It is no secret that participation in girls’ basketball is on the decline nationwide. Invested parties from the professional, college and grassroots level are trying to discover ways to reverse the disturbing trend. While overall the numbers might be down, there are definitely some young, potential saviors on the looming horizon. At this year’s Boo Williams Nike Invitational, several middle school players had an impactful weekend competing against older and experienced varsity players.

Dominique Darius – 2021 – 5-10 – Guard – Exodus NY 15U Nike – Explosive lateral speed…Combo guard skills…High IQ and natural feel for the games…Can call her own number…Strong pull up in traffic…Can get to the bucket with minimal effort…Plays in the air…Uses the glass

Maryam Dauda – 2021 – 6-5 – Post – Missouri Phenom SUG – Long lanky fluid athlete…Can attack the rim off the dribble…Pursues the ball outside of her rebound area…Evolving skill set with a huge upside

Azzi Fudd 2021 – 5-11 – Shooting Guard – Fairfax Stars 15U Nike – Intangible skills are equally impressive as her basketball skills…Calm demeanor…Has the ability to play consistently while being the focal point of the opposing team…Response speaks to level of maturity…Continues to push and challenge herself in every aspect of her game

Teonni Key – 2021 – 6-2 – Guard/Wing – Carolina Flames 15 – Long active wing…Not afraid of contact despite her wiry frame…Agility and footwork of a guard…Can handle the ball in the open court…Wingspan creates matchup problems from the perimeter…Has the ability to extend and shoot over defenders

Aaliyah Moore – 2021 – 6-1 – Wing – CY-Fair Elite 15U – Mature presence…Skilled beyond years…Good decision maker…Tough to guard on the baseline when attacking the rim…Hesitation to step back…Gets low and explodes off the dribble to create

Saniya Rivers – 2021 – 5-10 – Point Guard Carolina Flames 15 – Explosive tenacious scoring lead guard…High IQ…Clearly is thinking plays ahead…Productive and effective passer…Thrives in the transition game…Has the ability to break down multiple defenders at full speed

Aaronette Vonleh – 2021 – 6-3 – Post – Fast EYBL – Playing in the top EYBL bracket…Handled herself well…Solid strong build…Moves well around the block…Good hands…effect defensive rebounder

Jada Walker – 2021 –  5-6 – Point Guard – BWSL 15 – Vocal floor general…Amazing court vision…Strong understanding of pace and tempo…Gritty defender on and off the ball…Patient shooter…Keen sense of when and how to score…Stays within the offensive flow

For a look at our earlier EYBL First Round Coverage from Hampton, follow the link below.

http://www.bluestarmedia.org/nike-eybl-2017-round-one-team-team/

Naturally there was plenty more talent than we could see across the weekend between the EYBL and the talented line-up of teams on hand for 2017.  As Always Bob Corwin, All-Tournament Selection Committee Chairman, was busy in Hampton.  Listed below are the selections he shared with us for the Marques Jackson Division All-Stars.

Jada Boyd – 6-2 – Center – 2019 – BWSL 15U Wilson (Petersburg, Virginia)

Tyzajahanae Calhoun-Fuller – 5-4 – Point Guard – 2019 – West Coast Premier 15U National (Riverside, California)

Casey  Collier – 5-7 – Point Guard – 2019 – Tennessee Flight Silver Sophomores (Knoxville, Tennessee)

Azzi Fudd (Above) – 5-11 – Shooting Guard – 2021 – Fairfax Stars 15U Nike (Falls Church, Virginia)

Madison Griggs – 5-9 – Shooting Guard – 2019 – Tennessee Flight Silver Sophomores (Cordova, Tennessee)  (MVP)

Jordan Isaacs – 6-2 – Power Forward, 2019, Team Elite Pointer (Dallas, Georgia)

Aliza Karlen – 6-1 – Forward – 2020 – North Tartan 15s EYBL (Saint Paul, Minnesota)

Mir McLean – 5-10 – Forward – 2020 – Team Takeover 15U Nike EYBL (Gwynn Oak, Maryland)

Regan Nesheim – 6-1 – Forward – 2019 – All Iowa Attack 15U Nike (Johnston, Iowa)

Kayla Padilla – 5-9 – Shooting Guard – 2019 – West Coast Premier 15U National (Torrance, California)

Olivia Snyder – 6-0 – Shooting Guard – 2019 – Philly Belles 15U EYBL Nike (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania)