Another event from Martin Luther King Weekend

MONTGOMERY, Ala.–Its January and midway through the girl’s high school basketball season, so that could only mean one thing, well actually two things.  Time to split some gym time between the neighboring states of Alabama and Georgia to cover two of the deep south’s premiere hoop events, The MLK Day Classic in Montgomery, Alabama and the second annual Krossover Classic in Lawrenceville, Georgia.  These events boasted some heavy hitters on and off the court.  On the court the talent was full of potential and hopeful ballers including the likes of “Zippy” Broughton and Tykeria Williams who we recently profiled on Blue Star Media. Plenty of college recruiters and evaluators joined the crowd as well to catch all the action.  Below you will find some of the stand out performers from both events.

Brinae Alexander – 2018 – 5-11 – Forward – Riverdale – (TN)

Alexander is a true workhorse.  She works the paint to her advantage, getting good post position which leads to high percentage scoring opportunities.  Strong on the face-up and dribble drive to the basket.  Hits the boards on both ends of the court hard and effectively.

Bernicia Ballard – 2018 – 6-3 – Forward/Center / Tierra Davis – 2019 – Forward/Center – Sidney Lanier – (AL)

These two ladies mirror one another with their style of play and abilities.  They both are decent paint defenders that hold their own by not making unnecessary fouls.  They keep rebounds high away from smaller players, and transition from end to end fairly well.  Ballard has a little better foot movement on defense but, both are ones to watch.

Kahyanne Bolton – 2018 – 5-8 – Guard – Thompson – (AL)

Bolton is a good defender who defends very well all over the floor.  Nice ball handler who leads the break and dishes at the right time putting teammates in the right position to score.  She moves well without the ball getting to the open spot to get her shot. Penetrates and get to the bucket off the dribble.

Aryiah Copeland – 2017 – 6-3 – Center – Columbus – (AL)

She moves well in and around the paint.  Possesses strength and is strong near the basket.  Hits offensive boards and delivers excellent outlet passes to get the break going.  Above average offensive player who has no problem scoring around the basket.  Good defensive rebounder also.

Alexus Dye – 2017 – 6-0 – Forward/Center – Wenonah – (AL)

Plays well with her back to the bucket and finishes well in traffic.  She has soft hands, for catching the dimes that her teammates drop on her.  Good rebounder on both ends of the floor and quality paint defender.  Runs the floor and transitions from end to end of the court well.

Katherine Fourie – 2019 – 5-8 – Guard – Mountain View – (GA)

Fourie is active on both ends of the court.  On offense she is constantly moving, running the baseline, cutting backdoor, and coming off screens.  All of this movement has to take its toll on her defenders but, doesn’t seem to bother her.  She’s an excellent long range shooter who can knock them down in bunches.  She dropped eight long range bombs on her opponents.  On defense she’s aggressive all over the court with good food speed and movement.

Anastasia Hayes – 2017 – 5-7 – Point Guard – Riverdaie – (TN)

Cat quick with the handles to go along with it.  Good passer with good court awareness.  Gets out and gets to the bucket on the break finishing strong at the hoop.

Bianca Jackson – 2017 – 5-9 – Guard/Point Guard – Brewbaker Tech – (AL)

Jackson is truly an extension of her coach, which makes her the coach on the floor.  Her demeanor is calm, cool, and laid back.  She’s never rattled or in a rush.  She handles her business on the court with a silky-smooth flow.  Don’t under estimate her though, the skill set and talent is not to be second guessed.  The handles, the scoring, and the defense are all top-notch.  She has a mean (long) first step that is deceptively quick, can create her own shot, and a fierce mid-range jumper.

Taylor Mason – 2017 – 5-9 – Guard – Norcross – (GA) 

She has a nice mid-range jumper with the ability to create her own shot off the dribble.  Runs floor and fills the lanes with decent speed.  Good free throw shooter.

Jayla Morrow – 2017 – 5-8 – Point Guard – Wenonah – (AL)

Quick, has the handles to break down all defenses and presses. She pushes the ball up court with speed that leads to easy transition baskets for her and her teammates.  Good decision maker and passer.  It’s almost impossible for defenders to stay in front of her.

Autumn Newby – 2017 – 6-2 – Forward – Archer – (GA)

Newby Is a good rebounder on both ends and is also a good floor runner.  She’s decent shooter who has range out to and beyond the arc.  Good motor, works hard.

Shanda Pugh – 2016 – 5-6 – Point Guard – Clarke County – (AL)

Has good handles, decent rebounder for her size that can get it and push it up the floor to lead the break.  Good off the dribble, attacks the basket with effectiveness, and good court vision.  Good open court defender.

Faith Reynolds – 2018 – 5-9 – Guard – Wenonah – (AL)

Scorer!  She can fill it up from all over while creating her shot off the dribble.  Has a sweet mid-range J and knocks down the 3 with ease.  Fills the lane on the break and is a good passer.

Ashley Scott – 2016 – 6-3 – Post – UMS-Wright – (AL)

She establishes good post position in the paint.  Hits the boards hard on both offensive and defensive end.  Also has decent enough handles to bring the ball up court to relieve pressure off guards.  Good passer who will unselfishly pass out of the double team.

Kyla Whitehead – 2018 – 6-2 – Forward/Center – Huntsville  – (AL)

Whitehead is long, athletic and plays her role well.  She posts hard, giving her teammates the best chance to get her the ball.  Once received, she has the moves and ability to finish with authority at the rim.  Can face up and take opponents off the dribble efficiently.  Promising!