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Young and Restless In D.C.

WASHINGTON , D.C. – Young players definitely left their mark at this year’s USJN 17U Championships, it was common to see head coaches sitting on multiple games that featured high school underclassmen and middle school prospects. Not only did these players shine, but many did so against much older competition. Here is a look a just a few of the players who turned in noteworthy performances.

After sitting out the first half of July resting an injury 6-0 Megan Walker (BWSL 15 Elite) showed why she is one of the most highly regarded recruits in the 2017 class. At 6-0, the Chesterfield, VA native is a player who is capable of putting up numbers in every statistical category. She carries herself with a great deal of maturity on the court, no matter the situation she remains focused and competitive. Walker’s ability to score the basketball from anywhere on the floor and defend multiple positions has BCS conferences ready to offer her a scholarship before she has played a varsity high school game.

6-3 Janeen Camp put in a stellar performance in the paint for BWSL Richmond 14 2016. Camp is fully vested in being a true back-to-the-basket post, who thrives on the physical play down in the trenches. She has good balance, great hands and nice variety of moves on the block. Camp is a tough defender and works hard to hold her space while rebounding and block shots. She also has the ability to run the floor in transition and beat her defender down court.

After evaluating Team Takeover 15’s Amira Collins several times over the last six months it is safe to say that her growth as basketball player has been exponential . A solid 6-3 this 2018 prospect had college coaches checking their rosters to make sure her grade wasn’t a typo. Collins runs the floor like a guard and she is very comfortable handling the ball with both hands. She is active on defense getting off her feet to rebound, block shots and has the lateral footwork to defend on the perimeter. Her ability to face the basket and score from the elbow or short-corner makes her a match-up problem for slower post defenders. Although she is still a year away from starting her high school career, she as established herself as one of the top prospects in the 2018 class.

Kaila Charles had a chance to show scouts what folks around the Beltway have been buzzing about after leading her high school to the Maryland state semi-finals. The Prymetime Select wing is a legitimate 6-footer, strong and athletic she has the perfect basketball build. Her explosive leaping ability allow her to create havoc on defense, she can pick off passes in flight like a football safety. Offensively, Charles will keep opponents off balance because she can shoot from beyond the arc or create off the dribble. With her skill set expect her to be a high on several major DI recruiting lists.

2017 Sydney Lowery showed that she is a player to watch as a college prospect. The Philadelphia Belles 14 shooting guard is a natural scorer who understands how to create space to get her shot off while closely guard. Lowery has an ultra-quick first step and tight ball handle skills that allow her to get by even the best defenders. Her shot selection will improve with age but right now she clearly has all the tools to play at the next level.

Competing in the Diamond bracket with Midwest Elite 17 2016s Kysre Gondrezick and Ali Andrews played with a great deal of poise and maturity. Gondrezick did a nice job as a combo guard, letting the game come to her and making good decisions with the basketball. Andrews is mobile at 6-1 and understands how to move without the play, she was very efficient with her ability to score from the high post.

Quick Hitters

Autumn Newby – 2017 – 6-2 Forward – GA Metros 15 (GA) – athletic forward does a nice job hitting the o-boards

Musharapha Alhassan – 2017 – 6-4 Center – Team Sol Elite (DC) – long and lanky runs the floor like a guard…natural shot blocker…tons of potential
 
Jayla Packs-Jones – 2016 – 6-3 Forward – NY Exodus (NY) – explosive player with huge wing span…excels in transition and push the ball in the open court
 
Becca Turney – 2016 – 6-3 Center – Drill For Skill 14 (PA) – good hands and fundamentals in the post…works well in half court sets…attention to conditioning
 
Gadiva Hubbard – 2016 – 5-8 Shooting Guard – BWSL Richmond 14 (VA) – offensive threat…excellent mid-range game…good shot selection
 
Taya Robinson – 2017 – 5-8 Point Guard – BWSL 15 Elite (VA) – plays with her head up…can make plays while moving at full speed…lots of tools
 
Jasmine Taylor – 2016 – 5-11 Wing – Fairfax Stars 15 (VA) – dynamic athlete who is just scratching the surface…ball handling and left hand skills have improved…one to keep an eye on
 
Niya Beverly -2017 – 5-8 Point Guard – Team Takeover 15 (MD) – great set of intangibles as a true point guard…understands how to keep teammates involved while creating her own scoring opportunities

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Lisa Bodine is a national evaluator for Blue Star Media. A native of Queens, N.Y., she began her coaching career in 1993 with the NY Gazelles and has coached with D.C.-based Team Unique, as well as several high school programs. During her 30 years as a club and high school coach "The Godmother" has mentored many of the top players in the Mid-Atlantic region. Bodine runs The Godmother Sports Foundation which assists young athletes in need.

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