COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—The USA Basketball U17 Trials will ultimately result in a 12 player roster with its sights set on World Championship Gold.  That task this time around comes with the added burden of a disappointing Bronze Medal finish in last summer’s FIBA Americas U16 Championships.  While all 12 roster members from that squad are on hand at the trials, their shot at U17 Gold and a healthy dose of redemption are hardly a lock.

Joining them in an effort to secure a roster spot for Spain are 24 other “invited guests” who have wasted no time in early workouts making it clear that they’re not taking a backseat to the returners.  Add to the mix 103 more athletes who are in Colorado Springs on their own dime pursuing their patriotic dream of playing for the Motherland and you’ve got one of the greater roster mysteries in recent memory.

Rather than highlight those on USA’s guest list we thought we might take a quick look at some strong early efforts from those in the “pay to play” category.  While our headline might say “under the roundball radar” these athletes are actually established and highly regarded athletes in their own right.  They just needed to knock on the gym door in the Olympic Training Center to get their opportunity in front of the selection committee and coaches.

NaLyssa Smith – 2018 – 6-3 – Forward – Converse, Texas

A smooth, fluid athlete, Smith has a deep set of both physical and basketball tools to call upon.  The size and length are there to allow her to be a factor against any opposing defender.  Add to it an impressive first step plus some solid perimeter skills and you’ve got the versatility that coaches love.  She has an attacking mentality but needs to be a bit more judicious in picking her spots off the dribble.  The size and agility make her a candidate to be an imposing defender in almost any scheme.

Sydney Parrish – 2020 – 6-1 – Forward – Fishers, Indiana

The sidelines in Colorado Springs are crowded with scouting services and media.  A large amount of the talk Friday leaned toward this impressive young forward from the Hoosier State.  Playing with a confidence more common among older athletes, Parrish is active, skilled and assertive.  The ability is there to spot up at the elbows or around the perimeter but she’s quick to attack off the dribble as well.  In traffic she’s efficient at handling contact and can finish at a reliable percentage.  With a lot of basketball in front of her it will be interesting to see just how far she takes her game.

Janelle Bailey – 2017 – 6-3 – Post – Matthews, North Carolina

We’ve watched Bailey over the years and she’s always shown that solid, consistent improvement that is the hallmark of elite players.  As she moves towards her senior year in high school she’s playing with a physical approach that is going to serve her well as she moves on to the next level.  Her aggressive play Friday stood out among the low post players on hand.  Her offensive repertoire is basic but gets her clean looks around the rim or multiple trips to the line.  Bailey plays with a quiet and relentless effort that makes her a threat from tip to buzzer any time she’s on the floor.

Zoe Young – 2019 – 5-19 – Guard – Urbandale, Iowa

If you haven’t seen this young guard yet you’re behind the crowd.  Young has a strong, solid build that combines with some eye catching acceleration.  The ability is there to create her own looks as well as develop opportunities for teammates.  Her shot is a bit out front right now but the form is there.  Off the drive she’s mixing both speed and direction to get her into the paint time and again.  Once in traffic Young is making some sound choices and delivering some sharp interior passing.

Jordan Nixon – 2018 – 5-8 – Point Guard – New York, New York

Another performance causing a stir among the basketball peripheral in the gym was the one offered up by this dynamic point guard.  Nixon has the tools to be a one man wrecking ball in transition or in the halfcourt.  Be slow to close out and she’s going to knock it down from virtually anywhere on the floor.  Over play her and she’s going by with some sharply honed ballhandling.  Her crossover gets defenders leaning and she giving them no room to recover as she goes by.  Off penetration she can pull up or take it all the way to the rim. Throw in a competitive mentality and assertive on ball defense and Nixon is one you can’t ignore.

Abby Prohaska – 2018 – 5-10 – Guard – Liberty Township, Ohio

It’s been said before but it’s worth reminding folks that Prohaska’s picture is next to the definition of hustle play in the dictionary.  When she’s on the floor there are few plays you won’t find her in the middle of.  However, don’t mistake her for one of those players who is compensating for a lack of talent by running through walls.  This is a skilled, well coached player who has plenty of depth to her game.  She’s aggressive on both ends of the floor and, more often than not, will end up on it multiple times before the horn sounds.  Prohaska is one you want to play with…not against.

Kayla Owens – 2017 – 6-1 – Wing – Houston, Texas

It’s hard not to notice Owens simply by watching her run the floor.  Ultra-athletic, she combines good size and some sound perimeter skills to be an impact presence on the wing.  On the catch she’s reading defenders and an explosive, long first step seals the fate of many of them.  The perimeter shot is there including some range on occasion.  There are times she puts it on the floor a bit too much but the ability to get to the rim is a solid option on any possession.  Her physical size and strength also allows her to make more than her share of plays defensively as evidenced by plenty of tips and touches Friday.

Lexie Hull – 2018 – 6-1 – Wing – Liberty Lake, Washington

One of the few players actually her listed height, Hull possesses good length to go with a lean build.  The ballhandling and passing will catch your eye quickly.  The decision making that comes with it is evidence of some productive experience and coaching.  She isn’t hesitant to take it into in traffic and handles the contact well.  The form is there on the shot and she is confident beyond the arch.  Defensively she’s active and sees the floor from the weakside.  Lots of promise in place.  Hull’s twin sister, Lacie, is also participating in Colorado Springs.