NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.—In the ever expanding universe of non-scholastic basketball events it’s a challenge to tell the vested and legitimate from the self-serving pretenders simply wanting a withdrawal from your bank account. One surefire means of separating those worth your limited time, finances and exposure opportunities is longevity. You don’t last long on this competitive landscape without doing things the right way and USJN has been doing things the right way in Washington D.C. for 30 years.
The 2017 USJN National Championship welcomed 356 teams to a new setting along the Potomac River for what has been and continues to be the gold standard in open exposure events. This time around programs representing 27 states, the District of Columbia and three provinces in Canada made their way to National Harbor, Maryland and the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center to kick off the second segment of the NCAA July recruiting period. As always, the college coaches were out in force following their favorites, babysitting their commitments and looking for the next generation to convince that their school colors are what the well-dressed woman will be wearing in the future. Before the championship games were in the books over 700 recruiters had gone window shopping on the 30 courts in the Gaylord Center.
When all was said and done bragging rights in the highly regarded Diamond Division went to FBC United out of Georgia as they got by Sports City U in the championship game 73 – 56. FBC defeated two Nike EYBL teams to reach the finals taking down Cy-Fair in the quarters and punching their championship ticket with a semifinal victory over the Kentucky Premier. Sports City made their way into the final with wins over the Boulder Rockies followed by a tough battle with the Philadelphia Belles of the EYBL
The Platinum Division went to the Wisconsin Lakers as they edged the BWSL 17 Kelly squad 54 – 51. The North Carolina Dynasty left little doubt in the Gold final with a decisive 64 – 45 win over an In the Zone team out of Pennsylvania. Silver Division honors belong to the Doug West D-Fenders as they claimed a nine-point win over the Philadelphia Belles-Falconiero. In the Bronze bracket the Wisconsin Blizzard held off Empire State Bball 67 – 58 for the hardware. MCW Starz ran away with top honors in the Copper Division winning their championship bout with Team Huddle out of Ohio 84 – 42. Wrapping up the list of bracket bragging rights, the Fairfax Stars rolled past Cy-Fair Elite-Brewster 66 – 47 to nab the Crystal / Quartz crown.
To see a complete list of participating teams, college coaches in attendance as well as pool all-stars and results, follow the link below to the USJN post event page for the 30th Annual USJN national Championship.
http://usjn.com/xtm_post_event_new.php?which=448
For many of the standout prospects on hand this was the last chance we’ll have to see them competing with their club teams. Some we’ll see next season with their high school teams but the club circuit is where many are initially identified and seen by recruiters, evaluators and media. There are some new names among today’s evaluations but many are athletes we’ve followed over the course of the years and enjoyed one last look at in their club uniform in D.C. Of course, it wasn’t possible to see everyone and no doubt there will be a few that folks believe we’ve overlooked. As always, they’re in alphabetical order and not reflective of whether or not they were among the best in the building. We’ll leave that to the college coaches to sort out or those insecure individuals who bolster themselves weighing in on the performances of teenaged athletes.
Ashlee Austin – 2019 – 5-11 – Wing – Atlanta Cagers – Deceiving individual skills…Can create her own looks off the dribble…Made plays both in transition and the halfcourt…Sound athleticism…Won’t catch your eye at first but makes you take notice over the course of the game…Right player at the right level
Shakira Austin – 2018 – 6-5 – Post – Boo Williams – Offering up stronger and more consistent play…Finishing with greater confidence and challenging defenders to the baseline and middle…Nice touch from three to five feet…Release is at full extension making it difficult to challenge…Active defender but could still add a greater degree of physicality to her play…Committed to Maryland
Kadaja Bailey – 2018 – 6-0 – Wing – NYC Heat – Lean with plenty of length…Agility is there with speed and quickness to spare…Creates off the drive and can slash through traffic…Wide crossover gets opponents lunging for the ball…Individual skills serve her well…Perimeter shot seems to be secondary option…Reach and footspeed make her a strong asset defensively…St. John’s commitment
