DISTRICT HEIGHTS, Md.— Last weekend was a busy one in gyms in around the country and today we look to our nation’s capital for some of the standouts on hand for the first annual Spring USJN Capital City Classic.  Over 100 teams from eight different states and virtually an equal number of college recruiters converged on the New 24 facility in District Heights to take the stage for the first of back to back NCAA Evaluation weekends.

For a list of all the college programs in attendance, pool All-Stars, a list of participating teams and more, follow the link below to the USJN post event page.

http://www.usjn.com/xtm_post_event_allstar_new.php?which=394

The event featured a strong juxtaposition of teams that clearly have been practicing for several weeks (or even years), and “teams” that had been obviously slapped together in the days leading up to the event.  It came as no surprise that clubs that emphasized ball movement (and accurate passing), communication on defense (especially on ball screens) and positive, energetic coaching consistently were winners this time around.

Now I don’t want to go off on a rant here (thank you Dennis Miller) but that last element, in particular, should resonate greatly: players reflect their coach’s behavior, mentality and maturity.  An upbeat, enthusiastic, passionate club coach who celebrates his or her players’ success will develop winning players who thrive in a supportive, unselfish environment.  Conversely, club coaches who constantly berate their players for making mistakes (no player, believe it or not, is purposefully turning the ball over) or coach with a disinterested affect – take the earbuds out! – inspire kids to hate playing basketball.

Here are some players that had exceptionally strong showings:

Musharapha Alhassan – 2017 – 6-6 – Center – (Upper Marlboro, MD – VA Fairfax Stars 17 Nike EYBL) – Long, rangy post who showed presence on defensive side of the floor.  Will receive interest from programs that have enough roster depth to develop her offensive skill set.

Allie Best – 2017 – 5-8 – Point Guard / Guard – (Glen Gardner, NJ – Jersey Cardinals 17) – Versatile and dynamic combo guard who scored in multiple ways: catch and shoot three, aggressive push in transition and finishing in traffic.  Good athlete that played with confidence.  Can defend 1-3 due to size and speed.

Janaysia Brown – 2020 – 6-2 – Forward – (Catasqua, PA – Philadelphia Belles 14 Woodall) – Young forward prospect who had coaches drooling due to superior length and athleticism.   Showed poise and advanced aggressiveness hunting shots.  Major upside who will improve weekly.

Stella Clark – 2017 – 5-6 – Point Guard – (Sea Girt, NJ – NJ Belles 17 Masonius) – Exciting true point guard who can change direction and speed effectively plus is an excellent passer.  Passes land on-time/on-target with authority in both transition and half court.  Quick first step spells trouble for bigger players, and she is able to get the ball up on the backboard quickly to avoid shotblockers.  Good three point range and will pull the three behind ball screen.  High motor.

Nia Clouden – 2018 – 5-7 – Point Guard / Guard – (Owings Mills, MD – Philadelphia Belles 15 EYBL) – Breakout weekend for athletically gifted player who had been content languishing in background.  Played point guard with aplomb; excellent tempo control, go/no-go decision-making skills and penetrate at will.  Outside jumper still requires work, as does consistency of verbal communication.  Deadly when she gets on a roll.

Maggie Connolly – 2018 – 5-7 – Point Guard – (Wilmington, DE – PA Comets 15 McFadden) – Left-handed true point guard that demonstrated excellent poise quarterbacking her team.  Runs offense effectively and showed strong ability protecting the ball under pressure despite thin frame.  Doesn’t get frazzled.  Has three point range but pushes shot.  High-level basketball IQ.

Eve Crawford – 2018 – 5-7 – Guard – (East Brunswick, NJ – Philadelphia Belles 16 Falconiero) – Steady combo guard who demonstrated above average ballhandling and penetration ability.  Reads on-ball defense and has blow by ability.  Will need to be able to produce from arc as well.

Makayla Daniels – 2019 – 5-7 — Point Guard —  (Frederick, MD – MD Belles 17 McAleer) – A clear Steph Curry disciple, she was the most effective pick-and-roll operator at this event.  Showed mature ability to utilize Nash/string-out dribble to allow ball screener time to roll.  Pocket passes were consistently on-time/on-target.  Inspires teammates to run transition lanes hard – she throws diagonal up-court passes with authority from opposite FT line.  Three point range is there but release needs consistency.  High-level prospect.

