NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.—While things in D.C. have been busy with the USJN National Championship tournaments, congressional healthcare conversations and administration departures from the White House, the real action along the Potomac River has been compliments of Mike Flynn and the second annual Blue Star 30 Showcase. With 15 veterans of last year’s inaugural roster joining a very select group of new invitees, the event has quickly evolved into a premier setting for a some of the elite talent on the women’s basketball horizon. While last’s year’s ultra-successful launch in Chicago fell outside of the NCAA recruiting window, this summer’s sequel was certified by Big Brother and drew a large contingent of coaches including multiple representatives from each of the Power Five conferences. They all had the opportunity to check out 57 top tier prospects representing 24 states, three provinces in Canada as well as both France and Great Brittan.
Blue Star and USJN founder Mike Flynn once again utilized the opportunity to provide a glimpse and appreciation of the path the game has taken to this point as well as a vision into the future that will be entrusted to the next generation of players. A prime example was highlighted by the Blue Star 7 scoring that was utilized in all full court competition focusing on recognition, shot selection and scoring efficiency. The concept also features a substitution infrastructure designed to accommodate two groups of “7” players while expanding playing opportunities. Never one to rest on his laurels, Flynn also added to the agenda a FIBA qualifying event for USA Basketball 3 on3 to set the elite event apart from the crowd even more. The team of Maddie Burke (2020 – Pa.), Azzi Fudd (2021 – Va.), Sydnee Parrish (2020 – Ind.) and Kylee Watson (2020 – N.J.) claimed top honors and the chance to compete further for a chance to wear red, white and blue. And…if you’re still doubting the cutting edge approach to Blue Star 30…Leigh Klien and company were on hand implementing the latest on floor technology from Kinexon and monitoring each player by sensor and providing real time feed back to by way of performance analytics. Follow the link below to their web site for more information.
Once again the training on the floor was headed up by Iowa Hall of Fame coach Dr. Anthony Pappas. He was joined by the likes of USA Basketball veteran Mary Klinger, renowned Texas based coach Teri Morrison and veteran NCAA Division I mentor Yvonne Sanchez. Add in Earnest Pearsall, Felicia Jenkins, Lisa Steele, Renee Johnson-Allen and Zack O’Brian and you’ve got the kind of staff an elite line-up of athletes needs to advance their game and skills. Basketball analyst and one of the game’s most ardent and respected trustees, Debbie Antonelli, was also on hand sharing her experience, wisdom and insight during a classroom session for players, parents and staff alike. Nike’s Tony Dorado dropped by and even legendary basketball journalist and author Dick Weiss was taking in the action on the sidelines of the Gaylord National Resort for a couple of sessions Thursday.
Below are images, classes and hometowns of those who participated in this elite, invitation only opportunity. Stay tuned for more from Blue Star 30 as last fall saw two additional events (Texas and Canada) make their way on to the calendar.
