HAMPTON, Va. — Featuring 278 teams (including 32 participating in the Nike EYBL), the Boo Williams Invitational continued to add to its reputation as one of the premier spring evaluation events for Division I institutions.  Spread over 20 courts at the Boo Williams Sportsplex and Hampton Roads Convention Center, the Invitational allowed coaches to watch players they were already recruiting while continuing to identify younger prospects, with the consensus being that the 2019 and 2020 classes are talent-rich.   The group of rising underclassmen played admirably and unselfishly.  No question, those teams that limited turnovers and play fast without being chaotic (purple) reigned supreme. 

Here are just a few of the players who stood out in the 2019 and 2020 classes (and a notable 2021):

Asonah Alexander – 2019 – 5-9 – Point Guard / Guard – (PlayHerz 16U)

Super-quick scoring guard made defenders look bad with excellent one-on-one breakdown ability.  Stop-and-go moves combined with raw athleticism made coaches sit up in their chairs.  Not just an attacker, she showed off catch-and-shoot 3 ability and was able to play in control with time expiring on clock. ZK

Jorie Allen – 2019 – 6-2 – Forward – (Nike Gold LadyGymRats Elite)

Effective post player with average quicks but above average footwork in low post.  Advanced ability to feel low-post defender’s position and use moves and countermoves to score.  Excellent use of dribble drop stop to jump hook or turnaround finish.  Battles on boards. ZK

Ali Bamberger – 2019 – 6-3 – Forward – (Cal Stars 15U Nike Elite)

Low post player who showed off surprising mobility and quickness.  Excellent physical strength allowed her to control the defensive glass.  High IQ defender – was able to react to baseline drive, help and then recover to man on dump off pass.  Finishes around the basket.  Perimeter game will continue to evolve, but scoring in the paint should be her cash cow. ZK

Breanna Beal – 2019 – 6-1 – Guard / Forward – (Midwest Elite Platinum-EYBL)

Big, physically imposing guard who relentlessly powered her way to the rim.  Showed point forward ability and consistently gained advantageous position when penetrating to the rim due to college-ready frame.  At times, her aggressiveness was used against her, resulting in charges, and she will need to demonstrate better consistency from the three-point line, but she has a rare combination of size and deftness with the basketball.  ZK

Shaila Beeler – 2019 – 5-4 – Point Guard – (Nike Gold LadyGymRats Elite)

Super quick lefthanded point guard who showed off command of position and combined skill with extremely high motor.  Faster with ball in transition then defenders sprinting back to paint.  Stops on a dime for true pull-up jumper.  Outstanding prospect.  ZK

Jessica Booth– 2019 – 5-7 – Point Guard – (Team Takeover 15U)

Evolving and maturing into a smart savvy  lead guard. Attacks the seams in the defense with quick moves and accurate passes, creating scoring opportunities for her teammates or herself. She has great court vision and demonstrated the ability to move the ball quickly up the court in transition. Booth is a lefty but tends to dribble and drive more with her off-hand. LB

Cameron Browning – 2019 – 6-2 – Forward – (Kentucky Premier 15U EYBL Milby)

Strong low post player who demonstrated excellent passing ability; was able to find relocating guards for multiple kick-out threes.  Runs well and plays an unselfish brand of basketball. ZK

Madison Buford – 2019 – 5-8 – Guard – (Missouri Phenom Sug)

Strong solidly built shooting guard who is likes to attack the middle of the defense. Buford has nice body control and enough strength to get her shoulders square to the basket against taller defenders. Tends to be unselfish passing open shots, which should change as she matures as a player. LB

Jakia Brown-Turner – 2019 – 6-0 – Guard – (Team Takeover Girls 15u)

Big lefthanded guard showed off complete offensive package: catch-and-shoot three, attacking in transition and using size to beast opposing defenders.  A point forward with mismatch skill, she is at the upper echelon of skilled big guards in her class. ZK

Larriana Bullard – 2019 – 5-8 – Guard – (TN Flight Sophomores)

Combo guard with excellent size and high motor.  Attacked in transition for power scores at the rim and peeled off to reset offense when advantage wasn’t there.  Plays for one of the best passing teams at the 15U age group and will continue to evolve as the club season wears on. ZK

