This year’s Blue Chip Basketball USA Invitational NCAA certified event was held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa. and Competitive Edge Sports, King of Prussia.
Over 210 college coaches and scouting services were on hand to take in the action on 24 courts and evaluate in excess of 2,500 players. Pools play was the approach for the day 264 teams competed for titles in four divisions; Platinum, Bronze, Silver and Gold.
On Monday afternoon the tournament wrapped up with the Gaucho’s Elliot from N.J., as the winner of the Platinum bracket. They were well represented by standout 6-1 Sierra Calhoun of Christ the King. Calhoun is a smooth wing that attacked the rim with authority and flew down the court to capitalize in transition. Already recognized as a top tier player nationwide, she left many in awe after watching her game.
Also from the Gaucho’s Elliott, Zaire O’Neal from Malcolm X Shabazz was entertaining many courtside. The 6’1 power forward exploded off the dribble and spread the wealth by dishing off to her teammates when stopped. Her strength and desire to score was evident as many a times she finished the shot with defenders hanging all over her.
The Unity Wildcats from N.Y. came up short against the Guachos. Anna Ross, a 5-8 point from the Wildcats and West hill high school, took advantage of her quick crossover and repeatedly got into the paint. She also found her teammates in plenty of situations and looked up the court for the long pass in transition. Ross was a tough competitor throughout the tournament.
Finishing the weekend in third place of the Platinum Bracket I division was the Rival Whites from R.I. Davida Dale, a 5’11 wing, caught the eye of many. From LaSalle Academy, Dale is a tremendous athlete who attacked the rim on many occasions for the finish. She also created with her explosiveness and got herself open for the shot. Not just an offensive player, she also helped her team out on the defensive end as well.
More information on the tournament and all platinum I bracket finals can be found on: http://www.bluechipbasketball.com/tournament_files/post_events/Platinum%201700.pdf
2014
Khaleann Caron-Goudrea is a 6-3 center for Athletiques of Canada. On the perimeter she shot fakes and drives. A physical player who works hard to get it done, she also rebounds and can handle in the open court. Has a great upside.
Her sister Audrey-Ann Caron-Goudrea is also 6-3 and runs the floor well. She used moves inside the paint and was persistent in her efforts to score. The ability to drive is there and she looks to kick it to her sister for the “3”.
A 6-0 Guard / Forward from Connecticut Cobra’s Hill team and Rham HS, Sarah Veilleux is a versatile player. She has good range and is effective on the drive or will also use the pull up from the perimeter when stopped. Her moves to the hoop are strong and she shows she can finish in traffic.
Ken Parnam‘s Riverside Hawks Gold U17 team had a strong group and finished 5th in their respective pool. Kiersten West, a 5-9 guard from Longwood HS, proved to others she was a scorer. Attacking the baseline off the drive, West got to the free throw line many times. Then just to change things up she exploited options on the perimeter and took the three point shot.
A complimentary forward on the Hawks Gold was Makeda Nicholas from North Babylon. At 6-1 and a proven shot blocker, Nicholas ran the floor and used her athleticism to finish as well.
2015
Alana Gilmer is a 6-0 forward from Archbishop William HS and Bay State Magic Elite U16. Gilmer showcased her athleticism and knowledge of the game. On one possession she would drive and dish, then on another she would post up get the ball back and finish. Defensively she was altering the shots of her opponents.
Gauchos Elliott Stephanie Jones Loomis Chaffee challenged many a defenders by knocking down the 3 pt shot with hands in her face. When guarded tight this quick 5-6 guard would then drive to the rim tight for the finish.
Aliyah Jeune is also a Gaucho who attends Life Academy. Her size at 6-0 combines with athleticism and skill allow her to create space to get open looks. She is a confident player who will not hesitate to take the perimeter shot at long range.
2016
Theresa Ekheliar of Woodbridge HS and the Gaucho’s Elliott has great size, athleticism and energy. She runs the court well for 6-5 and dominates paint play with her ability to keep the ball alive with a rebound and finish off the glass. Ekheliar has face up range out to about 15 feet.
Brianna Herlihy plays hard and with intensity for Braintree Bay State Magic Elite U16. She’s fast and handles it well in the open court. Solid player at 6-0 who is aggressive and is determined to own the boards.
Jayla Jones of Pack St. Anthony’s makes the game difficult for opponents with her 6-3 presence on the court. She can score around the hoop and block the shots of others.
