BALTIMORE, Md. – Navigating the ever-growing maze of basketball showcases can be confusing for players and their families seeking quality exposure. DMV grassroots stalwarts, Tink Butler (Next Sports Phenom) and Al Schell (695 Hoops) collaborated for a second year to offer willing local basketball players a chance to compete in the NSP Combine at The Park School in Baltimore.  With several area DII, DIII and JUCO colleges on the sidelines, it was a perfect opportunity for the handful of seniors in attendance to leave the gym with a scholarship offer. However, with the majority of the 72 attendees being middle school-aged it was impossible not notice that they were the more prepared players. Regardless of the lopsided balance of talent, events like this are essential for the continuous growth and nurturing of the local grassroots basketball community.

Seniors like Naya Delaney (Dundalk, MD), Kirsten Searcy (Hagerstown, MD) and Genna Mochi (New Market, MD) all showed that they were capable of playing at the collegiate level. Searcy is a high energy guard who clearly loves to be on the court, she can create her own shot off the dribble or score from long range. At 5-2 Delaney displayed maturity and polish as a lead guard, she has a solid stocky build which allowed her to handle the ball under pressure. She has a knack for penetrating the middle of the defense and finding open teammates, an essential point guard skill at any level. As a homeschooled post player 6-0 Mochi took full advantage of the exposure opportunity to do some nice work in the paint. She scored efficiently from 2-3 feet facing the basket as well as from the low block and peaked the interest of several coaches.

Here is quick look at some of the non-seniors from Saturday’s showcase:

Eve Ammons – 2018 – 5-9 – Post – Owings Mill, MD – Decent athlete, tweener with a few back to the basket pivot moves.

Denai Bowman – 2019 – 5-8 – Wing – Gwynn Park, MD – Wiry, athletic wing, can finish at the rim.

Shawnise Campbell – 2021 – 5-11 – Post – Petersburg, VA – Workhorse in the paint, hits the boards, uses size well, nice touch on the glass…one to watch.

Promise Cunningham – 2019 – 5-10 – Forest Heights, MD – Looks strong and confident coming off ACL injury, college level scoring ability, high basketball IQ, understands how to space the floor…national level prospect.

Madison Dubose – 2018 – 5-11 – Wing – Baltimore, MD – Rangy lefty with the ability to score from the interior and perimeter, uses length on defense, still maturing physically, best basketball still to come…high ceiling.

Nyah Garrison – 2018 – 5-10 – Wing  – Brookhaven, PA – Confident, accurate 3-point shooter, great mechanics understands how to set up for her shot…mid-major potential.

Jordan Hodges – 2021 – 5-7 – Guard – Moseley, VA  – Wiry guard, crafty ball-handler, quick in the open floor likes to push tempo.

Messiah Hunter – 2021 – 6-0 – Wing – Hopewell, VA – Long, athletic wing runs the floor, gets off the floor for rebounds, finishes in traffic…very high ceiling has a chance to be special.

Mya Henson – 2020 – 5-9 – Guard – Baltimore, MD – Power guard, attacks the basket with force and scores against multiple defenders, high motor, intense competitor…interesting prospect to follow.

Laila Jewett – 2021 – 5-6 – Guard – Woodbridge, VA – Tight crossover with hesitation, gets by defender with minimal effort.

Sunshine McCrea – 2019 – 6-1 – Post – Enola, PA – Efficient in the paint, comfortable scoring with her back to the basket, good on the offensive glass from the weak side.

Sherese Pitman – 2021 – 6-0 – Wing – Richmond, VA – An established national prospect, she continues to expand her scoring range away from the basket, defensively she has the footwork to defend the perimeter and the length to challenge shots in the down low. With maturity will understand how to dominate every time she steps on the court.

Lauren Russell – 2021 – 5-6 – Guard – Elkridge, MD – Strong solid frame, quick release and good form on perimeter shot.

Vashea Rideout – 2021 – 5-6 – Guard – Randallstown, MD – Lots of tools, natural feel for the game, tough on ball defender, creates turnovers and scores in transition.

Iyanna Rogers – 2021 – 6-1 – Post – Glenn Allen, VA – Emerging talent, long and raw but has improved since last evaluation…natural shot blocker.

Koi Simms – 2021 – 5-10 – Forward – Glen Burnie, MD – Nice upside, can finish layups, pursues rebounds with both hands, outlets quickly to start the break.

Kristin Sterling – 2021 – 5-8 – Guard – Baltimore, MD – College shooting guard build, strong and creative off the bounce, scorer’s mentality, attacks the basket, doesn’t shy away from contact…one to watch.

Isabella Tanedo – 2022 – 5-4 – Point Guard – Laurel, MD – Savvy, intelligent point guard with solid fundamentals combined with the right amount of flashiness, keeps defenders honest with her ability to hit deep 3-pointers, possess the intangibles to be a top prospect in her class.

Jaden Watkins – 2019 –  5-7 – Point Guard – Chester, VA – Dynamic, quick guard who can create her own scoring opportunities with a variety of moves, hard to contain…continue to watch as she matures and fills out.