DISTRICT HEIGHTS, Md. – The Fall evaluation period is always interesting to cover because there is so much going on in 48 hours. You have committed seniors looking to earn a scholarship before the early signing period, juniors striving to leave a positive impression with the coaches who they are building relationships with and underclassmen wanting to show that they have been working on their games. With 10 courts of basketball action going on at the New 24 complex outside of Washington, D.C., the USJN Fall Finale South was the perfect atmosphere for players to be seen by college recruiters.
For a look at the post event page and all the college programs that were on hand, follow the link below.
http://www.usjn.com/xtm_post_event_new.php?which=284
Several uncommitted seniors showed that they have skill sets to play Division I basketball like athletic forward Katie Goodwin (George Mason, Falls Church, Va.), explosive combo guard LeDeja James (First Colonial, Virginia Beach, Va.) and sharp shooter Janelle Mullen (The Hun School, Princeton, N.J.
The new junior class showed up ready to play, headlined by Maryland commit 6-3 Stephanie Jones, who is taking her game to another level. Jones was very fluid and seemed very comfortable handling the ball in traffic and creating her own scoring opportunities. As the EYBL veteran of her squad, she appears to be comfortable embracing the leadership role.
Her backcourt teammate E’lexus Davis is a quick thinking point guard who is the perfect combination of fundamentals and playground savvy. Davis’ has improved defensively and has a firm understanding of how to control pace and tempo of the game.
Iexcel 17 wing Jocelyn Willoughby continues to impress with her ability to score the basketball from the perimeter or inside the paint. Her strength and size make her a tough defensive assignment because she can finish through contact. Willoughby has made improvements when playing without the ball, remaining focused and attentive on both offense and defense.
Dominique Toussaint 5-8 Philly Belles combo guard is starting to come in to her own as a basketball player. She has always been a standout athlete, now she is confident handling the ball under pressure and can score off the bounce or pull up and rise above the defense.
Here’s a look at some other stand out 2016 players from Saturday’s action:
Zaria Rogers – 5-5 – NC Durham Hurricanes – Point Guard – Court vision not overly flashy , hard nose and gritty…very efficient with the ball…can penetrate defense and dish…scores with floater
Shaquana Edwards – 5-5 – Iexcel 17 – Point Guard – Defensively disruptive…super quick hands racked up a ton of steals…slick handle…can change directions and breakdown defense
Janiya Clemmons – 5-9 – Fairfax Stars Nike 16 – Developing solid mid-range game…aggressive defender knows how to stay involved in all aspects of the game
Kamiah Smalls – 5-10 – Philly Belles – Wing – Slasher has length can finish at the rim…nice upside…work on ball handling
Chrisyanah Alston – 5-8 – Philly Triple Threat 17 – Guard – combo guard explosive leaper and score can defend multiple positions
Underclass Quick Hitters
Brianna Tinsley – 2017 – Blue Star Virginia – Point Guard – Floor general…court vision…runs halfcourt offensive sets…anchors defense
Jabria Ingram – 2018 – Philly Belles 5-9 – Point Guard – Physical guard…explodes through the seams in the defense…penetrate and dish…rebounds and defends position
Azzi Fudd – 2021 – G.T.S Fusion 14 – Wing/Guard – Highly skilled for age…fluid movement can score in traffic…excellent shooting form with 3-pt range…huge upside…special player to watch
Ashley Jones – 2017 – Philly Triple Threat 17 – Point Guard – Sharp handle…plays with the head up…court vision
Jaya Green – 2017 – MD Belles – Wing – College wing build…good body control…strong rebounder…keep watching
Tyra Cox – 2017 – Blue Star Virginia – Shooting Guard – Explosive first step…elevates on her jumper…college-ready physique…on ball defender
Tierra Morris – 2018 – Cap City Ballerz 13 – Small ultra quick…fearless attacking the paint…pulls up and scores over defense
Angel Reese – 2020 – MD Stars 13 – long lanky guard…handles the ball…can score off-the-dribble…one to watch
Sara Park – 2019 – G.T.S Fusion 14 – Quick hands and feet…strong handle…can score from perimeter or attack the basket
Sherese Pittman – 2021 – Cap City Ballerz 13 – Tons of the potential…great long athletic body…still growing
Morgan Simpson – 2017 – PSPA Rams 16 – Point Guard – Quick shifty guard…can push tempo…passes while moving at full speed…stop and pop ability from mid-range and beyond the arc
Ashley Owusu – 2019 – Fairfax Stars 15 Nike – Physically mature beyond age…punishing on offense…incredible feel for all aspects of the game…plays up and dominates…major DI offers…setting the bar high for her class
Kayla Bacon – 2017 – MD Belles – Guard – Plays long gets into passing lanes…thrives in transition game…live body…high energy…nice upside
Jaya Green – 2017 – MD Belles – Wing – College wing build…good body control…strong rebounder…keep watching
