CHICAGO Ill. – While the EYBL might have been the main attraction at Nike Chicago there was plenty of good basketball being played on the other 41 courts. One the best games of the tournament was a heated match up between Team Takeover 15 and Midwest Elite 15. After being knocked out of the playoffs by Midwest Elite at Boo Williams in April, Takeover was more than ready for round two. With several lead changes going into the final minutes Takeover was able to hold off a their scrappy opponent by 60-55.
Here a just a few of the players who had impressive showings:
Cara Judkins 2017 (6-3 – Post – Germantown Lady Panthers)
After dealing with some health issues that affect her vision the 6-3 post appears to back in top form. Judkins is very skilled for her age not only has she mastered several advanced post moves she understands how to play without the ball. Her mobility in the box make her a tough match up, she can hit the short jumper or drive the ball to the basket. Judkins has a high IQ and makes quick adjustments offensively and defensively to make sure she is the right position to rebound, block shots or score.
Raven Brathwaite 2015 (6-4 – Center – Boston Showstoppers)
The Rhode Island commit is definitely a sleeper in the 2015 class. At 6-4 she shows great lateral movement for a true center, this mobility allow her to hedge out to the perimeter to defend the pick and roll. She is very comfortable facing the basket and and scoring from the pinch post area Brathwaite has strong frame and wide shoulders, when she rebounds on the offensive glass she goes straight up to the rim. With proper focus on strength and conditioning she can be an impact player in college.
Jordan Wilmouth 2017 (6-2 – Wing – iExcel)
Wilmouth is the perfect combination of size and athleticism at the wing. Her first step is explosive and she can get to the rim in 2-3 steps from the perimeter. She can defend anywhere on the court and once she secures a rebound she likes to push the ball up the floor to start a fast break. Another skill that stands the Wilmouth possesses is her willingness to be a vocal leader on the floor she is always engaged and encourages her teammates.
Kendall Bresse 2016 (5-10 – Wing – Team Takeover 15)
It is refreshing to see a player who is willing to do whatever she is asked to do to make her team successful. Breese is skilled enough to put up statistics in several categories, but what she does best doesn’t necessarily show up in the box score. Whether she is setting a hard screen, diving for a loose ball or encouraging to her teammates, she is presence on the court that opponents have to pay attention to.
Dara Mabrey 2018 (5-7 – Point Guard – Ephipanny Prince Elite 15) As a rising 9th grader she has been playing up for years and many times with her older sister Notre Dame commit Marina as a teammate. This summer Dara is showing that she is poised and ready to be the lead guard for her team. As a point guard she exudes confidence with the ball in her hands, she isn’t afraid to handle the ball under pressure or take a contested shot in transition. She is a pesky defender and has the lateral speed to harass the ball full court, she never backs down for big, stronger players in fact it seems like she really embraces the challenge.
Kiara Smith 2016 (5-9 – Shooting Guard – Havoc City Elite) Smith is an aggressive guard who can score in bunches. The lefty thrives in transition with her ability to handle the ball while moving at full speed. In the half court even though she draws a lot of defensive attention she is savvy enough to split double teams and get her shot off. Smith has long limbs and she is a very good on ball defender because she extends into the passing lanes. In class filled with similar skill sets she is beginning to separate herself from the pack.
Ashley Hearn, the UCLA Bruins commit, played extremely well. Physically the 6-3 2015 forward has filled out adding impressive strength to her athletic frame. That size and build combines with quickness, speed and mobility usually reserved for athletes who make their living in the backcourt. The Dallas native is a true forward and shouldn’t be harboring any thoughts of a move to the perimeter. She did knock down a couple from the high post and out on the wing but that weapon should only serve to keep defenders honest and spread the floor. The first step creates some nice looks for her off the drive from the elbows and as a trailer in transition. On the block the quickness of her attack is a challenge for defenders with both size and speed. On the defensive end there’s a comfort level with physical play as well as a willingness to use it. On occasion Hearn used her size and athleticism along with positioning to create some easy looks. Off the ball she’s active and can be a force on the backline of a zone or rotating in man. The refinement and consistency of her game will only be enhanced at the next level.
At 5-9 2015 Kyra Lambert is downright explosive. She accelerates in the open court and is a nightmare for opposing teams. Lambert changes directions make plays with the pass or throw the brakes on and watch her defender go flying by. She brings intensity to the floor on every possession that will be translated well to the next level. Lambert handles the rock like a magician which includes the ability to use the dribble drive to collapse a defense. Once in the lane she is a quick leaper and isn’t afraid to attack the heart of the defense. With the combination of elite athleticism and competitive fire, Lambert will be a great catch for one lucky program.
