WESTMINSTER, MD. – It’s exciting to watch the weekly evolution of young players, and the USJN East Coast Clash provided an outstanding forum to watch members of the 2020 and 2021 classes compete in a low-pressure environment.  Featuring 64 teams from five states playing in three locations (kudos to McDaniel College, especially, for providing an outstanding college basketball facility), this event was highlighted by several competitive games that came down to a final possession and taught players (and coaches!) the importance of time-and-score situations.  Every college program and professional team covers possible end-of-game scenarios several times a week, and teaching kids the fundamentals of the scoreboard is as important as teaching them how to be a triple threat.

Unfortunately, there was also a cadre of parents at the event who could use some instruction as well.  While parenting and objectivity seldom go hand in hand, the irrational vocal contributions are not things that are going to help a young athlete’s growth on the floor or off. Parents repetitively screaming “over-the-back” (which is not a call in basketball) any time a player didn’t box out, haranguing coaches/refs/other players/other parents, and worst of all, being thrown out of a game (the game finished in an empty gym) will also become baggage when the recruiters are deciding between one player or another.  On the other hand, a high level of sportsmanship among players (helping up opponents, especially) was impressive given the marginal conduct of a select group of adults.  Credit the USJN organizers for diffusing several nasty situations.  To reiterate the point that has been hammered ad nauseum: college coaches will not recruit a player if they suspect the player’s parent will be a distraction to their respective programs.  The depth of this event alone tells you they have options.

Let’s take a look at some of those options while few of those parents sit in a corner and reflect on their bad behavior.

Toyin Allen – 2020 – 5-11 – Guard – (Lexington Park, MD – MD PAX Premier 13)

Impressive wing who demonstrated advanced athleticism and body control on drives to rim.  Despite size, never plowed into defenders and kept ball away from tie-up situations.  Willing passer.  Played primarily on instinct and would flourish with strong one-on-one instruction.  Extremely right-hand dominant at this point.

Faith Alston – 2020 – 5-3 – Point Guard – (Centreville, VA – VA Loudoun Freedom 13)

Effective point guard with street to her game.  Passes were on-time/on-target even when made with flair.  Excellent use of the bounce pass to find teammates.  Best screener at the event; leveled defenders with legal screens off the ball, a rare skill at this age group.

Alyssa Andrews – 2021 – 6-2 Forward – (Woodbridge, VA – VA PWC TBA 13 Cortez)

Tall, long post working on improving coordination and motor skills.  Was able to elevate to get rebounds but then made cardinal sin of bringing ball down.  Good upside with continued one-on-one instruction.

Patricia Anumgba – 2020 – 5-6 – Guard – (Silver Spring, MD – Germantown Lady Panthers 13)

Aggressive off-guard with excellent hops and body control.  On multiple occasions was able to corral high-flung passes, land softly and go back up for finishes.  Knocked down an open three; valuable offensive player for her team.

Sydney Avoletta – 2020 – 6-1 – Center – (Potomac Falls, VA – VA Loudoun Freedom 13)

Big body post that provided a major paint presence on both ends of the floor.  Was more effective facing the basket from the elbow and on short jumpers than with back to basket.  Ran floor fairly well for her size; continued emphasis on conditioning will be vital.

Alaina Bernich – 2020 – 5-9 – Guard / Forward – (Callaway, MD – MD PAX Premier 13)

Shooter with a consistent three-point stroke.  Moved well without the ball and was able to gap defenses for drive-and-kick action.  Good FT stroke with repeatable mechanics.

Latonya Berry – 2020 – 6-3 – Center – (Stratford, NJ – Philadelphia Belles 13 Halligan)

True center with good hands and natural shotblocking instinct.  Able to control defensive boards and throw on-time/on-target outlet passes.  Back-to-basket scoring ability still developing, but defensive impact is there.

Drea Betts — 2021 – 5-6 – Point Guard – (Wytheville, VA – VA Spectrum Elite 15 Blue Star)

Ultra quick go-go PG with breakdown handles showed excellent composure playing against older age groups.  Penetrated when necessary and ran offense effectively.  Will be a force as she matures.

Nina Boffman – 2020 – 5-6 – Guard – (Reston, VA – VA Elevate Elite 13 Corras)

Athletic, lefthanded scoring wing.  Effective at both slashing to rim and knocking down perimeter jumper.   Impacted the game defensively by overplaying passing lanes and starting break.  Competitive and skilled.

Maddie Burke – 2020 – 5-11 – Guard – (Doylestown, PA – Philadelphia Belles 14 Burbidge)

High-level player with the smoothest stroke in the gym.  Can shoot over defenders at deep range and is a one-player zone buster.  Excellent bounce in legs and glides with ball in transition.  Responds when challenged by coaches.

Kayla Cooper – 2020 – 5-11 – Forward – (Frederick, MD – MD Belles 6 McAleer)

Strong-framed forward was effective in the paint and on the glass despite playing up two age groups.  Physical and unafraid of contact.  Would like to see her on-ball skills continue to develop.

