FRANKLIN, Ohio—The NCAA may have mandated a 10 day hiatus in the July evaluation period for the D-I recruiters but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of basketball still being played. The first annual USJN Rising Blue Star Nationals had the sights set on the “next generation” and ultimately brought teams together for a two day event in Southwestern Ohio. Players representing 12 different states and Canada in the 2018 – 2022 classes took part in tournament destined to become a staple among the expansive and highly regarded USJN line-up. Pool play led to four teams being claiming division crowns and 40 players were selected for All – Star recognition. For complete results, a list of participants, All – Stars and more, follow the link below to the USJN post event page.
http://www.usjn.com/xtm_post_event_new.php?which=338
At these ages no player is the proverbial “lock” for any future level of play or recruitment. Our observations are always tempered an appreciation of both physical and basketball growth yet to come. Hopefully, objective parents and coaches will take them in the way they are intended. That being said, here are some “quickhitters” on a few of the promising young prospects on hand that are building or adding to their recruiting resumes.
Destiny Bohanon – 2019 – 5-7 – Guard – We Got Game – Active…Ball skills…Penetrates…Some speed…Decent form…Makes plays
Caily Bolser – 2020 – 6-3 – Post – Indiana’s Best – Nice size and length…Lefty…Runs the floor…Solid vision and passing…15 footer
Kaye Clark – 2019 – 5-7 – Guard – Milwaukee Spartans – Athletic guard with speed…Can go coast to coast…Quick hands…Strong on ball defender…Tools
Molly Davis – 2019 – 5-7 – Point Guard – Michigan Select – Strong ball skills…Sees the floor…Good understanding of the game…Active with and without the ball…Creates her opportunities
Nevaeh Dean – 2020 – 5-111 – Forward – Cincinnati Angels – Physically strong and cut…Evolving offensive skills…Assertive on the boards…Rough edges
Kailia Dudukovich – 2021 – 5-10 – Wing / Guard – Cincinnati’s Finest – Length…Strong ballhandling on the drive…Good form…Works well in traffic…Watch closely
Uju Ezeudu – 2019 – 5-11 – Forward – Cap City Stars – Size and build…Smooth and physical…Can put it on the floor to a degree…Hits the boards…Needs consistency…Potential
Ariana Frazier 2020 – 5-10 – 5-10 – Forward – Maryland Belles – Size and build…Lots of physical tools…Agility…Wingspan on defense…Basketball skills don’t match physical skills yet
Sawyer Freeland – 2019 – 5-8 – Guard – Virginia Spectrum – Solid guard…Ballhandling skills…Creates and improves passes…Makes plays
Rain Green – 2020 – 5-3 – Point Guard – Maryland Belles – Quick and creating guard…Crossover…Ball control…Sharp passing off the drive…Floater…Spot up with range
Saniah Hardison – 2020 – 5-9 – Wing / Guard – Wisconsin Playground – Fluid athlete…Can put it on the floor to a degree…Mid-range form is there…Speed on defense
Maci Heimlich – 2018 – 5-6 – Combo – Indiana’s Best – Gets to the rim…Handles the ball…Pushes it in transition…Sees the floor
Sadie Hill – 2018 – 5-11 – Forward – Indiana Flight Storm – Strong, aggressive forward…Can finish inside…Works well in the high post…Hits the glass…Not afraid to mix it up
Malea Jackson – 2019 – 5-6 – Guard – Indy Gym Rats – Athletic guard…Has range…Active with and without the ball…Defends
Shania Jackson – 2019 – 5-3 – Point Guard – Illinois Meanstreets – Small but attacking point guard…Can get deep in the paint…Distributes off penetration…Develops options
Gracie Johnson – 2019 – 5-2 – Point Guard – Indiana Flight 13 – Tiny but skilled…Handles the ball on the break or in the halfcourt…Strong on ball defender
Moira Joiner – 2019 – 5-8 – Combo – Michigan Select – Athletic guard…Good strength…Pushes it in transition…Crossover…Change of speed and direction
JoJo Lacey – 2020 – 6-0 – Forward – Philadelphia Belles – Size and length…Nice athleticism…Smooth and fluid with the ball…Strength will come…Lots of tools
Shannan Mitchell – 2019 – 5-10 – Forward – Illinois Meanstreets – Has some length…Good athleticism…Mid-range jumper…Slashes on short drives…Potential to be a strong defender
Gabbie Marshall – 2019 – 5-6 – Point Guard – Cincinnati Premier Heat – Continues to evolve…Creates off the dribble…Reads and understands defensive rotations…Form and touch keeps defenders honest…Willing to share it
Delaney Richason – 2019 – 6-1 – Forward / Post – Indy Gym Rats – Good size and build…Active…Understands the game…Passes it well…Could look for her own more often
Sydnee Roby – 2019 – 6-2 – Post – Milwaukee Spartans – College Size and build…Physically strong…Posts big…Quick attack on the catch…Touch is still evolving…All the tools to develop
Maddie Scherr – 2020 – 5-7 – Guard – Shining Star Sports – Active guard…Ballhandling and passing in place…Crossover is effective…Pull up
Kayana Traylor – 2018 – 5-8 – Point Guard – Indiana Flight Storm – Aggressive and attacking with the ball…Reads and sets up her passes…Can finish in traffic…Shot selection at times is ??
Madeline Westbeld – 2020 – 5-10 – Forward – We Got Next – Size and build…Smart, measured play…Sees the floor…Evolving ballhandling and passing…Gets out in transition