AJ Davis – 2019 – 6-1 – Forward – (Gambrills, MD – MD Belles 17 McAleer) – A Glen “Big Baby” Davis replica.  Bruiser in paint able to turn on quickness when necessary.  Able to put defense on her hip and attack from high post.  Buries defender in low post for no-move-needed finishes.  Able to play in transition in limited spurts.

Kimi Evans – 2017 – 6-2 – Forward – (Jackson, NJ – Philadelphia Belles 17 Nike EYBL) – Back-to-basket post who buries defenders under the rim for ambidextrous finishes without moves needed.  Very effective at holding seals for one-handed catches.  Runs floor hard but not a track star.  Able to use body to secure offensive rebounds and power through defenders hanging off her.

Ryann Evans – 2019 – 5-11 – Guard – (Columbia, MD – MD Belles 17 McAleer) – Big guard who showed off transition attacking skills and the ability to finish through contact.  Good athlete who will continue to improve against high-level competition.

Julia Fabozzi – 2020 – 6-0 – Guard / Forward — (Staten Island, NY – NY Belles 13 Kelly) – Well-rounded player who can slide from wing to 4.  Excellent defensive communicator.  Runs floor hard and flourishes in up-tempo system.  Will continue to evolve with improved shooting form.

Katie Foos – 2017 – 6-0 – Guard / Forward – (Rumson, NJ – NJ Belles 17 Masonius) – Big wing who excels as a spot-up three point shooter in system.  Showed off clean release and ability to shoot over defense at size.  Speed is limiting factor.

Jessica Foster – 2018 – 5-4 – Point Guard – (Woodbine, MD – MD Belles 15 Armstrong) – Heady point guard who showed ability to master tempo control and settle team.  Excellent three point range and can pull string behind ball screens.  Physicality on defense will determine next level.

Azzi Fudd – 2021 – 5-10 – Point Guard / Guard – (Arlington, VA – VA Fairfax Stars 15 Showcase) – When a seventh grader would be of the best players in the 15s EYBL circuit, you know she is a special talent.  Standout combo-guard with college-ready body right now.  Explosive blow-by ability; defenders bounce off her like she wields Captain America’s shield.   Height will determine which guard position she eventually plays.

Sara Furch – 2018 – 6-0 – Forward – (Hazlet, NJ – NJ Belles 17 Masonius) – Effective, physical post player who showed nimble drop step footwork from both low and high post.  Finished well in traffic.  Uses lower body to position for rebound.  Size and perimeter game development will determine level.

Olivia Gaither – 2017 – 6-0 – Forward – (Fredericksburg, VA – VA Cap City Ballerz 16) – Impressive lefthanded forward who showed excellent fluidity with ball.  Wiry and strong with deep post up ability and developing slasher game.  Excellent length and could be a mid-major steal.

Taylor Geiman – 2019 – 6-0 – Guard – (Glenville, PA – MD Belles 17 McAleer) – High IQ, fundamentally strong guard who reads defenses and can consistently knock down perimeter shots with high release and tight spin.  Good first step and can get to floater in paint.  Ability to rebound and start break with bust-out dribble and up-court passing.  Learning to use pick and roll.  Excellent teammate who will continue to improve along with self-confidence.

Mykea Gray – 2017 – 5-6 – Point Guard – (Upper Marlboro, MD – VA Fairfax Stars 17 Nike EYBL) – Aggressive scoring point guard with breakdown handles and excellent stop-and-go ability.  Sets up defense effectively for pocket pass/kick outs on penetration.  Jumper has loose rotation; she will need to establish three point consistency at next level.

Madison Green – 2018 – 5-8 – Point Guard / Guard – (Winchester, VA – VA Fairfax Stars 15 Nike Elite) – Strong combo guard who demonstrated quickness and control with the ball in her hands.  Above-average vision makes her a point guard prospect.  Can knock down perimeter jumper.

Kaniya Harris – 2020 – 5-11 – Guard – (Capital Heights, MD – VA Fairfax Stars 14 Nike Elite) – Big guard who showed surprising quickness and burst ability on perimeter.  Penetrated to the rim for strong finishes.  Could conceivably play point guard due to poise and skill.