Elizabeth Balogun – 2018 – 6-1 – Wing – FBC United – Size…Frame…Athleticism…Demonstrated the ability to be a factor both on the wing and playing the small forward spot…Gets out and runs the floor with the guards…Ballhandling is sharp and combines with size and length…Challenging match-up for defenders…Should really hit her stride at the next level…Destined for Georgia Tech
Fran Belibi – 2019 – 6-2 – Forward – Mile Hi Magic – Well established prospect…Just two years of basketball but among the elite…Extraordinary physical tools…Basketball skills evolving quickly but still a work in progress…Can be an impact player on both ends of the floor…Footspeed serves her well with both a first step offensively as well as laterally on ball defensively…Runs the floor and makes herself an option in transition…Let her frustration show on occasion…Complete upside
Grace Berger – 2018 – 6-0 – Guard – Kentucky Premier – Always a contributor on the offensive end…Beginning to be more of a factor without the ball…Can get to the rim with authority…Handles contact and elevates in traffic…Jumper continues to set up her penetration…Has strong on ball moments defensively…Could be more active on the weakside…Future Indiana Hoosier
Caitlin Bickle – 2018 – 6-2 – Forward – Arizona Select – Physical and relentless…Makes herself a factor on both ends of the floor…Blue Collar approach doesn’t inhibit productivity…Strong passing skills for an interior player…Sets the ball screen all guards want to use…Not a textbook perimeter shot but one defenders have to respect…Gets on the glass…Knee injury cut short her tournament…Extent not known at this point
Shelby Calhoun – 2020 – 5-10 – Guard – Indy lady Gym Rats – Young and very promising guard…More and more comfortable each time out…Has both quickness and speed with the ball in her hands…Crossover is sharp and effective…Vision serves her well on the attack…Strength will be an asset to handle contact with as she matures…Length is a big plus defensively
Allison Campbell – 2020 – 5-11 – Wing / Guard – Central Pa. Dynamite – Lean perimeter threat with deep skill set…Reads defenders off the move…Good choices both on shots and passes…Gets to the rim time and again…Crossover works well for her…Hesitation had moments as well…Limited strength at this time but more growth should be around the corner
Chloe Chapman – 2019 – 5-8 – Point Guard – Maryland Lady Terps – Long established premier point guard…Attacking with the ball both on the break and out of sets within halfcourt play…Acceleration of the move leaves defenders standing…Pushes the ball at every opportunity…Perimeter shot is still evolving but coming…Where you want the ball in the clutch situations…Among the quickest hands and feet defensively
Taylor Chavez – 2018 – 5-9 – Guard – Arizona Select – Established guard continues to add versatility…Slight build does nothing to inhibit her willingness to attack…Active both with and without the ball…Established shooter with range…Change of speed and direction off the drive is more and more effective…Established shooter commands close out on the catch…Mono-emotional play allows for focus…Only going to continue to advance her game
Maggie Connolly – 2018 – 5-7 – Point Guard – Pa. Comets – Slightly built left hander at the point…Creates and improves options…Gets to the rim and delivers passes inside as defenders come her way…Reads the floor on the break or in sets…Stroke is there…Committed to Princeton
Zia Cooke – 2019 – 5-9 – Point Guard – Sports City U – Elite point guard continues to evolve…Attack challenges defenders more as her choices sharpen…Beginning to make the players around her better on a more consistent basis…Has shown she can handle pressure down the stretch…Becoming a more and more efficient defender…Quickness and reads make her an impact on the ball and from the weakside…Not done yet
Anna Dewolfe – 2019 – 5-6 – Guard – Maine Firecrackers – Skilled guard…Ballhandling allows her to develop her own looks and improve those of her teammates…Change of speed and direction serve her well…Crossover gets defenders leaning…Limited size but can play both point and off guard
Camilla Emsbo – 2018 – 6-4 – Forward – Boulder Rockies Blue Star – Played some of her better basketball…Active from start to finish…Cutting more aggressively and with intent…Worked well in traffic handling contact much better…Creating her own looks off the dribble…Posted up at times as well
Emily Engstler – 2018 – 6-1 – Wing / Forward – New Heights – Exceptional combination of size, build and skills…Sees the floor and looking to make those around her more effective…Sets up passes off her ballhandling…Uses her body to protect the ball both off the shot and the pass…Ability is there to accelerate mid-drive as she recognizes gaps and opportunities…Length makes her efficient near the rim when she penetrates aggressively…Consistency from the perimeter will keep her in the conversation of the elites…Frustration showed itself at times
