HAMPTON, Va. — As a basketball talent evaluator my weekends in December are always booked with regional and national scholastic tournaments. This year I diverted from my normal schedule to attend the Norfolk Xpress Holiday Classic. With the best middle school talent from the various regions in the D.M.V. under one roof, it was well worth the trip down to Hampton to check out the action. Often it’s argued that now is much too early to start evaluating prospects that have yet to play in their first varsity contest for their college potential. In fact it’s always wise to be just a little restrained in heaping too much praise on kids at younger ages for fear of it being taken out of perspective. However, the skill level that some of these millennial babies possess is equal to or better than that of the top players in this year’s graduating class at the same young age. Even more impressive than their basketball ability is the manner in which these young ladies carry themselves (kudos to Mom and Dad). They are mature, humble and focused student-athletes ready to face the tough challenges of a teenage athlete on and off the court over the next few years. These are the kind of athletes who, if they stay on task, have the ability to be an impact player in the near future.
Photos provided by Mark Sutton www.msuttonphoto.com
2017
Niya Beverley (Team Takeover – Laurel, Md.)
Beverly is a point guard’s point guard. Along with her superior ball handling, passing and perimeter defense, she has all the intangibles. Beverly is a natural leader on the court and displays confidence well beyond her years. At 5-8 she has a solid athletic build which allows her to handle the ball against double teams and split defenders while attacking the basket. Beverly is an in-game thinker. She understands how to control the pace and tempo of the game, a skill that is essential for any elite level point guard.
Jaala Henry (Havoc City – Bladensburg, Md.)
At 6-2 Henry is a post player right now but she showed that she has the ability to play outside the paint. Her size and length allow her to score from the low block but her mobility makes it easy for her to attack the basket from the elbow or short corner. She isn’t afraid to handle the ball in the open court and her ball skills are very good for a player her size. Henry’s potential both as a wing and forward will peak the interest of many college recruiters.
Makayla Stanley (Cap City Ballerz – Glenn Allen, Va.)
If post players take longer to develop then Makayla Stanley is further ahead than most of them at her age. Stanley is a legitimate 6-3 with great footwork and balance. Not only can she score with her back to the basket but she can also face up from the high post effectively. She does a nice job in pick and roll situations making sure she gives her guard the proper passing angle after she sets the pick. As she grows and gets stronger you can expect Stanley to be a stand out prospect in this class.
Janasia Summerville(Norfolk Xpress 8th – Norfolk, Va.)
Summerville is a tough and gritty 5-8 combo guard who can get it done on both sides of the ball. Defensively, her lateral speed and active approach will keep opposing ball handlers off balance. With the ball in her hands she is physically strong enough to attack multiple defenders and elevate in traffic for a jump shot. Summerville also has a smooth stroke beyond the arc making her a tough match up for perimeter defenders.
Megan Walker (Cap City Ballerz – Chesterfield, Va.)
Versatile is the best word to describe this 5-11 standout because she can easily play all 5 positions on the court. Walker is a unique blend of size, skill and natural ability. As a point guard she is playmaker with outstanding passing skills who can also drill 3-pointers with a hand in her face. At this age it is rare to see a player with her body control and dexterity. She can attack the basket at any angle and finish at the rim with either hand. The sky is the limit for Walker if she continues to set the bar high for herself. The potential is there for a long and stellar career as a basketball player.
2018
Amira Collins(Team Takeover – LaPlata, Md.)
Already 6-2, Collins has a chance to be a dominant post player at the next level, not simply because of her height but because she has already mastered many aspects of post play. She sprints down the floor in transition with her head up and hands ready to catch and finish. To say Collins has a huge upside is an understatement; she is clearly a hard worker who enjoys competing at a high level.
Taleah Dixon(Team Takeover – Baltimore, Md.)
Dixon is stat sheet filler, with the ability to take over a game. Her on court demeanor is unassuming but once she gets going it is hard to stop her. She can defend the passing lanes as well as on the ball, which allows her to come up with timely steals. Offensively, she has knack for knowing what kind of shot she needs to take depending how the defensive is playing her. Dixon has a high basketball IQ and tremendous feel for the game.
Xaria Wiggins (Lady Neptunes – Virginia Beach, Va.)
This non-stop bundle of energy can play at breakneck speed and not appear out of control which is something very rare for just a 12 year old. At 5-11 she has the makings of a college wing with the ability to score from anywhere on the court. Wiggins is explosive and athletic. Once she gets in the paint she is going to score or get fouled. She’s a fun player to watch and hopefully she can keep that vibe going as she matures.
Quick Hitters
2017
Kennedy Beale (5-8 – BWSL Richmond – Chesterfield, Va.): Slashing wing with ball handling skills.
Kyara Frames (5-4 – Team Takeover – Md.): Ankle breaking ball handling skills plays with a ton of energy.
Jaelyn Harris-Caple (5-5 – Cap City Ballerz – Salem, Va.): Long range shooter good mechanics.
Daijah Jefferson (6-0 – Cap City Ballerz – Hopewell, Va.): long athletic explosive rebounder and shot blocker, huge upside.
Olivia Martino (5-8 – Team Takeover – Lanham, Md.): College body, physically punishing player can score while closely guarded, has a chance to be special.
Jaiden Morris (5-8 – Cap City Ballerz – Richmond, Va.): great utility player does a little bit of everything, isn’t afraid of contact.
Chynna Nixon (5-10 – Norfolk Express – Norfolk, Va.): Athletic wing with nice mid-range jumper.
Jasmine Stephens (5-9 – Believers – Virginia Beach, Va.): Quick explosive wing can slash to the basket.
2018
Aniyah Carpenter (5-6 – MD Shooting Stars – Baltimore, Md.): Point guard with a high IQ and feel for the game.
Alayshia Dalley (5-5 – MD Shooting Stars – Severn, Md.): Shifty quick guard with nice ball handling skills.
Asia Deal (5-7 – Norfolk Express – Norfolk, Va.): High energy guard with great hesitation moves, one to watch.
Honesty Grayson (5-7 – NYC Gauchos – Brick, N.J.): Handles the ball and rebounds, lots of natural ability.
Kristin Horne (5-8 – Havoc City – Lanham, Md.): Lefty wing guard, aggressive defender, nice offensive skill set.
Malika Waleed (5-1 – Havoc City – Md.): Scrappy player with quick hands and feet, plays with no fear, fundamentally sound.
