MASON, Ohio—The first annual USJN Queen City Challenge provided a glimpse of a promising future. A future for a solid, well run addition to the USJN roster of over 35 events and a future of very promising young prospects in the Midwest. The lineup last weekend featured 32 teams from Ohio, Indiana and Illinois as well as one Canadian program from north of the border.
The older divisions offered up some solid individual play but the real depth across the board could be found among the younger players on hand. Courts 4 Sports was the site for all the action over two days that saw the Cincinnati Angels take top honors among the 16 / 17’s while Cincinnati’s Finest (Starks) grabbed the very competitive younger division by virtue of an exciting overtime championship win versus the Wolves 15 Elite.
For results and the post event page visit USJN at:
http://www.usjn.com/xtm_post_event_new.php?which=217
Here’s a look at some of the performances that stood out last weekend. Check back with Blue Star Media later in the week for some more Queen City standouts from Jessica Bogia
Go Big or Go Home
The name Coffee is synonymous with the Dayton Hoopstars as in long time program director and head coach John Coffee. However another family member is making more and more noise in the gym. Niece Shannon Coffee (Centerville, Ohio – Dayton Hoopstars), a 6-5 2015 post, is slowly but steadily evolving into an interior presence that college recruiters like more and more. The Centerville High School standout has worked hard at her fitness level and it shows both physically and in her play. A lot of things are still somewhat mechanical at this point but her decisions and attack are gradually gaining more fluidity and occurring more as a reaction than thought. While the size and frame are there, the footwork and explosiveness will have to come along to capitalize fully on her potential. One deceiving aspect to Coffee’s game is her ability and effort in running the floor. If she’s not grabbing the board and making the outlet, she’s getting out quickly and forcing defenders to find her in transition.
If you haven’t seen Tori McCoy (Champaign, Ill. – Central Illinois Storm) get ready for your “Holy (insert word of your choice)” moment. This physical and explosive post offers up a game with possibilities on par with any of her peers in the 2016 class. A legitimate 6-4 with eye catching athleticism and the wingspan of a California Condor, McCoy can, and does, make plays at both ends of the floor. She has the speed to run with the guards, the physical strength to mix it up on the block and a vertical that should require FAA clearance. There’s some surprising ballhandling in place which was exploited off both blocked shots and steals while converting on the ensuing break. Playing for St. Thomas Moore and USJN’s Chris Mennig in Champaign, she can finish at the rim and showed off a mid-range jumper that served her well. The form is there to be effective deeper on the perimeter with a sincere focus and commitment to extensive repetitions. Defensively she anticipates well off the ball and closes quickly on the catch. While her blocks can be dramatic and an impact, she occasionally will end up out of position, susceptible to penetration or on the bench in foul trouble. The only limits she faces are those she imposes on herself.
Cincinnati’s Finest 14’s coached by Keith Starks offer up a deep roster of prospects from the class of 2018 that should have plenty of college recruiters booking trips to the Buckeye State for some time to come. Anchoring the interior for this talented crew is 6-1 forward Bexley Wallace (Pickerington, Ohio – Cincinnati’s Finest). Sporting a frame with good length, she has tremendous mobility that she uses with her very active play at both ends of the floor. Offensively she’s efficient inside and throughout the paint but stepped out to knock down some extended looks as well. What stands out for an athlete of her age is her ability to read and make decisions rather than just having her mind made up regardless of what the defense offers. There may be the promise of perimeter play down the road. Several occasions saw Wallace catch and attack off the dribble leading to both pull up and lay up options. The speed is in place to be there on the break but more often than not she’s the trigger off her strong rebounding efforts. There was no hesitation to avoid physical play and she can more than hold her ground when the shot goes up. On the weakside she does get caught watching either her match up or the ball extensively making her vulnerable to cuts or delayed rotations at times.
Often from a recruiting perspective you evaluate more on the promise a player offers than her actual performance. Rebekah Justice (Cincinnati, Ohio – Wolves 15 Elite) wasn’t without her moments over the weekend but the stat sheet or a scouting report wouldn’t have her as a headliner…yet. At 6-4 this 2017 post has the size and frame that’s going to catch the eye of anyone knowledgeable walking into the gym. While her build is thicker at this point than it will be as she matures, she gets up and down the floor with surprising speed. Justice has a first step that is also deceptive and should serve her well down the road as her game evolves. On the catch she keeps it high and her offensive repertoire, while currently rough edged, shows exposure to coaching and the wiliness to embrace it. Her role in each game varied as did her playing time, but the effort was there. She’ll need to find a consistency in her play to be an impact contributor in more situations, but plenty of tools and that “promise” is already in place.
