WASHINGTON, D.C. – This year’s Sixth Annual Tina Thompson “She Got Game” was filled with quality match-ups between some of the Mid-Atlantic’s top varsity squads. With so many talented players we are happy to provide another set of evaluations.
2016
Point guard E’lexus Davis continues to show growth and maturity as the floor leader of a young National Christian team. Her ball handling skills are top-notch and though she has an arsenal of ankle-breaking moves, she keeps the ball moving in the flow of the offense. The lefty is capable of scoring when her team needs iy but she excels in breaking down the defense and finding open teammates. Davis has improved her defense but sometimes picks up fouls when she tries to strip the ball instead of playing straight on the ball.
6-1 Lily Acevado is a throwback to an era when post players actually embraced physical play inside the paint. The Stonewall Jackson center has great body control and a strong base, which she uses to block out on rebounds. Acevado can score with her back to the basket yet she is agile enough face up a defender. Her physicality is an asset defensively especially when she is matched up against a taller player.
This year’s Bishop O’Connell team features two juniors who are starting to come in to their own. Wing guard Jasmine Taylor is in constant motion when she is on the court, at 6-1 she presents opposing defenses with a match up problem because of her versatility. She is long and athletic with quick feet, when she drives to the basket she can extend over her defender to get to the basket. Taylor is great in pick and pop situations because she has the ability to knock down mid-range and 3 point jump shots. At the point the Knights have a strong presence in 5-9 Janiya Clemmons, who is a steady ball-handler and a floor leader. She is an intense defender with excellent lateral movement that allows her to keep the ball in front of her quick hands stay ready to grab a steal. Offensively, she is capable of splitting defenders and creating score opportunities for herself and her teammates.
2017
Although the high school season is just starting, New Zealand import Akiene Tera Reid is already creating quite a buzz on the varsity circuit. The 6-1 Life Center wing is a polished shooter with great range, her release and footwork are textbook. Reid’s size and length make her a tough assignment for most defenders because she has the ability to put it on the floor and finish at the rim. Defensively, she is aggressive and isn’t afraid to get inside and fight for rebounds. With her international experience on the New Zealand junior team and natural talents she is going to be an attractive college prospect.
In a loss to Christ the King, St Johns College High School Aisha Shepphard guard had a breakout game, where she showed off a dynamic set of offensive skills. At 5-10 she is ultra quick, creative off the bounce and capable of scoring in bunches from anywhere on the floor. Shepphard showed that she can score while closely guard even when she draws a double team. All the tools are there for Shepherd to have a great varsity career in the WCAC.
Defense is always going to catch my eye, especially when a player embraces that role on her team. Battlefield guard Dana Harrington is a scrappy guard who can defend the ball full court, she uses her lateral quickness to stop the ball in transition and find the right angle to clog up the passing lane. Harrington isn’t a stat sheet-filler but she showed she can score when needed.
2018
Transitioning from middle school to high school is tough for most players at varsity level, especially if they starting at point guard. Hannah Franklin showed this weekend that she is capable of handling that task. Franklin’s biggest asset is her demeanor, which remains focused and steady throughout the game. Since her 8th grade evaluation she has cut down on east-west dribbling and keeps the ball moving forward. The St. Vincent-Palotti rookie has good court vision with the ability to deliver passes while moving at full speed even if it results in a turnover you can tell that she is thinking one or two plays ahead.
Quick Hitters
Raven Fox – 5-9 -2015 Elizabeth Seton – Unsigned senior with mid-major combo guard skills, athletic and explosive can handle the basketball, create off the bounce, smooth and accurate jump shooter
Kaela Kinder – 5-10 – 2016 Christ the King – Solid mid-range jump shot, can finish at the rim, excellent on-ball defender gets steals
Maya Riley – 5-8 – 2017 Good Counsel – Mature and composed, handles pressure well, high IQ smart play maker, nice upside
Grace Stone – 5-10- 2018 Long Island Lutheran – College frame, runs the floor, stays active on both ends of the floor, good frame on pull up jump shot, plays through contact, one to watch
Jasmine Whitney – 5-9 – 2016 Paul IV – Mentally and physically tough guard, can play either guard position, great decision maker
DeMaya Felder – 5-8 – 2016 Potomac – tough ball-handler, can penetrate defensive seams, uses crossover to create space
