HAMPTON, Va. – The Boo Williams Nike Invitational annually hosts the deepest pool of talent during the NCAA Spring Evaluation period. If you caught our coverage earlier this week you saw profiles on six standouts from the Tennessee Flight and Philadelphia Belles – Maryland Championship game won by the Flight. You also had the chance to check out some Fresh Faces profiled by Lisa Bodine. However with so much talent on hand it’s hard not to take the time to recognize just a few more of the athletes that were on hand and demonstrated some play that will keep the college coaches courtside all summer long.
Boo Williams Championship Game Player Profiles (Click Here)
Fresh Faces from Boo Williams (Click Here)
2013
While the California Storm – Team Taurasi did not find its way deep into bracket play last week they offered up some impressive individual performances from several athletes. Easily one of the more impressive efforts came from Oderah Chidom, a 6-3 forward out of Oakland, California. While no stranger to the recruiting circuit, it seems she may have just begun to hit her stride as one of those hard to find true “4’s”. She still has the tools to be an effective threat on the block and not many read with their body like Chidom does. However, there’s a more fluid aspect to her game that has made her into a commodity at the forward spot. Her play is much more confident than in the past and she is comfortable in both looking for and creating her own shots. Her ability to elevate makes those looks at the rim that much more effective and allows her to finish more consistently. She has the speed to get out in transition and run with the guards and the lateral agility to be a strong defender on and off ball. There’s still plenty of work to be done but if last week is a hint of things to come…keep watching.
Kendall Cooper (Carson, Calif.) has shown a steady and constant progression both physically and in her game that has now put her in a position to have a “statement” kind of summer. At 6-3 she has size, strength, mobility and a willingness to use them. Cooper is a much more active player than she’s been in the past and is demonstrating a willingness to work for and create her own shots. There’s a temptation to describe the Team Taurasi standout as blue collar which doesn’t exactly fit her game entirely. It’s more her effort to establish position on the block or off the cut and the way she’s willing to work relentlessly for it. While she’s finishing effectively down low and using the board with both touch and instinct, there still needs to be more consistency in production and finish. Defensively and on the glass all the tools are there for her to be as dominant as she would like to be. To what degree is up to her.
Last summer Shayla Cooper stepped into a void for Essence and played essentially out of position throughout the club season. The impressive thing about that is that she did it well and had some folks thinking forward was the place for her to call home at the next level. Maybe…but then again maybe not. There may not have been a more versatile inside-out player on hand in Hampton and none played with more attack and assertiveness. The 6-1 native of Doraville, Ga. left no doubt that she’s got the game to make an impact on the wing and not just in a small way. The explosive approach to her play allowed her to create off the dribble, cut effectively off screens and give and go situations as well as set the pace in transition running the lanes. While point guard isn’t in her future, the ballhandling is there to get to the rim or to improve passing angles from the elbows or the wing. She elevated well on mid-range jumper and wasn’t hesitant to look for her own options down low or away from the rim. The post up option is still there and the quickness of her reads and attack on the catch make her a difficult match up for defenders big and small. The same approach serves her well defensively and she has the tools to match up at several positions. Could be the sleeper of the class who has already been right in front of everyone’s eyes.
Sometimes a job isn’t work and watching Rebekah Dahlman (Braham, Minn.) over the past several years has hardly qualified as work. The talented 5-8 combo guard has provided an elevated and constant growth to her game that any true basketball aficionado can appreciate. While most may consider her a point she’s just as effective off the ball as a scoring guard. In transition, with or without it, she’s setting the pace and forcing opposing defenses to get back on every possession. With the ball in her hands she can create both her own looks or improve options for her teammates. One aspect that seems to have improved over last year is the efficiency of her pull up. Dahlman reads as she attacks and can stop on a dime and knock down the mid rage shot if it’s the better choice. There’s no hesitancy to give it up and she’s deceptive in looking off her passes which is a real asset with a talented roster like North Tartan is putting on the floor this year. On the defensive end she’s in a stance, dug in and ready to attack both on ball and from the help side. Dahlman is a refined and skilled player who plays with a hardnosed, blue collar approach. It’s a special combination.