When you’ve been nationally ranked in your class from day one and entering your final club ball season, expectations are high. Alyssa Rice (Reynoldsburg, Ohio – Cincinnati Angels) carries the burden of those expectations, a looming recruiting decision, a new club team and some tendonitis aggravating her Achilles. While some rest and therapy alleviated the tendonitis, the other issues, as well as her own high standards still take the floor with her each time out. While far from her best weekend, Rice (Blue Star #21) still showed flashes of the play that has her among the nation’s best in any rankings you’ll find. Appearing physically stronger and seemingly more willing to use it, it’s obvious the Reynoldsburg High product is getting closer and closer to that “college ready” label. On the boards and defensively she plays an experienced and smart game. It’s offensively that there are still steps to be taken. Make no mistake, she can exploit and capitalize on anything the defense gives her and finish effectively in doing so. At the same time, it’s the one on one situations and the opportunities to “create” her own looks that have yet to offer up consistent productivity. It was obvious on several occasions that the focus and effort are there and helping to expand her attack. Bad news for defenders.
Meanwhile, In the Backcourt
While Bexley Wallace was taking care of business inside for Keith Starks, 2018 Ravin Alexander (Cincinnati, Ohio – Cincinnati’s Finest 14) was making an impact at the point. Though just 5-3, Alexander’s impact in the championship game was equal to someone at least a foot taller. Physically strong and cut, she combined a low center of gravity and an explosive first step to get past on ball defenders at will. On penetration she was able to create her own looks as well as improve those of her teammates. Her ability to read and decision making are sharp for someone who’s yet to reach the high school level. There was no hesitation crashing into the bigs and getting to the line but she also called upon a reliable floater on several occasions. That same first step served her well laterally on the ball and made her a challenging defender for opponents. Her strength compensated for size at times but may not be enough down the road without Mother Nature’s help.
More often than not size on younger teams is pigeon holed into the post. Standing a very long 6-0, 2017 Alexah Crissman (Greendale, Ind. – Indiana Flight 14) demonstrated some solid ballhandling and passing skills as well as the instincts that allowed her to use them effectively. Her first step is lengthy and keeps defenders of all sizes sealed from recovering and begging for help. She does a good job of recognizing defensive shifts and making the appropriate decisions with the ball. Crissman can finish when she gets to the rim and even offered up a couple of pull ups as helpside rotated her way. While many aspects of her game and her physical stature are advanced, her perimeter shot is a step or two behind. The release is low and off the shoulder to a degree and not really going hand in hand with the level of her other skills. At the other end she’ll get in a stance and uses her length to her advantage in contesting and deflecting passes. The lean build takes a beating at times but shouldn’t be an issue as time and biology do their thing. Lots of promise.
While the Cincinnati Angels were taking top honors in the older division, their 14’s were turning heads among the younger competition. While it would be easy to single out any one of many on their talented roster, Julia Jenike (Bethel, Ohio – Cincinnati Angels 14) stood out consistently. A 2016, 5-8 combo guard, Jenike is in constant motion at both ends of the floor. Her ball skills are sharp and help her create a variety of looks. The form and range are there to keep defenders honest but she can attack off the dribble on the break or in the halfcourt. A real strength is her active play without the ball keeping defenders on task and exploiting those relaxing even for a moment. Defensively she’s active as well but occasionally will take a few chances leaving her out of position. Her game is in the mold of 2013 standout Alexa Middleton of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Don’t get me wrong, that level is well beyond her at this point, but her style of play and a couple of more years could take her a long way.
All too often folks are quick to underestimate some athletes on their appearance. At first look, Randa Harshbarger (St. Thomas Moore – Philo, Ill.) is not likely to intimidate or cause a lack of sleep for anyone. However, as an opponent, make that mistake and you’ll pay dearly. This 5-4 point guard virtually defines the word “productive”. She can run the show, create shots and passes plus scores effectively in a variety of ways. Utilizing refined individual skills, she can get a defender out of their stance and create numbers situations even in the halfcourt. Her efficient use of a change of speed is on par with anything you could want from a point guard. Play off of her and she’ll knock down the long ball. Close out too tight and she’ll get inside calling on both a pull up or deadly floater. Harshbarger is assertive defensively and anticipates well in cutting and turning ballhandlers. She’s not going to overpower you, but there’s way more speed and quickness than you might think making her a threat off ball as well. Definitely not a book to be judged by her cover.