Sienna Degross – 2020 – 5-4 – Guard – (Silver Spring, MD – MD 1onNone 13 Witherspoon)

Undersized four who will eventually transition to the guard position.  Attacked the rim strong and showed off a consistent free throw line jumper.

Shea Foxx – 2020 – 5-11 – Forward – (Galax, VA – VA Spectrum Elite 15 Blue Star)

Low-post banger who showed advanced ability to duck-in, swim and seal defenders.  Bully on the offensive boards – was able to shove defenders under the rim and sky for and-one putbacks.  Very, very strong.  Hopefully, her perimeter game will develop in case she does not get much taller.  High motor with great energy.

Taryn Giles – 2021 – 5-11 – Forward  — (Aberdeen, MD – MD Belles 14)

Young post player still getting accustomed to playing with kids a year older, she nevertheless showed a competitive spirit and an ability to crash the boards.  Will continue to improve with experience.

Rain Green – 2020 – 5-5 – Guard – (Baltimore, MD – MD Belles 14)

Physical combo guard showed off a high motor and aggressive defense.  Was able to push in control in transition and consistently make the right read on out-numbered fast breaks.

Janiya Guilloux – 2020 – 5-10 – Forward – (Newport News, VA – VA Black Widows 13)

Intriguing versatile frontcourt player showed fluidity with the ball and dialed up extra power when playing in the paint.  Attacked offensive boards for and-one put backs.   Rebounded and pushed in transition.  Needs to remember that teammates feed off positive body language.

Jania Hall – 2020 – 5-6 – Guard – (Gaithersburg, MD – Germantown Lady Panthers 13)

Athletic guard who showed off strong transition scoring skills.  Elevated to rim on straight-line drives.  Change-of-direction ability at her sizes needs to improve to break down defenders.

Diamond Johnson – 2020 – 4-8 – Point Guard – (Hampton, VA – VA Black Widows 13)

Aggressive point guard who played in downhill attack mode for the entire tournament.  Sturdy and extremely strong frame allowed her to consistently penetrate and blow past defenders to rim.  Avoided shotblocking bigs with scoop layups and getting the ball up off the backboard quickly.  Three-point range makes her a tough cover.

Jasmine Johnson – 2021 – 5-10 – Forward – (Taneytown, MD – MD Belles 13 Johnson)

Despite her team struggling against older competition, she showed off good composure in the paint with the ball and natural rebounding instincts.   Size and frame were both positives.

Josiah Lacey – 2020 – 6-0 – Guard / Forward – (Douglasville, PA – Philadelphia Belles 13 Steidle)

Advanced stud prospect with limitless ceiling.  Speed, size and athleticism in versatile package.  Weapon on the offensive boards.  Can fly in transition without or with ball.  Shooting mechanics hve improved since first evaluation early in April; was a consistent threat from deep two-point territory.  Off-the-charts ability.

Vanessa Laumbach – 2020 – 6-2 – Forward – (Woodbridge, VA – VA PWC TBA 13 Cortez)

Long, lanky post with excellent upside.  Showed off midrange jumper with decent release – release improved on free throws.  Ran floor hard and competed on glass.  Typical for young post players, she needs to improve upper body strength to rebound out of area.

Anna Lemaster – 2020 – 5-7 – Guard – (Ashburn, VA – VA Elevate Elite 13 Corras)

Outstanding athlete who exploded off the floor for acrobatic finishes.  Non-linear attacker; reverse and Rondo finishes while avoiding defense were the norm.  High-speed transition player; aggressive use of bust-out dribble allowed her to beat defenders down floor.  Three-point range with good release; needs to eliminate dip in shot to improve to speed to release.  Ferocious competitor.

Mir Mclean – 2020 – 5-10 – Guard / Forward – (Gwynn Oak, MD – MD Belles 14)

Advanced prospect who demonstrated superior agility, athleticism and skill with the basketball, especially around the basket.  Long and strong, she was able to score over and through opposing players and played with poise despite being consistently surrounded when she had the ball.  Excellent coordination.  As she expands her shooting range, her level of offensive production will continue to increase.

Isabellah Middleton – 2020 – 5-8 – Guard / Forward (Leesburg, VA – VA Loudoun Freedom 13)

Solid-framed guard who was able to consistently finish in traffic through contact.  Playing the four now but could conceivably slide to the wing.  Range to FT line.

Claire Neff – 2020 – 5-11 — Guard – (Bel Air, MD – MD Belles 14)

High IQ wing who can slide from the two to the four.  Deep catch-and-shoot 3 range with a high release.  A fundamentally strong player who made the extra pass, she showed a strong ability to read and take advantage of defenses.  Needs to eliminate overhand one-handed passes in the half court.

Chetanna Nweke – 2020 – 6-1 – Forward – (Silver Spring, MD – MD 1onNone 13 Witherspoon)

Athletic guard who was able to finish with both hands at the rim.  Still has some baby-colt tendencies as her coordination and motor skills are still developing, but she showed strong basketball instincts and was a good athlete.

