LOS ANGELES, Calif.—For the sixth consecutive year USJN offered up the California Classic during the NCAA Spring Evaluation period. With all the action under one roof and over 60 college coaches on hand the event provided some great exposure for both teams and individuals.
One of the clubs that offered up a strong lineup was the Wiggins Waves. Coco Miller is a versatile guard that can score a variety of ways. Andee Ritter and Taylor Pierce are dead eye shooters while Megan House and Sabrina Callahan provide solid play up front. Impressive 2016 Mai-loni Henson is a certain future star being able to handle both the point guard position and the wing.
Cal Swish Black brought a strong team to the tournament as well. Brooke Johnson a 5′ 11″ combo displayed strong handles and decision making while pushing the ball. Dominique Wheatley attacked the basket with a lot of effectiveness. Kandyce Smith displayed the versatility of slashing as well as pulling up for mid-range shots. Jayde Woods, a 2016, will have a very bright future as her body gets stronger. Of course, 2014 UConn commit Courtney Ekmark displayed her usual steady shooting and heady team play.
Mariah Middleton playing for Cal stars 17 showed a lot of athleticism and got to the cup very well. Raja Woods, from Corona Force demonstrated tremendous ability in hawking the ball defensively. Esther Franks, from the Long Beach Lady Rams demonstrated an all-around game as a 2016 that would almost make her a lock to be a future star at a high level.
To see the entire post event page for the 2013 California Classic – Click Here ( http://www.usjn.com/xtm_post_event_new.php?which=184 )
Cal Sparks Spring Event Highlights
Without a doubt the high point of the day was having a chance to see 6’3″ freshman Janessa Thropay from Salesian Force Elite. Janessa has athleticism, the ability to bring the ball up the court, can shoot it from the perimeter and for good measure has sharp footwork in the post. As you watch Janessa operate on the court you can’t help be reminded of an emerging Nicole Powell sequel. The Salesian also had a nice mix of role players that supported Janessa’s performance including Jasmine Jacobs physical presence and Kylie Fujioka’s effort down low.
The Stockton Mustangs brought a strong team to Mater Dei fielding at least five legitimate Division I players. Tiara Tucker, a University of San Francisco commit, leads the Mustangs with great speed in transition and tremendous defensive pressure. Alejandra Cephas and Raky’ra Gabriel both provide a lot of length and versatility. Ariana Vaughn can defend many positions and brings a lot of energy at both ends. Halie Schumarcher provided steady play at the guard position.
The Cal Sparks 2017 Blue had their share good young players. Two standouts were Kyra Brady and Camille Hailey. Bradley played the point guard position and did a tremendous job of playing both ends of the floor by providing great pressure on the ball defensively and also by pushing the ball hard in transition. Hailey displayed tremendous balance in her game. She demonstrated an ability to score in a variety of ways, played good team ball and offered up some solid defense.
