HAMPTON, VA. The 1st Annual Boo Williams Elite 64 was filled with a lot of young intriguing talented young ladies in grades 6-9. The Boo Williams Complex was the perfect venue for tournament director and trainer Nadine Domond to host such an event. I had the opportunity to watch most the teams and here are the players that stood out above the rest.
2019
I try on a whole not to write about a young prospect this early in their career but Ashley Owusu (PSPA 13U Elite) drew my attention by playing up 2 years. Owusu played a stellar all-around game. The 5-5 Owusu likes to attack off the dribble, with either hand, looking to create contact and finish in traffic. She also showed the willingness to manufacturer her shot by attacking off the bounce as well as consistently draining the spot up jumper and three pointers. Owusu did a great job of pushing the ball up the floor on made and missed baskets. When the other team made a run to cut into the lead, Owusu calmly drained several big buckets and converted back-to-back steals into points, putting the game out of reach. Owusu played aggressive at both end of the court and has a knack for being around the ball. She dropped several timely dimes in crunch time as well. She rebounds well for her position. Owusu has all the tools to be a big time point guard. Owusu has BCS conference potential written all over her game.
2018
If you’re looking for an athletic all-around player that plays the game the way it is supposed to be played, then 6-0 Xaria Wiggins (Lady Neptunes) is your prospect. She has a solid body with long arms that take up space in the lane. Wiggins plays a very aggressive game at both ends of the court. She has a nice low-post game and finishes well in the paint or gets to the line where she is a good free-throw shooter. Wiggins also showed that she has a smooth face-up game. She used her long arms and good leaping ability to dominant the boards and push the ball up the floor. Defensively, Wiggins defended the low post and perimeter extremely well with a fearless, reckless abandon, blocking several shots. Wiggins has a tremendous upside a BCS caliber prospect.
Journey Muhammad (NC Spartans) a North Carolina native, has a game resembles that of former Tar Heel and current WNBA star Ivory Latta. The 5-3 Muhammad can flat out score the rock she knocked down multiple 3 pointers as well getting buckets attacking the paint finishing in traffic. Muhammad also showed that she can stroke the midrange shot. She also rebounds well for her position. Muhammad made several key baskets in a highly contested game. Muhammad is a very strong on ball defender and she anticipates and jumps passing lanes extremely well. Muhammad pressured her opponent into several turnovers. She also did a great job of running the show and creating opportunities for teammates. Muhammad has a very smooth game that will draw the attention of several BCS schools.
2017
Maya Caldwell (NC Spartans) the 5-11 athletic forward played a solid all-around game. Caldwell likes to attack off the dribble with either hand looking to create contact and finish in traffic. She also showed the willingness to manufacturer her shot by attacking off the bounce as well as consistently draining the spot up jumper. At 5-10 Caldwell used her long arms to rebound well at both ends of the floor. Caldwell’s long athletic frame and quickness helped her play solid defensively. Caldwell played aggressive at both end of the court and has a knack for being around the ball. With continued development has a chance to be a solid DI prospect.
2016
Solid post players that can run floor and have an array of moves are rare and are in huge demand. Tyra Whitehead (BWSL Richmond), a 6-2 post, fits the bill for all of the above and will be a good get come signing day. Whitehead played extremely well she was a low post presence at both ends of the floor. She has a really strong low post game which is a nice blend of athleticism and power. Whitehead rebounds extremely well with the ability to put the ball on the floor and she does a great job initiating the fast break. I really loved Whitehead’s aggressiveness and toughness tends to play with a chip on her shoulders. BCS caliber potential.
Taylor Edwards (BWSL Donahoo) is a feisty crafty 5-9 point guard that does all the intangibles that all coaches love. She handles the rock like it’s a part of her hands. Edwards pushed the ball up the floor and did an excellent job against pressure. Edwards also attacked the rim; and either produced in the paint or dropped dimes to her teammates. Edwards also displayed a nice mid-range touch. Defensively, she aggressively defended the opponents point guard forcing them into multiple turnovers. Edwards likes the physical aspects of the game and uses them to her advantage. Simply put, she finds a way to make plays to help her team win. Edwards is an attacking point guard with a knack for making big plays. The only piece that I didn’t see was a 3 point stroke. That withstanding Edwards is still a definite BCS prospect.
At 6-2 Janeen Camp (BWSL Richmond) has long arms with a college body, ran the floor well and was active at both ends of the floor. She rebounded well grabbing the ball at the highest point. Offensively, she has good foot work and has a few effective post moves but needs to continue to work on low post game. Camp did finish well in the paint. Defensively, Camp defended and patrolled the paint blocking shots and altering others. Camp has a huge upside and has a chance to be a is a solid DI prospect.