Maddie Burke – 2020 – 5-11 – Guard – (Philadelphia Belles 14U Burbidge)

A favorite of coaches at the event, Maddie is a standout wing whose smooth three-point stroke and quick release evoked shades of Mike Miller at Florida.  She needs only one make to get hot, and she plays with fluidity and grace not seen in most college players.  Not just a shooter, she has the ability to put the ball on the deck and make plays off the dribble, including finding her teammates for scores. ZK

Anna Camden – 2019 – 6-2 – Forward – (Philadelphia Belles Nike EYBL 15)

Long, athletic forward who showed flashes of extensive potential.  Able to scoring on catch-and-shoot midrange jumper from both the free throw line and short corner, she showed off weak-side defensive rotation skills and a high IQ. ZK

Elaina Chapman – 2019 – 6-3 – Forward – (BWSL 15)

Active, long big who cleaned up offensive rebounds relentlessly.  Like any young post player, she missed bunnies from time to time, but her clean free throw shooting indicated a high level of motor function that makes her a tantalizing prospect in this class. ZK

Caitlin Clark – 2020 – 5-10 – Point Guard – (All Iowa 15U Nike)

This rising freshman plays with a mature resolve that is rarely seen in a player of her age. She has a natural feel for the game and is the vocal floor general of her team, Clark knows how to involve her teammates but is very capable of creating her own shot. Her offensive arsenal include a variety off-the-dribble moves including a step-back jumper that kept defenders honest. Clark is also a superb defender who isn’t afraid to mix it up and hit the offensive glass. LB

Grace Cumming – 2019 – 6-3 – Forward – (All Iowa 9th Nike)

 Likes to face the basket and and score, she has good mechanics and 3 point range. Question going forward for Cummings is she willing to expand her low post game because at the next level she is 4. She definitely has the physical attributes to expand her game going forward. LB

Maori Davenport – 2019 – 6-4 – Forward – (All Alabama)

Incredible presence on the floor because of her length and overall athleticism. She can explode to the rim from a stationery position, which allows her to block shots and grab rebounds outside of her area. Although she is still filling out, Davenport is strong and doesn’t shy away from contact even when she is double teamed. She has a high ceiling with unlimited potential and stands out as one of the top post prospects in her class. LB

Shekera Cooks – 2019 – 5-8 – Guard – (Essence 2018)

Solid shooting guard with a quick release who can score in bunches especially from beyond the arc. She understands how to create space while keeping her balance and form. LB

Mo’ne Davis – 2019 – 5-8 – Guard – (Philly Triple Threat – 9^th Girls)

The Taney Dragons Little League superstar pitcher demonstrated her unique all-around athletic ability by making instinctual plays on both sides of the floor.  A scorer with creative handles, she relishes the big stage and has major upside on the basketball court. ZK

Azzi Fudd – 2021 – 5-10 – Guard – (Fairfax Stars 15U Showcase – Fudd)

A seventh-grader who is consistently unfazed by the courtside appearance of multiple coaches from Top Ten Division I programs.  She plays like a Hellfire missile, able to seek and destroy opponents through unmatched firepower at her age and possesses a college-ready frame.  Quick learning curve means she doesn’t make the same mistake twice, and those mistakes come few and far between.  Continually learning how to attack  opposing bigs intent on blocking her shot into the stands. ZK

Shea Fuller – 2019 – 5-6 – Point Guard – (All Iowa Attack 9^th Nike)

Quick lefthanded point guard who welcomed the task of running team and initiating offense while under defensive pressure.  High IQ player who used deception well to attack the basket, including excelling at fake handoff move.  Will continue to improve as her physical strength matures. ZK

Laya Hartman – 2019 – 5-11 — (Nike Gold LadyGymRats Elite)

Excellent length and athleticism on perimeter.  Showed ability to attack baseline and elevate for pull-jumper.  Demonstrated outstanding transition ballhandling with nifty in-out move to get to rim and stretch to score. ZK

Jordan Horston – 2019 – 6-0 – Point Guard – (All Ohio 10^th Grade)

