By Joe Costa
Last weekend historic Williamsburg, Va. served at the backdrop for Blue Star Basketball’s highly successful Rising Blue Star series. Hosting an event at the Williamsburg Christian School, 44 of the top young prospects from Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Washington DC, West Virginia, and as far away as Connecticut turned out for the first Rising Blue Star event in the area. As is the norm of RBS events, the day featured advanced skill work and various competition scenarios that were evaluated by Blue Star Media.
Andre Nabors (Rising Star Athletics) served as the lead skill trainer for the event while the support training staff consisted of top flight individuals from the local area. Skill trainers Mike Davis (TPLS), Renee Shehady (4 Seasons Hoops) and Anabel Carter (BWSL Richmond) were on hand plus the group was dazzled by the talents and wisdom of Nadine Domond (Nadine Domond Basketball). Additionally, former Duke Standout Peppi Browne-Armstrong (Carolina Belles) served as a skills trainer while also sharing her insights as guest speaker. Browne-Armstrong regaled the crowd with stories of her recruitment, college and WNBA careers.
Blue Star will conclude its 2013 series of Rising Blue Star Evaluation Showcases with an event at Rutgers Prep School in Northern New Jersey on November 16th.
TRIPLE THREAT
The talent in attendance was extraordinary and while it is hard to mention each and every player in attendance, some standouts displayed abilities in all phases of the game. Stephanie Seaman (2017 – 5-4 – G – Lanexa, Va.) is a multi-sport athlete with an overdrive gear. A fierce competitor that will defend anyone, she has unlimited range and can score in a multitude of ways. We first witnessed this desire in July at the AAU Nationals. Seaman, with six second half three pointers, was the main bearing in a machine that brought her BWSL Richmond team back from a 16 point deficit for a blow-out win. Some car companies have a SS (Super Sport) line of muscle cars; BWSL Richmond and Williamsburg Christian have their own version of the SS in Stephanie Seaman.
Xaria Wiggins (2018 – 6-0 – F – Virginia Beach Va.) put on a show Sunday. Standing six foot with impressive athleticism, she has the ability to play all five spots on the court. Wiggins dominated demonstrating both her ability to find the open person or get to the basket and finish with either hand. If she can remain focused and diligent, she has all the tools to be a special player in the future.
Making the trip up from North Carolina, Robbi Allen (2018 – 5-7 – G – Nashville, N.C.) possesses all the skills serious coaches look for. She runs the floor well, understands the game, has a wicked handle and gets to the hoop. Allen can D up anyone and does so playing a multitude of positions.
QUICKHITTERS
2017
Essence Sims (5-4 – G – Bluefield, W.V.) – Excellent handle…Gets to the hoop low and hard…Good defender
Alexa Vanderploeg (6-0 – F – Virginia Beach, Va.) – Inside out player…Great mid range jump shot…Good post moves…Potential to play at a high level with continued hard work…Will need to focus on stronger perimeter defense…One to watch
Michaela Nelms (5-5 – G – Rocky Mount, N.C.) – Good instincts…Quick reaction time…Finishes around the basket
Alexis Hueston (6-0 – F – Roanoke, Va.) – Athletic…Runs the floor exceptionally well…Anticipates the next thing…Help side shot blocker…High post passing is outstanding…Unstoppable in her comfort zones of posting up or mid-range jumper…Has the tools to be special
Tyah Hunter (5-10 – G – Hopewell, Va.) – Prototype build…Soft jump shot…Understands the game…Plays within system…Could use some skill work on jump shot
Rachel Lia (5-6 – PG – Williamsburg, Va.) – Another 3 point shooters on the BWSL Richmond team…Comfortable at either front guard…Very tough competitor
Meaghan O’Hara (5-10 – G – Ridgefield, Conn.) – Made the over 400 mile drive from Conn….Excelled in scrimmages and team settings…Plays a complete game…Effective movement without the ball…Finishes around the basket.
Morgan Batie (5-6 – G – Richmond, Va.) – Athletic and quick…Understands the game…Scorers mentality…Good outside shot…Quick first step gets her to get the hoop
2018
Charme Lilly (5-6 – PG – Richmond, Va.) – DI offers already…Smooth as silk…Killer crossover leaves defenders recovering…Has the ability to get her shot versus anyone
Phylicia Allen (5-4 – G – Newport News, Va.) – Strong defender…Hard to contain…Controls tempo with a strong slide dribble…Deep bag of tricks
2019
Angel Burgos (5-0 – G – Midlothian, Va.) – Lock down defender…Excellent scorer…Scrappy…Fights for loose balls…Has hands in everything
Samantha Brunelle (6-1 – F – Fredericksburg, Va.) – Prototype build…Size, strength and toughness to score inside…Perimeter range gives versatility and makes her a tough match up…Has the skills to play at any level
Elaina Chapman (6-0 – F – Chesterfield, Va.) Still growing…Shot blocker…Nice touch around the basket…Attacks every rebound
Taniah Johnson (5-4 – PG – Roanoke, Va.) Strong and athletic point guard…Good court vision…Great range on shot
2020
Nicole Davis (6-0 – F – Midlothian, Va.) – Effort is there…Goes after every board…Fills the lane in transition… Finishes at the hoop…Plays upright, needs to get in a stance
2021
Jordan Hodges (5-0 – G – Moseley, Va.) – Plays much older…Fearless…High level of natural skill…Still developing but lots of promise.
Many thanks to a modest individual choosing to remain nameless for their much appreciated assistance with every facet of this event.
Joe Costa has been with Blue Star for 13 years now serving as a National Evaluator and Director of the Rising Blue Star program. Coaching the Pittsburgh Rockers for over 10 years; he helped produce two national championships and over 75 scholarship student athletes. Additionally Costa has coached both girls and boys on the high school & collegiate levels plus served as a floor coach for several Nike All American Camps and Skills Academies. He currently resides in Savannah, Georgia.