Seems it was just a short time ago that Diamond DeShields (Norcross, Ga.) was bursting on to the scene with a breakout performance at the Boo Williams Nike Invitation as an eighth grader. Now she enters her senior year as arguably the most dominant player in the class. Simply put, there are things the 6-2 wing can do that nobody else can even hope to approach. Physically she combines size with not just speed and quickness but also an explosive element that sets her apart from anyone else on the floor. Her vertical lets her play at the rim consistently and that’s something seldom seen on any level of women’s basketball. The versatility is there to work from the perimeter or the forward spot and the skills continue to become more and more refined. There were times last week where she was content to sit back and watch teammates play which isn’t characteristic of high profile impact players of the past. She may just be finding her way with a new group but DeShields is someone you want involved every possession that she’s on the floor. The real compliment that she can be paid is that she has continued to improve and advance her game over the years and has avoided the dreaded “plateau” syndrome that victimizes so many other players on the radar from young ages.
The shame of this article is that I didn’t capture a quality photo to use of the Georgia Metro’s Allisha Gray (Sandersville, Ga.). I wasn’t the only one not to catch the 5-11 guard in action as defenders found it a challenge as well. One of the smoothest backcourt operators in the 2013 class, Gray is picking up right where she left off last summer with some smooth, diverse and effective basketball. The consistency with which she’s shooting the ball is bad news for opponents since she’s already one of the more complete scorers on the high school level. The well-read attack is fun to watch unless you’re sitting on the other bench. She’s demonstrating even more court awareness and utilizing her teammates scoring opportunities to create her own looks as the game goes on. Gray is also showing more active play without the ball making defending her all that much more challenging. In transition she’s making good choices and racked up several assists to go with her scoring production. On the ball defensively she’s physical and aggressive looking to take away options from her match up. There are still times she comes out of her stance on the weak side but the awareness is still there to rotate as needed.
The debate regarding those 6-1 to 6-3 players with perimeter skills is just what position do they play. Jessica Jackson (Jacksonville, Ark.) of the Arkansas Mavericks has had that question mark surrounding her for several years now and the best answer might be multiple positions. It’s true she can handle the ball well can create effectively at times for a player her size. It’s also true that those same skills combined with her size and agility make her an absolute nightmare for any opposing defender at the forward spot. The best answer may well be to play her at the spot that will serve the team best in their effort to get a win. On the wing she’s penetrating more and getting to the rim effectively. There’s even evidence that the missing consistency to her jumper is beginning to come around. As a forward she’s carrying additional strength and attacking in a more physical manner with traffic and contact. Hopefully her college choice will be based on bigger issues and concerns that whether she lines up on the perimeter or inside. Either way she brings plenty to the floor and has the tools to make an impact in any role that she’ll willingly embrace.
While maybe not quite as high profile as some of the other athletes on this list, Victoria Oliver (Manassas, Va.) might be poised to raise her stature among the group. College coaches are always looking to find more than just skills in their guards and this standout from the Fairfax Stars has something to offer. Size is always an asset and physical strength and power are generally seen as commodities as well. At 5-10 she’s got solid height but it’s the build and explosiveness that make defenders more than willing to call a switch off screens as she attacks the rim. Oliver has a good feel and understanding as to how to use her body to create angles as well as protect the ball on her way to the rim. Her jumper appeared sound though she looked more for penetration opportunities than perimeter shots. On the defensive end her physical strength combines with good foot speed and quick hands to put her in a position to catch recruiter’s eyes as a top tier defender if she’ll embraces the role. Worth watching closely.
Tyler Scaife (Little Rock, Ark.) is another who made her first big splash at the Boo Williams Nike Invitational following her eighth grade school season. At that time it was obvious something special was on the horizon and over the past couple of years she’s done nothing to make folks that think they were wrong way back then. Coaches, fans, opponents and sometimes her teammates alike have no idea what’s going to happen when the 5-8 point guard has the ball in her hands. Her individual skills allow her to attack and create both shots and passes almost at will. There are occasions where the shot seems to get top billing but the tradeoff is often worth it considering her scoring aptitude. Both on the break and in halfcourt situations she commands respect not only from her own defender but from every potential helpside rotation that might be needed. The jumper is sound as a spot up but also is dependable as a pull up option. Where she may struggle a bit is what to do without the ball in her hands or how to effectively get open against the face guarding and focus that comes the way of an impact scorer like herself. Her frustration was obvious in a match up with All-Ohio resulting from some stout defense provided by Agler, Mitchell and company. None the less she’s got few peers at the point and should continue to diversify and add to her game as she moves on to the next level.
