BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The Rose Classic has parlayed its success as the premier girl’s fall league into hosting one of the top varsity tournaments on the East Coast. The Rose Classic Super Jam brought 40 high school teams to Brooklyn for a long weekend of basketball. The gym was full of energy all weekend with a live DJ and NY Liberty guard Essence Carson making an appearance to sign autographs. Numerous college coaches, scouts and fans were treated to terrific match ups featuring nationally ranked teams, including an overtime thriller between Nazareth Regional and McEachern who made the trip from Georgia.
Here’s a look at some of the teams and players who turned in notable performances from the Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.)
6-4 Junior Caylia Robinson threw a block party in Brooklyn, with a 12 blocks against the home team Nazareth including 4 in overtime. Robinson is tough to guard because she can score from anywhere on the guard, whether she is attacking the rim or shooting 3-pointers. Te’a Cooper continues to impress especially with her mental approach to the game, she handled her much hyped match against Bianca Cuevas like a pro. 2016 Jada Lewis is one to watch, the scrappy guard is a great on-ball defender who is fearless when she attacks the basket.
Nazareth Regional (Brooklyn, N.Y.)
Bianca Cuevas turned in another epic performance scoring 45 points in an overtime loss to McEachern. If Cuevas is the fire, then Jen Fay is the ice for the Lady Kingsmen. The Quinnipiac signee nailed a buzzer-beater to send the McEachern game to overtime, against Paul VI she was unstoppable on the offensive boards. 2016 shooting guard Niya Johnson is very accurate from beyond the arc, her release is smooth and when she gets into a rhythm she can put up numbers.
Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia, Penn.)
Probably one the most balanced teams in the country, Neumann-Gorretti left Brooklyn with the their undefeated record intact. Junior Ciani Cryor is the engine that makes them go, the 5-7 point guard has full command her squad on both sides of the ball. Wing guard 2015 Sianna Martin is long and explosive who can create off the dribble. Down low they have senior Ella Awobajo and junior Christina Abowora coming off the bench, with their size and strength they make it tough for opponents to score.
Archbishop Williams (Braintree, Mass.)
With 2016 forward Jaylen Williams on the bench with an injury, the bulk of the scoring fell on junior wing Alana Gilmer. At 5-10 she has a solid build with a nice mid-range game, she is not that quick of the dribble but she understands how to create space to score.
Capital Prep (Hartford, Conn.)
2015 forward Kiah Gillespie may be the go-to player on this team but several if her teammates showed that Capital Prep is a well-rounded team. Sophomore guard Desiree Elmore is small quick point guard who can push the ball in transition. On the wing The Blazers having a rising star in 2016 Dazhanae Ward, a gritty tough lefty who can defend multiple positions with her length and athleticism.
Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.)
The young Mustangs pulled a tough draw in their game against Neumann-Goretti, Coach Frank Oliver should have some positive take aways. 2016 wing Morgan Smith is an ultra-athletic who can create and defend multiple positions. Smith showed that she has the ability to stop and pull up, a skill that she should continue to work on. Kyra Frames display a tremendous amount of poise, especially since the freshman point guard had to face off against top-ranked junior Ciani Cryor. Frames is an excellent ball handler who does a nice job anchoring the offensive, she keeps her teammates involved and is selective when looking for her own scoring opportunities.
Capital Christian (Landover, Md.)
With the loss of their starting post player Thersea Gilmore, 6-4 2017 Musha AlHassan has shown that she is ready to play and contribute on both ends of the floor. Already a natural shot blocker, AlHassan had 7 blocks in a loss to McEachern. Point guard Mykea Gray is another freshman who is playing quality minutes, she is a confident ball handler who has a knack for making plays. Senior Adel Allen is the heart and soul of Capital Christian, at 5-2 she is a vocal leader who never takes a play off, still unsigned she is the type of player who can go to a small Division I school and win games
Medgar Evers College Prep (Brookyln, N.Y.)
They are young and taking their lumps but they are talented and when it comes together they will be tough. Freshman Danielle Patterson is a top prospect in her class, at 6-2 she is a 5-tool player. Patterson length allow her to score against multiple defenders and she does a job finding opening teammates. Juniors Julie Garrsion and Aliyanah McIntosh have nice skill sets, Garrison is long and runs the floor and McIntosh has range on her jump shot.
Paul IV (Fairfax, Va.)
After three WCAC games earlier in the week, the Panthers made the trip up I-95 to meet up with perennial New York City powerhouses Nazareth and Murray Bergtraum. Junior center Jonquanae Cole continues to impress with her play in the paint, especially with her ability to score and rebound in heavy traffic. Unsigned senior Lindsey Oblitey is a jack-all-trades type player, who was the MVP in their win against Bergtraum. Jasmine Whitney is steady as the lead guard, the sophomore looks to distribute the ball first but is capable of scoring on her own.
St. Mary’s (Manhasset, N.Y.)
The Gaels lost a close one to Capital Prep 56-50 on Saturday after junior wing Jordan Augustus fouled out. Augustus is a dynamic ultra-athletic scorer with a nice upside, adding a constant jump shot will round out her offensive arsenal. Mei-Lyn Bautista is their savvy floor general who controls the pace and tempo of the game. Bautista has great court awareness and knows how to get scoring opportunities for her teammates.
Quick Hitters
Aryn McClure (6-2, 2015 Archbishop Molloy – Queens, N.Y.) – Has the height and length to play the wing in college, even though she is mainly in the post now.
Niajah Morgan (6-0, 2015 Cardinal Spellman – Bronx, N.Y.) – Long lanky forward, can finish at the rim, solid mid-major prospect.
Aneisha Lyons (5-8, 2016 Harry S. Truman – Bronx, N.Y.) – Two guard with a solid frame, very assertive, creates off the dribble, nice baseline attack skills.
Andrea Robinson (6-0, 2016 McDonogh School – Sykesville, Md.) – Speedy wing with a quick first step, runs the floor, rebounds in traffic.
Rayshel Brown (5-8, 2017 Moore Catholic – Staten Island, N.Y.) – Strong physical guard with hops, aggressive on ball defender, sees the floor well, lots of potential.
Ashanae McLaughlin (5-8, 2015 Murray Bergtraum – New York, N.Y.) – Combo guard who likes to get out and run in transition, creative and explosive off the dribble.
Alexandria Smith (6-4, 2015 Murray Bergtraum – New York, N.Y.) – Uses body well in the paint to control space, can finish layups and rebound, conditioning needs improvement.
Nikira Goings (5-7, 2015 Osborne – Marietta, Ga.) – Has frame of a college shooting guard, physically punishing attacking the rim, high IQ, excellent shooting form.
Zutorya Cook (5-7, 2016 Osborne – Marietta, Ga.) – Quick first step, combo guard with speed, creative slasher, high ceiling.
Teisha Hyman (5-9, 2019 Woodlands – White Plains, N.Y. ) – Seventh grader playing quality minutes on varsity, dribbles well with both hands, smooth shooter and passer, natural feel for the game, major prospect potential.
