2029 (’26 AAU NY Havoc)): Last but not least to mention of the three 518 travelers in the afternoon session, Avery assumed primary ballhandling duties for her team(s) throughout the event and used the 3×3 portions as her time to shine. Those that didn’t know she’s a knockdown shooter by trade found out quickly as she lit it up early to the tune of a handful of effortless college range makes. I thought that throughout the course of action, Avery found balance between scoring & distributing, often getting good angles on drives to flip the floor & create with drift passes or kickbacks – all part of the development process of becoming a well-rounded PG, the position that the 5’9” guard has shifted more & more toward in the last year-plus. As she continues the progress in that pocket – handle & decision making under duress, staying level through the ups & downs of play, strength development that’ll come with time – look for Avery to mature as a well-rounded lead guard that also happens to be one of my coverage region’s purest shooters. A 2029 with legitimate scholarship potential.

Bianca White (Greece Odyssey 2029): I had previously seen clips of Bianca on social media & came across her name in writing after some big games last winter, but this was the first time I had a chance to view her live. She proved to be one of the last-second additions that boosted the competitive nature of the event. ‘Feisty’ was the word of the day in my notes surrounding her. She was arguably the peskiest defender of the entire day, getting up & harassing the ballhandlers with active hands, quick feet, and willingness to make multiple efforts on the ball. I was just as impressed with her competitiveness off the ball, as she battled & gave up nothing while getting caught in occasional bad size mismatches in the 3×3 portion. Offensively, the speedy guard played more downhill oriented and turned the corner often before challenging bigs at the rim, though she also flashed some ability with the three ball when in rhythm and given time & space to load. Bianca already possesses many of the traits necessary for success as a smaller guard. Up-and-comer in Rochester to keep an eye on.

Ronnie Haddas (Brighton 2030): I’ll admit that Ronnie’s name was completely new to me before this event, and as a last-second add, I didn’t get to do any research either. But like I’ve said in writings of a couple others from the Fall Showcase Brockport sessions, this is why I hit the road now to run these in different regions. She has solid size (5’9”), strength, and a powerful frame especially for age along with comfort away from the rim & signs of two-way multi-positional versatility. She played aggressively at both ends for pretty much the entirety and made her mark in every part of the event. Shooting mechanics made me think of a standout of Rochester’s recent past in Mallory Heise, as Ronnie utilizes a high, wrist-heavy release & leaned into the 15-18’ jumper here, which she found a rhythm with at the event’s midway point. Where she may have been at her best though was playing downhill & making plays at the rim, as she was able to utilize strength, show ability to play off the bounce within reason, and tap into craftiness with footwork & finishing angles. Foundation of a strong player is being built; first viewing left a strong first impression.

The Future is Now…

Mia Browngardt (Oswego 2031 (’26 AAU Syracuse Nets)): *will be updated with writing by Monday*

Hadley Hicks (Oakfield-Alabama 2031 (’26 AAU Elite Sports Group)): *will be updated with writing by Monday*

Harper Hicks (Oakfield-Alabama 2031 (’26 AAU Elite Sports Group)): *will be updated with writing by Monday*

Reilly Hoyt (Union-Endicott 2031 (’26 AAU Southern Tier Surge)): *will be updated with writing by Monday*

Avery Noe (Kenmore West 2031): *will be updated with writing by Monday*

Teigen Porter (Oakfield-Alabama 2031 (’26 AAU Elite Sports Group)): *will be updated with writing by Monday*

Alex Pouria (Brighton 2031 (’26 AAU Last1Best1)): *will be updated with writing by Monday*

Aleeah Ross (Aquinas 2031): *will be updated with writing by Monday*