Hard work, good coaching and experience do a lot to advance an athlete’s game but it’s always nice to see the contributions that Mother Nature makes as well. Brianna Turner (Pearland, Texas) of DFW T-Jack has deservedly held a spot among the class’s elite for several years now but the addition of a little size and some very obvious strength might put her in a position to make an even bolder statement this summer. The 6-3 forward would still be categorized as long and lean but there’s some very visual definition in her arms and legs that will serve her well as the game gets more physical at advanced levels. T-Jack was struggling to find their way with extensive lineup changes from last year but Turner still found a way to look more confident and mature in her play. Working from the high post she offered up some impressive drives which she was able to create with pass and shot fakes as well as a lengthy first step. There’s more assertiveness in looking for the ball and seems to be a realization that she’ll need to be productive for the folks from the Lone Star State to be successful. The added physical presence severs her well in traffic and in handling the contact that comes her way as she penetrates. She’ll have to develop more consistency from the 15 foot range to force closeouts and keep defenders honest. Defensively she showed some impressive anticipation and quick rotations but may still need to use her new found strength in getting stops.
Sydney Umeri (Acworth, Ga.) has steadily advanced her game over the past couple of years and it’s put her among the elite in the 2013 class. Here’s some good news for opponents, she’s still improving and doesn’t appear to be slowing down. One of the first things you notice now is a relentless approach to her play that has the asset of some impressive fitness. Playing as hard and aggressive as this 6-1 forward does necessitates a commitment to conditioning and Umeri doesn’t appear to have taken any time off since the end of her high school season and putting on the Peak Performance uniform. Another aspect of her play that looks sharper is the depth of her perimeter skills. It’s not a lock that she can make a living on the wing but she’s much more versatile in the high post and taking it to the hoop in a way that would put a lot of guards to shame. As she squares up to the rim you can see her eyes reading the floor before she attacks. The skill and effectiveness are still there on the block making it a risk to match up with her with a smaller forward or bigger wing. From the perimeter or on the interior she making some quality feeds when called for as defenses adjust. The physical nature of her play sets Umeri apart from most scholastic players and has her well suited for the next level. Setting screens, hitting the boards of putting a body on somebody defensively seem to be a highlight for her…just as it is for many recruiters watching as well!
The Georgia Metros run to the semifinals wasn’t a fluke as the youth of last summer has become a reality of this year’s squad. One of the eye catching players behind the resurgence is Marqu’es Webb of Hoover, Ala. Few power players across the country perform with the authority that this 6-1 forward brings to the floor. No matter what aspect of her game you look at you’ll find a physical, strong and unabashed approach to getting the job done. Down low she’s quick to attack and does a good job of both sealing and reading her defender. As she’s done in the past, she’s more than willing to drive from the elbow and the first step she uses is on par with many of the top guards in the class despite her physical size. While willing to shoot the perimeter it’s still not the consistent threat she’ll need it to be at the next level to force defenders to follow her away from the rim. On the defensive end there’s still a contentment to defend after her match up has the ball. Webb will look to keep them off the block but does little to deny the entry pass. On the boards she rebounds with complete commitment and effort. Taking it away from her may not worth the price an opponent might pay for mixing things up.
The Central Florida Elite showed some depth and talent while making a run all the way through play on Sunday afternoon. Established and well known guards Taryn Griffey (Windermere, Fla.) and Sydnei McCaskill (Orlando, Fla.) combine for an impressive backcourt but 6-2 forward Ronni Williams (Daytona Beach, Fla.) is the one who’s going to catch your eye if you’re looking for size. Williams has length, speed and quickness to go with some versatile skills. The ability is there to put the ball on the floor and develop her own looks or force defensive adjustments and deliver the sharp pass. Her pull up is lethal and the elevation she gets on it makes it tough to contest. The speed is there to be a factor in transition but she’s just as effective pulling the board and getting it out to those talented guards quickly. What may set Williams apart is her effort to get open off both screens and cuts. She does have moments that she tends to stand but when she’s looking for the ball she’s hard to deny. Defensively she has the wingspan to get tips and touches but will need to apply a more physical approach as her match up gets closer to the rim. Lots of tools and lots of promise.
One of the more impressive and consistent performances in Hampton came from Imani Wright (Texarkana, Texas) of the Arkansas Mavericks. The 6-0 guard was on the attack every possession, every game. However, to call her offensive approach an attack might well be an understatement. On the catch she’s working over her defender with shot fakes, jabs and an explosive first step the inevitably led to a good look at the rim or easy dish inside. Wright has always been assertive and produced results but there’s a more patient approach to her game and it’s obvious she’s reading and reacting to defenses much more effectively. One aspect of the challenge of defending her is the physical build and strength she possesses. Go small and quick and she can take you deep in the paint and make you pay. Throw some size at her and she can blow by or pull up at will for easy looks. Either way it’s obvious that Wright has evolved into one of the more versatile offensive threats in the class with the potential to be an asset to almost any colligate roster.