Long, fluid ballhandler who controlled all aspects of the floor.  Able to defensive rebound and push in transition to rim for extended finish (a dunk would not be out of the question in the future), her passes were consistently on-time/on-target as she was able to hit her teammates on the move.  High-level prospect who will continue to make her impact felt on the club circuit. ZK

Tayah Irvin – 2019 – 6-0 – Forward – (Nike Gold LadyGymRats Elite)

Long, agile forward with a finesse paint presence and grace on the perimeter.  Finished off the high glass in transition and on dump-off passes and surprised coaches with excellent form on three-point attempts.  Good athlete with major upside – needs to continue to improve catching ability. ZK

Rickea Jackson – 2019 – 6-3 – Forward – (Michigan Crossover 15U Nike EYBL)

Long, lanky 3-4 type of player who runs the floor and can finish in transition. She can attack from the perimeter and get the basket in 1-2 dribbles. Jackson has a huge upside and a ton of potentinal, keep watching. LB

Angel Jackson – 2019 – 6-5 – Center – (Orinda Magic Black)

Huge, physical post with dominating paint presence.  Natural shotblocker was able to affect shots without fouling.  Excellent hands who used glass effectively for finishes.  Unstoppable ability in the low post had coaches drooling. ZK

Jazmine Lewis – 2019 – 6-5 – Center – (Missouri Phenom Sug)

Fits the mold of the “new age” center, who has a strong solid frame combined with athleticism and agility. Lewis can lock down the action in the paint on both sides of the ball, her mobility allow her to get off her feet and dominate against less agile post opponents . Her low post pivot moves are strong and her footwork and balance allow Lewis to finish through contact. LB

Liz Martino – 2020 – 5-10 – Guard – (Fairfax Stars 15U Showcase – Fudd)

A player who can flat-out put the ball in the hole.  Explosive from the wing and in transition and can get hot/stay hot from three-point territory.  Instinctive scorer who abuses slower defenders and has excellent hang time to absorb contact from rotating help and still finish with contact. ZK

Faith Masonius – 2019 – 6-0 – Guard / Forward – (NJ Belles Masonius)

Do-it-all player effortlessly floats from the perimeter to the interior and back.  She is a mismatch threat who can play 1-4 and is equal parts crafty, explosive and rugged.  A vocal leader who commands her teammates respect, she is, at her core, a winning basketball player who does whatever it takes to be successful.  Shot-maker; hustler; unselfish – what coach doesn’t want that type of player? ZK

Dakota McCaughan – 2020 – 5-4 – Point Guard – (Philly Triple Threat – 9^th Grade)

Tough-as-nails point guard with muscled frame, she used her strength to penetrate opposition defenses and get to the cup with scoop layup finishes.  Also showed off excellent three-point range with non-push stroke.  Firecracker attitude with game to match.  ZK

Maggie McGraw – 2019 – 5-11 – Guard – (All Iowa Attack 9^th Nike)

Big combo guard who demonstrated Ivy League level basketball IQ combined with the type of size that will put her high on colleges’ lists.  Deep catch-and-shoot three range, including in transition.  Able to isolate her man in the pinch post and attack off the bounce.  Intiiated offense and could score as when action broke down.  Improved lateral footspeed will be a major key.  ZK

Nya Mitchels – 2019 – 6-3 – Forward – (Carolina Flames – Richard)

Big, athletic post demonstrated excellent mobility at her size with nimble footwork.  Competitive on the boards, she was able to finish off the high glass consistently and make a defensive impact as a paint patroller. ZK

Kendal Moore – 2019 – 5-6 – Guard – (BWSL 15)

Creative guard with Riquna Williams microwave scoring ability.  Penetrated at will with multiple effective dribble moves and already recognizes the challenge of scoring in the paint over trees.  Showed off excellent poise in chaotic environment.  ZK

Jordyn Oliver – 5-11 – Wing – (Texas United Nike 15U EYBL)

Already has a college frame and perfect build for a wing at the next level. Defensively, she stands out because she can defend the perimeter with her lateral quickness and around the rim with her explosive leaping. Oliver has an alpha-scorer’s mentality and thrives on making tough buckets at crucial points in the game. LB 

Morgan Robinson – 2019 – 5-7 – Guard – (PA Belles 14U Woodall)