Alaiyah Pitts – 2020 – 5-8 – Guard – (Woodbridge, VA – VA PWC TBA 13 Cortez)

Big guard with athletic frame who was able to get to the rim and be an effective offensive player.   Strong instincts on the defensive end, including overplaying passing lanes for steals.

Angel Reese – 2020 – 6-0 – Forward – (Randallstown, MD – MD Belles 14)

Long, athletic runner/leaper who showed off an outstanding motor and has game-changing ability on both ends of the floor.  She was able to make strong bounce passes in out-numbered transition situations, cleared the offensive and defensive boards and is a natural shotblocker.  Her low-post footwork needs work, as do her shooting mechanics, but she has off-the-charts potential.

Destiny Ryles – 2020 – 5-1 – Point Guard – (Windsor Mill, MD – MD Belles 14)

Small, quick point guard who played with her head up and was excited to feed her teammates for scores.  Three-point shooting kept defenses honest, and she was able to hound opposing ballhandlers into multiple turnovers.

Bella Runyan – 2020 – 5-10 – Guard / Forward – (Mount Laurel, NJ – Philadelphia Belles 13 Steidle)

High IQ glue player who played with a relentless motor and will to win.  Slim frame belies physicality; no surprise considering she’s daughter of former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Jon Runyan.  Dive-the-floor hustler who showed transition scoring ability and the ability to finish through contact.  Shooting mechanics will continue to improve over time.

Elle Stauffer – 2020 – 5-10 – Guard / Forward – (Doylestown, PA – Philadelphia Belles 13 Steidle)

Athletic wing who showed excellent elevation for multiple scores at the rim over defenders.  Good hang time with soft release in traffic.  Runs floor hard.   At the age where her shot mechanics need to improve so she score from the perimeter and not just in the paint.

Bella Steidle – 2020 – 5-9 – Guard – (Mullica Hill, NJ – Philadelphia Belles 13 Steidle)

Outside shooter with consistent release from deep – can get hot/stay hot.  Capable ballhandler who nevertheless lacks separation ability off the bounce.  High IQ player who forces defenses to rethink playing zone.  

Jessica Tomasetti – 2020 – 5-5 – Point Guard – (North Potomac, MD – Germantown Lady Panthers 13)

Hard-nosed point guard who played with equal parts composure and flair.  At her best attacking the basket and utilizing Euro Step footwork to go around bigger defenders.  Three-point shot was solid, albeit with a somewhat slow release.  Overall speed with the ball will continue to improve.

Jacqueline Vargas – 2020 – 6-2 — Forward – (Maple Glen, PA – Philadelphia Belles 13 Steidle)

Athletic post with excellent upper body strength.  Able to secure one-handed rebounds and reel them in while fending off opposition.  Has the right idea when it comes to scoring on the block but results are inconsistent, which is pretty typical of young forwards.  Rebounds out of area.

Miette Veldman – 2020 – 5-9 – Guard – (Daleville, VA – VA Spectrum Elite 15 Blue Star)

Long and lanky wing who showed excellent burst ability in the open court.  Was able to push and finish in transition with contact.  Sometimes played too fast for her own good.  Good athlete with strong upside.

Taylor Webster – 2020 – 6-0 – Guard – (Washington, DC – Germantown Lady Panthers 13)

Tantalizing prospect due to size on wing and guard skills.  Has not fall into the trap of playing in the post despite size.  Versatile player was able secure defensive rebounds and push in transition.  Half-court slasher with good elevation.  Shooting range will continue to improve.

Kathryn White – 2020 – 6-0 – Forward – (La Plata, MD – MD Team Takeover 13 Orange)

Effective post player who was able to use IQ and physicality in lieu of exceptional athleticism.  Bullied her way for offensive rebounds and ran floor consistently.  Offensive skill set will continue to improve as she plays with guards who can deliver the ball to where she wants it.

Kennedy Wilburn – 2020 – 5-9 – Guard – (Marlton, NJ – Philadelphia Belles 13 Halligan)

Outstanding guard prospect showed off consistent and deep three-point range.  Effective combination of size and athleticism was able to get to the foul line when teams played her outside shot.  Crashed strong from the perimeter for offensive rebounds.

Paris Williams – 2020 – 5-10 – Forward – (Hampton, VA – VA Black Widows 13)

Big body post that hammered the boards on both ends.  Physical banger who relished contact.  Will continue to evolve as 1-on-1 scoring develops.

Kourtney Wilson – 2022 – 5-7 – Guard – (Mechanicburg, PA – Philadelphia Belles 13 Halligan)

Young guard prospect showed impressive poise and skill playing against kids two years older.  Excellent size and coordination for her age.  Slasher game with above-average shot mechanics and fearless wading into the paint.  Attacked the offensive boards and finishes with contact.  Will have college coaches salivating.