Azzi Fudd – 2021 – 5-10 – Point Guard – Fairfax Stars – Added more to successful summer resume’…Becoming more and more relentless in her attack…Getting defenders out of position more often to get the looks she wants…Strength is evolving and making her a more challenging match-up for opposing defenders…Touch is consistent both from mid-range and from deep on the perimeter…Utilizing aforementioned strength on defense as well
Rinnah Green – 2018 – 5-8 – Point Guard – Lady Team Charlotte – Quick point guard…Mixes up both speed and direction…Hesitation move is effective…Finishes with contact…Passing is solid in transition and off the drive
Presley Griffitts – 2019 – 5-11 – Guard – Dayton Metro – Active and skilled guard…Has good size on the perimeter…Can create her own looks with the ball or improve those of teammates…Looking to get to the rim at opportunity…Good instincts and passing as helpside rotations come her way…Has the tools to make plays…Deceiving at times
Rikki Harris – 2019 – 5-10 – Guard – George Hill Lady Stars – Athletic guard…Strong ballhandling and passing skills…Makes plays offensively and defensively…Active with the ball in her hands…Gets past defenders and can create in traffic…A factor in the transition game…Reads well defensively but takes chances at times…Plenty of tools and still adding to her skill set
Makenzie Helmes – 2019 – 5-8 – Point Guard – New Heights – Very deceiving threat with the ball in her hands…Ballskills are refined and lethal…Can get to the rim before defenders can react…Quickness can be underestimated at first look…Vision is strong in full and halfcourt scenarios…Played with greater consistency and productivity…Took her game to a new level
Sydney Hilliard – 2019 – 5-10 – Combo – Wisconsin Academy – Nice size on the perimeter…Strong ballskills…Form is there on the pull up…Effective passing in transition…Somewhat unsure without the ball in her hands
Treasure Hunt – 2020 – 6-0 – Guard – FBC United – Continues to show why she’s among the class elite…Size and strength challenge the opposition…Perimeter stroke and range continue to set her apart from the crowd…Adding to her game each time put…Showed more assertiveness defensively…Added strength is a big plus…Long line getting longer
Jamir Huston – 2018 – 6-1 – Forward – Sports City U – Physically strong and aggressive…Looking for her own options more often…Deceptive first step for her size…Elevates well in traffic and can hold off bigger defenders…Ability is there to step away with decent form…Can be a rebounding force at times…Well suited size, build and strength for the next level…University of Miami commit
KeKe Jefferson – 2019 – 6-0 – Wing / Small Forward – Philadelphia Belles – Lots of length and athleticism on the wing…Lean build…Agility and length combine with evolving ballskills to project the wing…Fluid and quick with and without the ball…Anticipates defensively and can defend #1 through #4 at this point…Just scratching the surface…Adds depth each time out
Madison Johnson – 2018 – 5-11 – Wing – California Select – Long time presence among some top teams…Playing her best basketball…Active and versatile…Experience shows in her play…Work ethic is top tier…Making more and more plays…Physically fit and well conditioned athlete…Will always be working on her game
Caroline Lau – 2022 – 5-6 – Point Guard – Impact Bball – Impressive and promising young point guard…Confident even playing against those many years her senior…Sees the floor on the attack…Made plays both on the break and in the halfcourt attack…Interior passing off the drive is sharp…Lots of promise with lots of time in front of her
Eleanore Marciszewski – 2018 – 6-0 – Wing – Quebec Bluehounds – Strong and attacking offensive threat…Efficient ballskills allow her to get to the rim against either quicker or bigger defenders…Touch and form are there both near the rim and from the perimeter…Finishes well among the bigs…Cuts hard to make herself an option…Tools and size
Faith Masonius – 2019 – 6-0 – Wing / Forward – Philadelphia Belles – Consistent contributor…Aggressive play at both ends of the floor…Not afraid to get physical or mix it up inside with opponents of more size…Perimeter stroke is there with time…Can seal and hold her ground posting as well…Effort allows her to make plays both offensively and defensively…Teammate you want to play with
Olivia Miles – 2021 – 5-8 – Point Guard – United New Jersey – Wiry young point guard…Plenty of speed and quickness with the ball in her hands…Handles are exceptional…Sees the floor…Change of speed set up her attack…Occasionally too much “east – west” in looking for options…Perimeter consistency will keep defenders honest
Diamond Miller – 2019 – 6-2 – Wing – Team Miller Lightning – Elite prospect continues a defining summer effort…Mixing up her game more consistently…Utilizing aggressive attack to set up perimeter opportunities…Range and stroke continue to serve her well…Sharing the ball on the break with some strong vision and well thought passes…Length makes her a versatile defender in any scheme…Strength and growth will increase the nightmare she already is for the opposition