Explosive combo guard who can score in bunches, as well as create scoring opportunities with her defensive prowess. She plays with an intense high motor and isn’t afraid to take step up and take a tough shot. Robinson is the type of player whose intangibles will make her a recruiting target for many top DI programs. LB

Endiya Rogers – 2019 – 5-4 – Point Guard – (DFW Elite Gold)

Ultra-quick point guard played like a spitting image of Brene Moseley.  Track-star speed with deft handles and put-you-on-skates breakdown ballhandling.  Showed off true midrange pound pull-up jumper (which she will need in addition to her driving skill).  Consisently fended off bigger defenders who quickly realized she would ghost them if they got too close.  Fun player to watch. ZK

Lauren Ross  – 2019 – 5-8 – PG – (Philadelphia Belles Nike EYBL 15)

High IQ PG with great understanding and feel for pace and tempo of the game. Outstanding perimeter defensive fundamentals, understands how to read screens, help and recover and close out on a shooter. Ross is a great distributor she knows her teammates sweet spots and can pass into tight spaces. Draws comparisons to Notre Dame point guard Lindsay Allen. LB

Kaelynn Satterfield – 2019 – 6-0 – Forward — (New Heights ‘19/’20)

Extremely talented, strong, physically imposing forward who will prove to be a mismatch threat at the next level as her conditioning improves.  Able bury post defenders and use efficient footwork to score in the paint and also demonstrated catch-and-shoot three-point ability.  Type of player who would be extremely effective as a decision-maker in a pinch-post offense. ZK

Madison Scott – 2020 – 5-8 – Guard/Wing – (Team Takeover Showcase)

Versatile perimeter player who is ultra quick and explosive. Scott has the ability to go from rim-to-rim in a matter of seconds, because she handles the ball well in traffic. Her natural instincts for the game are evident in the way she looks to make something happen during every possession. Definitely a player to watch in the 2020 class. LB

Celeste Taylor – 2019 – 5-10 – Guard – (Philadelphia Belles Nike EYBL 15)

Talented and physically gifted player who continues to expand all aspects of her game. She has solid shooting mechanics; good footwork and balance with the able to “rise and fire” over her defender. Taylor is a great rebounder for her position, she gets her share of offensive put backs in traffic. Her ball-handling has improved, which have increased her ability to isolate her defender and take them off the dribble. LB

Malu Tshitenge – 2019 – 6-4 – Forward – (Fairfax Stars 15U Showcase – Fudd)

Imposing post player with extra-strong hands.  Able to elevate and rip defensive rebounds away from swarming opponents.  Starts break with accurate outlet passes and then dead sprints the floor to rim with outstanding stride length and running form.  Elite defensive prospect who will continue to learn how score when guarded 1-on-1. ZK

Nadjy Tyler – 2019 – 6-1 – Forward – (Philly Triple Threat – 9^th Grade)

Hard-nosed attacking post who displayed excellent low post instincts and ran the floor hard in transition.  Effective up-and-under move with her back to the basket.  Poise with the basketball while defensive is attempting to create havoc.  Caught the ball on dead run and used excellent body control to finish off the high glass. ZK

Kathryn White – 2020 – 6-0 – Forward – (Team Takeover 8^th gr. Orange)

Lefthanded promising forward showed good fundamental skill set finishing with both hands at rim.  Able to establish strong defensive rebounding position and secure ball with both hands.  Will continue to evolve as she ages. ZK

Kiara Williams – 2019 – 5-6 – Point Guard – (Cal Storm 16U National)

Smart guard who understand who to read the defense, come off screens and set up shots. Explosive and quick defensively, can pressure the ball full court. LB

Zoe Young – 2019 – 5-10 — Point Guard / Guard – (North Tartan 10^th EYBL)

Tough point guard with good size.  Pushed strong in transition and was composed in half court running offense.  Despite being only 2019 player on roster, was unfazed by competition and responsibility of running point.  ZK

As life long Prince fans we would be remiss if we did not pay our respects to the greatest musical artist of our life time. Prince was a former high school basketball player who supported his hometown teams, including the Minnesota Lynx, who he held a private celebration for at Paisley Park after they won the 2015 WNBA championship. LB & ZK

“We are the new power generation/we want to change the world.” – Prince