MASON, Ohio – The first annual USJN Queen City Challenge took place this past weekend with 32 teams from 3 states and one from just north of the Canadian border.  While there was talent in all age groups, the level of talent and competition of the younger players was definitely worth noting.  In our second report I share some of the impressive players on hand that caught my attention over the weekend.

Also, don’t hesitate to check out coverage from Mark Lewis or the USJN post event page at the following links.

http://www.bluestarmedia.org/index.php/component/k2/item/445-competing-in-the-queen-city

http://www.usjn.com/xtm_post_event_new.php?which=217

2014

While the Cincinnati Angels took home the 17U championship and are stocked with a boat load of Division I talent, it was their back court led by Nicole Orr and Ashton Lovely that really caught my eye and has the attention of college coaches.  Having watched Nicole Orr (Reynoldsburg, Ohio – Cincinnati Angels) play over the past couple years, I’ve seen her game really mature into one that is ready for the next level.  She’s a long and athletic guard at 5-10 who can get to the rim or knock down the 3 just as easily.  Her mid-range game has really evolved and she’s knocking down the pull up jumper over defenders at will.  Her court vision, basketball IQ, and athleticism, make her a versatile combo guard for the next level. (Commitment Update: Butler)

Her backcourt partner, 5-8 Ashton Lovely (Jamestown, Ohio – Cincinnati Angels) is another top D-I prospect for the 2014 class.  This combo guard is really developing into more than just a scorer. Taking the reigns of a new AAU club, which already has scoring at every position, she’s been asked to become more of a true point guard and hasn’t disappointed.  She can still score and knock down the open 3, but it was her court vision and understanding of the game, that impressed me most this weekend.  Lovely has a great change of speed dribble and is able to push the ball in transition in turn setting up her teammates for quick and easy buckets. For the record, she is not all offense as she’s a feisty leader on both ends of the floor.

Another 2014 that stood apart from her piers this weekend was Shelbi Patterson (Indianapolis, Ind. – Hoosier Elite).  This tenacious 5’8 guard is extremely quick and athletic while assuming the floor leadership role for her team.  She’s not afraid to grab a board and go coast to coast or take it and pull up for the open jumper.  Patterson is a hard slasher and not afraid to finish with contact.  There’s a good IQ in place and her head is always up looking a play ahead.  Defensively she gets her hands in the passing lanes looking to create easy buckets.

2015

In the class of 2015 a 6’0 wing player named Maddie Bazelak (Kettering, Ohio – Dayton Lady Hoopstars) led the charge.  This 6’0 wing player with pretty good athleticism is aggressive on both ends of the floor and has no problem getting physical while finishing with contact.  She can step out and stroke the 3 or go inside to post up smaller defenders. Bazelak has a good understanding of the game and demonstrated good court vision.  If her ball handling skills develop more she’ll be a ligament wing player among her class peers.

2016

Catching my eye in the 2016 class was Nia Staples (West Chester, Ohio – Cincinnati Angels).  This 5’7 point guard is quick, athletic and has great court vision.  She already has the ability to create for herself and others beyond what most her age are doing.  Staples has a no fear attitude and can get to the rim almost at will.  With good handles and a high IQ you’ve got a very fundamental point guard.  As good as her offensive game is it’s her defense that really stood out.  Nia is a great on ball defender with an understanding positioning and strategy you don’t see often at her age.

The runner-up team in the U15 Division, was led by combo guard Abigail Scholz (Reading, Ohio –Wolves Elite).  This 2-3 guard has a great body and a pretty good understanding of the game.  She utilizes the shot fake effectively and gets to the rim with authority.  Scholz has a smooth stroke from the outside with deep 3-point range.  As her body and game mature she’s going to be one to keep an eye on.

2017

Scholz wasn’t the only one to catch my eye from the Wolves 15 squad.  Her teammate, Samari Mowbray (Loveland, Ohio – Wolves Elite) also had her share of moments.  This long, lean 6’0 post player with a tremendous wingspan and superb athleticism, is another player the college folks will be watching for years to come.  Her incredible athletic ability and size make her a huge defensive asset in protecting the paint.  Mowbray can step out and knock down the 15 foot jumper with ease plus already has the ability to grab a board and go coast to coast herself.  As the fundamentals develop further and compliment her athleticism, watch for this young talent to possibly step out and become more of a wing player.

My favorite young prospect in Mason was 5-9 wing player Braxtin Miller (Dayton, Ohio – Cincinnati Angels).  This long, wiry, guard has tremendous athleticism and a great understanding for the game. She’s quick and creates for herself and others and not a bit shy about enduring some contact in the process.  Miller already has a nice fade away turnaround jumper which is going to make her a top tier recruit in the 2017 class.  However, like her teammate Nia Staples, it’s her in your face on ball defense and ability to defend in the post that really catches your eye.  Braxtin Miller is a name you’ll be hearing about for years to come.