Amanda Hart – 2018 – 5-8 – Point Guard / Guard – (Holmdel, NJ – Central Jersey Hawks/Lightning) – Quick combo guard who showed good composure under heavy ball pressure.  Stutter step dribble move made her effective attacking the paint with ambidextrous finish.  Overall good athlete with high motor.

Gabriella Heimbauer – 2020 – 6-2 – Forward – (Massapequa, NY – NY Lightning 13 Connolly) – Versatile player who demonstrated good footwork and awareness both in the low post and on the perimeter.  Athletic and strong frame.   Good upside.  Needs to maintain intensity on both ends of the floor.

Jaala Henry – 2017 – 6-3 – Forward – (Riverdale, MD – Philadelphia Belles 17 Nike EYBL) – Excellent athlete who was able to match impressive frame with tremendous production.  Pro-ready body, showed outstanding leaping ability and secured offensive rebounds with two hands with quick second jump ability for putbacks.  Aggressive hunting the ball and demonstrated above average defensive instincts.

Kiki Jefferson – 2019 – 5-11 – Guard / Forward – (Lancaster, PA – Philadelphia Belles 15 EYBL) – High-level athlete showed remarkable improvement from previous week and will continue to evolve as a prospect.  Quick leaper who can snatch boards off glass.  Could become elite defender due to length.

Liz Martino – 2020 – 5-10 – Guard – (Lanham, MD – VA Fairfax 15 Showcase) – Explosive attacking wing who showed off highlight reel finishes.  Wiry strength allows her to fend off defenders while scoring at rim.   High-level athlete who can score at will.

Faith Masonius – 2019 – 6-1 – Guard / Forward  – (Spring Lake, NJ – NJ Belles 17 Masonius) – A pure basketball player who defies position.  Effective in all aspects of game.  Can secure defensive rebound, push in transition, penetrate to pass, relocate on perimeter, use pick and roll and attack post mismatch, sometimes all in one possession.  Advanced basketball IQ; two or three steps ahead of competition at all times.  Excellent leadership; teammates respond to voice and intensity of play.  Larry Bird comparisons are apt: can dial up extra speed or power when necessary.

Katie Mayock – 2018 – 6-2 – Forward – (Berwyn, PA – PA Comets 15 McFadden) – High post player who showed excellent conditioning and was competitive on defense and the glass.  Good upside and will continue to improve with individual skill training.

Haile McDonald – 2018 – 6-1 – Forward – (Winchester, VA – VA Fairfax Stars 15 Nike Elite) – Big body post who showed surprising nimble footwork at size.  Paint protector on defense who has the ability to punish teams on the offensive boards.

Meghan McLaughlin – 2018 – 6-3 – Center – (Mt. Laurel, NJ – Philadelphia Belles 16 Falconiero) – Big body post who uses imposing size effectively, especially on defensive end with active low post defensive footwork.  Runs better than initial impressions would lead one to believe.  Will continue to improve with advanced upper body and grip strength.

Mir Mclean – 2020 – 5-10 – Guard / Forward — (Gwynn Oak, MD – MD Belles 14) – Raw athlete who demonstrated impressive elevation ability.  A natural slasher, she will continue to evolve as a player as she continues to prove herself against high-level competition.

Jordan Melbourne – 2017 – 6-2 – Forward – (Silver Spring, MD – MD Belles 17 Gizzi) – Big body post player who liked contact in the paint.  Powered up through contact and showed off elbow jumper.  Will thrive in college strength and conditioning program.

Claire Neff – 2020 – 5-11 – Guard / Forward — (Bel Air, MD – MD Belles 14) – Advanced prospect due to size and coordination.  Currently a four who could easily develop two-guard skills.  Able to rebound and push in transition with head up.  Catch and shoot the three with deep range.  Active on O-boards.  Confident and competitive nature.

Aleah Nelson – 2019  — 5-6 – Point Guard – (Nottingham, MD – MD Belles 17 McAleer) – Ultra quick lead guard who thrives in pick and roll.  Penetrator who thrives in transition system.  Plays with head up and likes big moments.  Off hand needs work; defenses are able to sit on right hand.