Rosemary Odebunmi – 2020 – 5-11 – Guard – California Select – Impressive guard…Physically strong…Active both with and without the ball…Cuts hard…Got on the boards…Young with plenty of tools
Ashley Owusu – 2019 – 6-0 – Combo – Boo Williams – Physically strong and explosive guard…At her best a challenge for defenders of any size, strength or quickness…Always looking to attack the rim…First step is lengthy for a guard…Elevates well both at the rim and on her floater…Shoots a “true” jump shot and can knock it down at times…Improved consistency is critical to keep defenders honest…Aggressive mentality and approach sets her apart from the majority of her peers
Sydney Parrish – 2020 – 6-1 – Wing- Indy Lady Gym Rats – Continues to evolve…Depth to her game is growing…Making herself more of a factor off the dribble…Starting to embrace a more physical offensive attack…Range forces tight close outs from opponents…Effort is there defensively…Size and reach serve her well one pass away
Brie Perpignan – 2018 – 5-9 – Guard – Fairfax Stars – Athletic guard…Lots of speed with the ball…Ability is there to slash into traffic…Utilizes a strong change of direction…First step is quick…Assertive on ball defender
Makayla Pippin – 2018 – 6-0 – Forward – Havoc City Sol – Physically strong forward…Active and plays with plenty of effort…Has the tools to create her own looks down low or off the high post drive…Floater is there…Makes herself a factor on both ends…Constant presence on the offensive glass…Willing to get on the floor or mix things up for the loose balls
Kelsey Ransom – 2020 – 5-9 – Wing – New Jersey Panthers – Athletic young wing…Has an attacking mentality…Ability is there to use both hands…First step creates options for her…Assertive on ball defender
Honesty Scott-Grayson – 2018 – 5-10 – Guard – Boo Williams – Fluid and athletic guard…Smooth in her attack…Has the ability to get to the rim, pull up or spot up from the perimeter…Explosive first step challenges on ball defenders…Elevates on her pull up even falling away to a degree…Mixes up her penetration with an effective change of speed…Gets out in the lanes in transition…Tools are there to be an impact defender herself
Ahlana Smith – 2018 – 5-9 – Guard – FBC United – Recent UCLA verbal…Dynamic and athletic guard…Strong and effective individual skills…Has both the touch and range…Stepback is in place…Plenty of speed with the ball in her hands as well running the floor in transition…Anticipates well defensively from one and two passes away
Madisen Smith – 2018 – 5-4 – Point Guard – Georgia Metros – Dynamic and aggressive at the point…Small stature with strength and quickness to offset…Pushing the ball from make, miss or turnover…Has both the pull up and floater to call upon off the drive…Twists to a degree on the perimeter shot…Aggressive on ball defender…Verbal commitment to West Virginia
Keegan Sullivan – 2020 – 6-0 – Wing / Guard – Sky Digg Elite – Solid build with decent perimeter size…Looking to attack…Solid ballhandling and passing skills…Smart player…Reads the floor…Lots of effort on the defensive end…Understands her gaps on close outs
Liv Summiel – 2019 – 6-2 – Forward – New England Crusaders – Solid size and build…Plenty of work ethic…Nice frame and a willingness to play physical…Posted up at times…Got out and ran the floor…Text book skills at this point
Lauren Wasylson – 2018 – 5-10 – Wing – Drill For Skill – Smart and well skilled…Upright at times but effective off the drive…Sound stroke and touch…Plays with awareness…Makes plays time and again…Easy to underestimate but with a cost
Sereena Weledji – 2018 – 6-0 – Wing – Les Chats – Strong, aggressive and attacking…Continues to produce event after event…Takes it to the rim with authority…Decent stroke and touch with time…Makes her own opportunities but willing and capable of improving those of teammates…Won’t be outworked on either end…Rebounds well from the perimeter
Kindyl Wetta – 2021 – 5-6 – Point Guard – Mile Hi Magic – Continues to evolve as one of the most promising point guards in the class…Plays with maturity beyond her experience…Looking to create both passes and shots off the dribble…Decisions are solid both in transition and in the halfcourt but occasionally has her mind made up before reading defenders…Appeared to improve almost game to game…Watch closely
Madison Williams – 2018 – 6-0 – Wing / Small Forward – Cy-Fair Elite – Dynamic and strong athlete…Active and aggressive…Attacks on the catch…Plays with effort and a willingness to mix things up…Challenges smaller defenders with physicality and the bigger opponents with explosiveness…Elevates both on the shot and on the glass…Puts herself in the middle of the action on both ends of the court…Better to play with than against
