CINCINNATI, Ohio—With an absolute deluge of holiday tournaments, it’s impressive when any event can celebrate a ten year anniversary. The 2013 edition of the Braggin Rights Classic marked a decade of post-Christmas competition for Demond Hairston and Girl Powher Showcases. Tipping off the 27th of December and running for three days, this year’s classic featured 19 teams representing four different states. Walnut Hills High School once again served as host in the Queen City and Blue Star Media was on hand for the day one slate of games.
Here are some quickhitters from our quick stop in Cincinnati.
Mychal Johnson – 5-8 – guard – 2014 – St. Joe’s / Huntington, West Virginia…Notre Dame signee scored effectively in almost every way you can…The pull up is as reliable but her ability to finish in traffic serves her just as well…Using a change of speed and direction much more judiciously and creating both shots and passes…The acceleration with the ball in her hands is leaving defenders scrambling time and again
Amarah Coleman – 5-9 – guard – 2014 – Homewood Flossmoor / Flossmoor, Illinois…Bound for Champaign and the Illini, she continues to show a game a step above the competition…Speed and quickness are on par with anyone in the class…Off makes, misses or turnovers, Coleman is not someone you want to see coming your way in transition…Perimeter consistency will be critical to force close outs and allow her to continue to attack…On ball defense is assertive and harassing…Has performed well in the Turkey Jamm, Nike Tournament of Champions and now the Bragging Rights
Griffin Dempsey – 5-6 – point guard – 2014 – St. Joe’s / Huntington, West Virginia…Demonstrated that the staff at UNC Charlotte should be sleeping well at night…Connected time and again from extra-long range both spotting up or off the dribble…Reads the floor in transition making good decisions both in her attack and when to pull it out…Ballhandling and passing are top tier among the class…For a visual, think female version of Aaron Craft of the Ohio State men’s program (No disrespect intended towards Aaron’s sister Cait, a member of the Buckeye’s women’s team)
Faith Suggs – 6-0 – wing – 2015 – Homewood Flossmoor / Flossmoor, Illinois…Biggest mystery for this talented junior is her position at the next level…Most likely suited for the wing, she’s currently productive at the forward spot as well for Coach Smith…Very smooth in her attack and has the ability to convert both off the drive or with a silky jump shot…Finds her way to the glass effectively but could add some additional physical play to her game for even more impact…Steady advancements each time out
Tyra James – 5-11 – guard – 2014 – Winton Woods / Cincinnati, Ohio…Had one of the most impressive performances of her high school career…Making Kent State look exceptionally intuitive for signing her in November…Came within seconds of leading Winton Woods to an upset of nationally ranked Homewood-Flossmoor…Size and strength combined with an assertive attack to score time and again against Tony smith’s high powered defensive schemes…The consistency that has been missing may now be in place which could be bad news for opponents
Cierra Hooks – 5-7 – point guard – 2017 – Thurgood Marshall / Dayton, Ohio…Major possibilities…Lefty with impressive ball skills and individual attack…Pushes the ball with plenty of speed at every opportunity…The crossover brings defenders out of their stance time and again…Passing is sharp and well read on the break and in the halfcourt…Perimeter shot comes off the shoulder right now and will need attention for consistency against stronger defensive efforts…Active both on and off the ball defensively…Anticipates well on the weakside of the floor as well…Right attitude, right focus, and right effort lets her write her own ticket
Arielle Varner – 6-0 – wing – 2016 – Walnut Hills / Cincinnati, Ohio…Gives Walnut Hills a dual threat combining with ever improving junior Taylor Darks…Mechanical appearance to her game is deceiving… Ballhandling and passing are solid for her size… Very efficient in developing looks off the dribble as well as options for teammates as defenders rotate… Floater is there as well as a pull up when needed… Strong effort on the offensive boards…Potential is there for a well-rounded perimeter game with size
Jaliyah Moses – 5-8 – guard – 2016 – Withrow / Cincinnati, Ohio…Part of an impressive, young Withrow team that could be a real threat if they can put it all together…Strong and physical on the perimeter…Explosive first step…Has eye catching speed with the ball and the ability to create her own looks…Decision making and shot selection needs some sharpening which could make her an even more difficult match up…Lots of tools but lots of work to do as well