Veronica Nije – 2018 – 5-7 – Guard – (Staten Island, NY – NY Belles 15 Deluca) – Aggressive scoring guard with strong frame.  Absorbed contact on drive with strong power finishes.  Good athlete.

Angel Reese – 2020 – 6-0 – Guard – (Randallstown, MD – MD Belles 14) – Long athletic guard who demonstrated advanced handles and slashing ability.  Like all young players, requires development of off-hand.

Carly Rivera – 2019 – 5-5 – Point Guard – (Arlington, VA – VA Fairfax Stars 15 Showcase) – Go-go point guard who attacked in transition to rim or elbow jumper.  Fearless going against bigger players.

Destiny Ryles – 2020 – 5-1 – Point Guard — (Windsor Mill, MD – MD Belles 14) – Small quick point guard.  Excellent first step.  Penetrates to pass.  Physical growth will determine next level.

Briana Seltzer – 2019 – 5-7 – Guard – (Reading, PA – Philadelphia Belles 14 Woodall) – Aggressive scoring guard that showed excellent burst ability in transition.  Hard-charger who played with relentless intensity.  Defensive game-changer due to on-ball ability.

Raanee Smith – 2019 – 6-2 – Forward – (Philadelphia, PA – Philly Elite 14) – Raw but gifted forward with unmatched length and leaping ability.  Instincts supersede still-evolving game.  Tremendous upside that major colleges should get in on now.

Nhaikyia Smith – 2020 – 5-9 – Guard – (Waldorf, MD – VA Fairfax Stars 14 Nike Elite) – Small quick guard who showed good three point range and read passing lanes extremely well.  Excellent hand-eye coordination at her age.

Madison Stanley – 2017 – 6-1 – Guard / Forward – (Woodbridge, NJ – Jersey Cardinals 17) – Big shooter with high release.  Good size on wing.  Could be challenged defensively if defending guard position.

Celeste Taylor – 2019 – 5-10 – Guard – (Valley Stream, NY – Philadelphia Belles 15 EYBL) – Far and away the best athlete at the event.  Outstanding leaping ability with superior offensive rebounding skills from guard position.  Blow-by slasher with hang time finish.  Could be elite perimeter defender with speed and length.  One of the best players in her class.

Malu Tshitenge-Mut – 2019 – 6-4 – Center – (Germantown, MD – VA Fairfax Stars 15 Showcase) – Imposing post player who combines considerable strength with agility and coordination.  Finishes dump off/pocket passes and scores on o-board putbacks.  Will continue to evolve as her low-post footwork improves.  Demonstrated good FT form.

Skylar Treadwell – 2020 – 6-0 – Guard / Forward – (Martinsburg, WV – MD Team Assist 14 McMiller) – Lanky and athletic wing that showed a ton of upside.  Was able to use combination of power and finesse to get to the FT line repeatedly.  Showed off catch and shoot ability; shooting mechanics will improve as she develops upper body strength.

Mikayla Vaughn – 2017 – 6-3 – Center – (Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia Belles 17 Nike EYBL) – Tantalizing prospect due to excellent length and leaping ability.  Left-handed.  “Go-get-it” offensive rebounder.  Outruns defense in transition.  Demonstrated improved FT shooting and softer touch finishing off high glass.

Briana White – 2019 – 5-8 – Guard – (Severn, MD – MD Belles 15 Armstrong) – Mismatch guard who demonstrated post-up ability and quickness on perimeter.  Evolving offensive player who can take advantage of defenses.

Octavia Wilson – 2017 – 5-10 – Guard – (Greenbelt, MD – VA Fairfax Stars 17 Nike EYBL) – Candidate for most improved player.  Demonstrated effective slashing ability and strong off-hand use while ballhandling and finishing.  High motor player who changes speeds well in open-court.  Showed three point range off bounce.  Scorer who can create own shot.  Improved her stock this weekend.

Sydney Wood – 2018 – 6-0 – Guard – (Olney, MD – VA Fairfax Stars 15 Showcase) – Long wing who flourishes in up-tempo system.  Good athlete with upside.  Needs poise in half court to compliment transition scoring.