WASHINGTON, Pa.– As teams continue to gear up for a busy summer of action, the weekend of May 11th-13thfeatured a sold out 7thannual USJN Three Rivers Challenge. We saw action from 53 teams representing six different states and Canada. Right in the heart of the D-I dead period, there were still numerous D-II, D-III and NAIA coaches in attendance. Teams battled it out over three jam-packed days of action that included facilities on the campus of Washington & Jefferson College.
An impressive West Virginia Thunder team features a depth of talent with players ranging from high major to D-III talent. The Thunder as well as several other clubs performed at a high level, with exciting young talent worth taking note of.
Below are just some of the players who caught the eye of many in the Three Rivers Challenge through their execution, hustle and potential.
Anu Ademusayo – 2021 – Forward – PA Lady Rens 17– An extremely long 6-5…Very lean…Extremely long…Covers a lot of ground defensively…Capable of defending on the perimeter…Gets in a stance and spreads out…Shot blocker with good timing…Stronger hands will come with time
Charlie Allison – 2021 – Guard/Forward – WV Lady Rebels– Long guard…Capable of playing wing or on block…High motor…Competitive…Active on the glass…Makes so much happen with how hard she plays…Follows shot and goes to get it….Decent shot to continue to work on…Handles will continue to improve
Kaitlyn Ammons – 2021 – Center – WV Morgantown Mustangs– Comfortable playing with back to the basket…Plays strong and physical…Handles it around the rim… Active rebounder…Good outlet passer….Possibilities will rise with continued work
Jasmine Blankenship – 2019 – Guard – WV Thunder 17– Smaller wing…Capable of running point…Nice shot with a quick release…Capable of shooting it from deep…Handles pressure in the half court but more off an off guard…Competitive floor leader….Delivers smart passes
Addisyn Cross – 2019 – Guard – PA Erie Irish– Shooter…Has good footwork coming off of screens…Can get it to the rim going right
Madison Greene – 2019 – Point Guard – WV Thunder Johnson – Well known strong guard…Versatile scorer…Driver who protects the ball well…Explosive…Good body control…Can finish with contact…Capable of shooting it off the dribble…High level
Abby Henderson – 2021 – Forward – PA SLAAM Basketball– Good size to her at 6-0…Works hard for positioning…Handles lob passes well…Plays with power in her game…Decent athleticism…Can stretch the floor and shoot the three…Handles will continue to improve
Annie Hunt – 2021 – Guard – WV Thunder Navy– Long wing…Shooter…Can shoot it from deep with quick release…Handles it well in open court
Dasha Jackson – 2019 – Center – PA CRONS –Undersized center…Big/strong build…Always seems to do the right things…Good handles…Rebounds the ball well…Has night touch around the basket
Taziah Jenks – 2020 – Guard/Forward – WV Thunder Johnson –Long and lanky…At 6-0 handles the ball well…Quick first step…Can shoot it beyond the arc…Skilled driver, especially going right…Good hands…Creates for teammates when penetrating, particularly back side pass…High level talent should she can continue to gain size and strength
Rhonda Johnson – 2019 – Forward – PA Erie Irish 17– Undersized post…Strong frame…Highly active offensively and defensively…Not afraid to be physical…Can score it multiple ways…Range to 15 feet at this time
Arina Khlopkova – 2019 – Guard/Forward – WV Thunder Johnson – Great frame…Highly active…Skilled…Can stretch the floor…Handles it from the perimeter….Delivers sound passes…Plays with European flavor…Needs to be more consistent finishing at rim
Madi Mace – 2020 – Guard/Forward – WV Thunder Johnson 16– Versatile guard/forward…Strong frame capable of posting up…Can handle it on the perimeter…Muscles her way to the basket when driving…Has deep range from the perimeter…Highly active
Malia Magestro – 2020 – Guard – WV Thunder Johnson 16 – Basketball frame…Athletic…Long…Tough defender who understands angles…Agile…Will drive it…Good handle on the ball…Court vision is strong
Makayla May – 2021 – Forward – WV Dream 15 –Battles down low…Strong with the ball…Uses power dribble effectively for momentum…Active rebounding…Always going to the rim…Needs to continue to handle it some and get stronger
Kaylee Reinbeau – 2020 – Forward – WV Thunder 16– Basketball frame with good shoulders…Active defender down low and capable of defending #4 or #5…Runs the floor well…Good hands… Gets a lot of her looks on put backs…Should continue to work on handles and mid-range jumper
Emily Saunders – 2019 – Center – WV Thunder Johnson– Lefty…Great size at 6-4…Catches high and finishes high at rim…Understands low block fundamentals…Contests shots with length and timing…Runs the floor well…At times needs to play harder and handle contact
Ashley Welde – 2021 – Forward – PA Philly Belles 15 –Low block post with good height…Could continue to grow…Runs the floor well…Finishes well around the basket…Needs to get stronger
Mariah Wilson – 2021- Guard – PA Philly Belles 15– Lefty guard…Nice athleticism…Driver first…Quick first step…Still Raw in many ways…Does not shy away from contact…Defensively causes a lot of frustration…Should continue to improve on mid-range shot.
