Take Two from Nike TOC Chicago

CHICAGO, IL – The McCormick Convention Center home to the Nike Tournament of Champions Chicago is one of the nations largest high school girls exposure events during the July NCAA evaluation period.  The Nike TOC Chicago event had over 350 teams and over 300 college coaches in attendance to checkout the talented you ladies. The following players caught and kept our attention:

De’ Jae Denham 5-8 2017 All Ohio 10th grade

This rising junior is quick and light on her feet with the ability to change directions without losing speed. Denham uses her length and speed to be a very disruptive defender getting her hands on lots of passes. Already committed to Ohio University, you can see how she will be a good fit in their program, especially as her body matures and develops.

Jada McMillian 5-7 2018 Carolina Flames 15U

Intensity on both ends on the floor is what you can expect from this 2018 point guard. McMillian is focused on running her team and isn’t afraid to be vocal. She does a good job spacing the floor and setting up the offense and when a play breaks down she is creative enough to get her own shot.

Kari Niblack 6-0 2018 CFE ELITE 2017

Niblack will catch your eye because of the sheer explosive athleticism she displays on the court. Although she is still raw offensively, Niblack gets the majority of her points from her aggressiveness on the offensive glass. She has a high ceiling and has the tools to be an elite prospect in her class.

Adriana Ellis 5-9 2017 CFE ELITE 2017

Ellis is a fundamentally solid player who can play either guard position. She is comfortable knocking down 12-15 footers, her mechanics are smooth and her shot selection is in rhythm with her team’s offense. Ellis is a dynamic passer, especially off the dribble where she delivers right to her teammates sweet spot.

Taelour Pruitt 5-6 PG 2016 DFW Elite Gold

The DFW organization has a reputation for developing top-notch point guards and Taelour Pruitt is showing signs that she fits that model.  At 5-6 she is feisty floor general who has no problem dictating the pace of the game. Pruitt excels in transition with her ability to handle the ball under pressure with her killer crossover. She has no problem slicing through the middle of the defense. Pruitt is relentless on-ball defender and seems to thrive under pressure by the opposing point guard.

Victoria Crawford 6-2 2017 Germantown Lady Panthers

Crawford is starting to come into her own as a basketball player, she is confident in her role as post player. Her wide shoulders and long wing span allow her to grab rebounds outside of her area in the paint. The best part of game is her ability to finish layups in traffic by elevating over the defense. Defensively she is capable of blocking and altering shots without fouling.

Savannah Simmons 5-11 2018 Maryland Belles 15U

With her playmaking skill as a lead guard at nearly 6 feet, Savannah Simmons is the type of the player that major Division I programs covet. Simmons is match up problem on the perimeter because physically strong to dictate where she wants to go on the court. Her shooting mechanics are smooth and fluid almost effortless. Simmons is a multi-tool prospect with unlimited potential.

Lauren Hansen 5-7 2019 Exodus Gold

The one commodity that everyone is looking for is a shooter and scorer who plays defense. Hansen, the 5-7 guard literally put on a shooting exhibition; she knocked down shot after shot scoring from every angle imaginable. Hansen stroked several midrange spot-up jumpers, pull-up jumpers as well as multiple shots from long range. She also showed a knack for getting her shot off from anywhere on the court. Hansen played outstanding on ball defense forcing her opponents into several turnovers. She played with a smooth quiet swagger — you could tell Hansen was playing hard and having fun doing it.

Diamond Shavis 5-9 2018 Gauchos 14U

The 5-9 athletic wing played extremely well. Shavis had her entire repertoire on display. She loves to exploit her explosive first step, to attack the paint looking to score or dish to slashing teammates. Shavis used her speed and quickness to get out and finish off the break weaving in and out of traffic handling the rock equally with both hands. Shavis consistently stroked the mid-range jumper as well as be a threat from beyond the arc, forcing opponents to choose their poison. Shavis showed the ability to be a lock down defender. Continue to watch.

Danielle Robinson 5-11 2018 Gauchos 14U

Coaches love a player who competes on every play and is fundamentally sound, defends well and is a constant threat to score. The long athletic 5-11 Robinson brings all of these things to the table. Robinson showed the ability to knock down the mid-range jumper and was constantly on the attack at both ends. Two words best describe her “Gets Buckets”. She flat out gets it done. Robinson is a star in the making and major DI prospect with a chance at being special.

Kierstan Bell 6-1 2019 Lady GymRats Gold

The 6-1, athletic guard played a solid all-around game. Bell likes to attack off the dribble with either hand looking to create contact and finish in traffic. She also showed the willingness to manufacturer her shot by attacking off the bounce as well as consistently draining the spot-up jumper. Bell used her long arms to rebound well at both ends of the floor. Her long athletic frame and quickness helped her play solid defensively with the ability to block shots. Bell played aggressive at both ends of the court and has a knack for being around the ball. Bell is very skilled and scores in a variety of ways.  She has excellent court vision and is a superior passer.  Bell is a true baller with Top 10 talent.

Laya Hartman 5-10 2019 Lady GymRats Gold

The long 5-10 Hartman isn’t flashy or high maintenance; she simply gets the job done whatever that job might be. She plays with a cool, calm demeanor. Hartman is an excellent spot-up shooter from 12-20 feet. She is a tough hardnosed player. Defensively Hartman is a solid on-ball defender. Really like what Hartman brings to the table. Will only get better with time.

Destiny Philoxy 5-6 2018 Gauchos 14U

The term “true point guard” describes the 5-6 Philoxy perfectly. She showed excellent ball control using her handles to weave through the pressure defense. She consistently split double-teams and attacked the basket, absorbing contact and finishing at the rim. Phloxy has a nice crossover-hesitation dribble move that is very effective in creating space to get her mid-range jumper off. She was able to get to wherever she wanted on the floor; her ability to score and attack the gaps and kick the ball to teammates was uncanny. Philoxy is a good on ball defender. Looking forward to watching her development.

Teagan Thompson 6-3 2018 Exodus Gold

Thompson is a big with the ability to knock down the midrange jumper that extends out to the 3 point line. She moves well for her size and does a great job positioning and boxing out for rebounds at both ends. Defensively, Thompson is a disruptive presence in the paint with a nice upside.