2014
Another member of Team-Taurasi that had plenty of moments last week was 6-1 combo guard Gabby Green (Oakland, Calif.). While an ankle injury detoured the impressive start she had to last summer she appears ready to step up and prove that her place among the 2014 elite is well warranted. Green has impressive skills and instincts to go with her size and athleticism making her a challenging match up for any opponent. Her vision and passing make her a threat anytime she has the all but the ability to score it herself is becoming more and more prevalent in her offensive repertoire. She called on and knocked down several pull ups that were impressive both in transition and off penetration. There’s still a slight hesitancy to attack the rim with abandon that may be residual to last summer’s injury, but the potential is obvious to do so if and when she chooses. That same size and agility give her the tools to be an impact defender. On ball she can take away vision and has the lateral speed to cut off quicker and smaller match ups. On the weak side she sees the floor and has the ability not just to rotate but to make picks as well. A full summer should see her advance her game and status tremendously.
If by now you haven’t seen Kelsey Mitchell (Cincinnati, Ohio) play, then you haven’t been watching closely. The ultra-dynamic 5-8 combo guard for All Ohio has the ability dominate the floor and do so in a way that has even opponents shaking their heads. With the ball in her hands she can create shots, sharp passes and raised eye brows. The stroke and range are there to force a tight close out which in turn comes with a steep price. She can get to the rim and slash through traffic as effectively as any player on the high school level. Cheat even a little bit and she makes you pay with a step back jumper that works for her clear out to 20 feet. In short she’s a defender’s worst nightmare. Don’t underestimate her at the other end either. Mitchell is quick and aggressive as an on ball defender and anticipates effectively on the weak side and in pressing situations. The overlooked asset that serves her best may well be a competitive streak that seems to be unaware of score, time and situation…something her peers might want to take note of.
The power game seems to be evolving as the next big thing that recruiters are looking for and the Georgia Metros have the market cornered with their interior game. We mentioned Marqu’es Webb earlier but you can’t talk about her and ignore 6-2 running mate Nasheema Oliver (Cordele, Ga.). Looks are often deceiving and those underestimating this talented post are making a mistake. Her ball skills are sharp and allow her to create her own looks around the rim with a consistent finish. Additionally, she’ll look to develop shots rather than just settle for what the defense is willing to concede her. On the catch she’s attacking quickly and is just as adept dropping it off to a teammate as she is at taking it to the rim. Oliver has surprisingly good hands and pulls in wayward passes as well snagging more than her share of rebounds on both ends. On the defensive boards she’s a great trigger to the transition game with her quick and frequent down floor outlet passes. Like Webb she’s often content to play behind defensively and contest on the catch which can often lead to unnecessary fouls. Conditioning will be an asset for her to advance her game and make the most of the promise she’s showing.
Jatarie White (Charlotte, Va.) may well be one of the premier posts on the high school level today, but last weekend’s performance was not her best. Don’t get ahead of me here; it wasn’t that she didn’t play well. It’s more of a case that with the great strides she showed last summer you begin to expect more and more from the talented 6-4 standout each time out. Few combine the size and strength that she has with the speed and agility she also brings to the floor. In that light you begin to expect her to be a factor on virtually every play at both ends. On the catch around the rim she has the ability to get a bucket, get a foul or to get both at any point in time. Coming away with nothing should never be an option. Her mobility makes her a threat off the cut from the high post or coming block to block down low. This Boo Williams roster has new faces and a very different look that will need to find its way as the summer goes on. If White can provide the dominant play she demonstrated last summer and continues to advance her consistency they may be a team to watch closely down the homestretch in July.
Last but certainly not least, you can’t write about this year’s Boo Williams Nike Invitational without including A’ja Wilson (Hopkins, S.C.) of the Palmetto 76er’s. This 6-4 wing/forward may not have played in the top division of the event but everything about her game was top tier…and then some. A lefty, she combines length, athleticism and a deep skill set that should put her on par with any other player in the 2014 class. Her ball skills are refined and allow her to create on the break or attack in the half court. She reads the floor and defenders exceptionally well and is more than capable of delivering the ball when called for. She’s just as content to slash and pass as she is to take the shot herself. Wilson’s own scoring comes at the rim, from a soft floater or with an effective pull up that serves her well out to 15 feet. Her athleticism provides an explosive first step, an elevated vertical and the speed to run the floor with even the quickest of guards. The wingspan makes her a challenging defender and combined with quick lateral speed she becomes a real asset in pressing and trapping situations. If a recruiter isn’t interested in a player like Wilson they’re not interested in staying in the profession for long.
