Seventh Blue Star 30 event returns to Tampa

Tampa, FL – One of the highlights on the girls’ basketball grassroots calendar each and every year, the 7^th Annual rendition of the Blue Star 30 Camp headed back to the Wire Grass Ranch Sports Complex outside of sunny Tampa.

It’s hard to believe it’s been 7 years, and yet here we are. As we start to see the inaugural round of Blue Star 30 alums win NCAA National Championships and set the bar with some groundbreaking NIL partnerships, one can’t help but be excited for what the future holds. Once again we invited a deep and talented group of middle schoolers, comprised of returning players in the 2026 and 2027 classes from previous year(s) and then a deep collection of hungry young talent who were brand new to the 30 sisterhood.

As always, a top flight group of coaches from all across America were on hand to lead camp, combining for eons of girls’ basketball coaching experience at the college, high school, and/or club levels. This year’s 30 alumni counselors were Emma Risch (2023, Notre Dame commit), Qadence Samuels (2023, UConn commit), and Roisin Grandberry (2024, undecided). It was very cool to see three sets of younger 30 sisters in attendance in the Grandberry’s, Samuels’, and also the Hobbs sisters (Ella Hobbs, 2024, undecided), with the older sisters watching proudly as the next one’s up went to work. More on them later.

Blue Star Basketball has hosted National girls’ basketball camps for over four decades. We follow the blueprint of the 3 I’s, Instruction, Information, and Interaction. We believe that quality basketball instruction is at the forefront of any camp. Information, however, is as important and powerful as it has ever been. Players and parents were treated to plenty of it too, with the usual gamut of guest speakers throughout the four day event. Last but not least, the interaction. Being a part of Blue Star 30 is truly being a part of a sisterhood, of a basketball family. Seeing players, and even their parents, with plenty of mothers who played at Blue Star Camps themselves over the years, connect and form lifelong bonds, that’s special. That’s what the game is all about, bringing people together.

National evaluators and media sources from all over the country flocked the sidelines to get a look at some of the best going head to head, which is always a treat! The level of exposure was once again hard to top, and to see some of the top young players in the country battle under one roof despite of club or shoe circuit affiliation is always a unique and welcomed opportunity.

Now, as we head toward the school year and through the last month of summer, we set our eyes on next year already. The search for the next new 30’s in underway. We look forward to the start of our national fall camp series, Rising Blue Star, less than a month away! You can check out the cities we are heading to this fall, right here:

https://risingbluestar.com/

Let’s dive in and profile the players who came to camp this year. There will be plenty of names you recognize, and some who have come out of the proverbial “nowhere” to burst onto the scene. Oh yes, the sun was shining extra bright this year in Tampa.

Extra-Special Good

With so much talent under one roof, it’s hard to pick the “top performers” from day to day and even session to session sometimes. However, if you look at the totality of the four day event, there are always some names that pop up again and again.

While this will go in no particular order, I want to kick off our multi-course basketball feast with 2026 6’0 wing Trinity Jones out of Illinois. Talk about wow factor, this is a player that wants to do everything at an elite level already, from the way she cuts, to her passes in drills, all the little details that lead to what you see when the game actually starts. She’s wise beyond her years, and even when she’s not in the game, she’s talking about what’s going on and locked in. We have already profiled who she is as an explosive athlete and dynamic player, but she showed a whole new side or two in this setting, and we love what we see.

Another 2026 who was already making a splash this summer before we even got to the month of August, Jordan Jackson put out a product that came as advertised. The 6’1 wing out of New Jersey advanced all the way to the 17 EYBL level for Team Takeover this summer, so she was quite hungry and prepared to play against kids her own age. The physical maturity here is off the charts, and she brings a sense of confidence and just a love of playing basketball and getting better. Jackson is already scoring from all over, and the sky is the limit here as she heads into high school.

Switching gears to a 30 vet, there wasn’t a player coming back for her second go-around at camp that made more marked improvements to an already elite trajectory than 2026 6’1 wing/forward Jacy Abii. Going from a face in a very elite crowd to an experienced standout didn’t seem to be a hard transition here either. The Texas star is a special rebounder, who has gotten stronger and put that to good use on the court. Whether from the perimeter or facing up inside, she’s getting to the cup with that explosiveness. The perimeter shooting, no surprise, has also expanded greatly. If you haven’t purchased your Abii stock yet, now’s the time to get in.

Keeping with the topic of returning players, 2026 point guard Autumn Fleary has also made some serious jumps. And no, I’m not just talking about the way she flies through the air with all types of finishes either, although that is nice. She routinely attacks those big second level defenders and scores anyway. Fleary can fly no doubt, but she also shows good patience and is willing and able to feed her posts. Defensively, she can get out and guard elite PG’s, and with the ups, she is a capable rebounder at the one spot.

This was 2027 Tennessee product Lauren Hassell’s third experience at Blue Star 30, and as a 2027, she will become the first ever four year player in 2023. Hassel is quite a handful at 6’3, as she moves and handles the ball like a guard, and has go-go gadget arms to block shots, snag steals, rebound, and score. Changing pace and direction as she goes coast to coast like that, it’s just flat out unfair. Overall, amongst elite company, she once again proved herself to be active, versatile, and smart on both ends of the floor.

Standing at an imposing 6’3, Oliviyah Edwards is already a known quantity across the country. The Pacific Northwest native was in her second year here at Blue Star 30, and while the physical traits are off the charts, she wasted no time showing what she has added to her bag. That jump shot has gotten pretty smooth, and she’s hitting the three with some regularity in game settings. Edwards’ maturity and basketball IQ are also really clicking, and she’s letting some of her personality and leadership sign through. Already a freakish athlete, this is a top prospect who is having some level-up breakthroughs before our very eyes.

As the camp wore on, one player who consistently made the conversations of evaluators regularly was 2026 5’11 wing/forward Sanai Green. Hailing from Virginia, the Elevate Elite standout got to the rack, early, late, and often, finishing and one’s with that powerful frame. Green was a first timer here, but played with the efficiency and smarts of a youngster who has been on big stages before, and will likely be on plenty more. That three ball with a hand in her face is becoming a scary weapon as well, along with the ability to defend inside or out.

Fellow Virginian Zaniyah Williams sure has done a lot of winning this summer, and that continued in Tampa. The 2026 Kentucky Premier point guard was named camp three point shooting champion, which surprised no one because she is both talented but moreover, competitive. Williams gets shots at all three levels, mixing in scoop finishes and floaters as needed. Her feel for the game also really stood out against a gym full of high end guards. Buckets and dimes will continue to be plentiful for her in the years to come.

Surprise Statements

While it’s hard to call any of these youngsters “under the radar” at this point, there are always some players who really explode onto the national scene at this camp with stellar performances.

You may not have seen 2027 Jordyn Palmer and her Chester County (PA) Storm squad play this July, but she has already been dominating the 17U level on those “hidden back courts” that are often overlooked. Palmer looks, and plays, like she already belongs in high school. She is will and able to be flexible position wise, and honestly, her footwork to get finishes in the paint really impressed here against elite competition. Transition is another area where she thrives, taking off with the ball to get to the rack. Look at her as a scoring wing long term.

Finley Chastain will go out and mix it up with anyone. The 2027 guard out of Texas can play on or off the ball, and features a nice lefty three point stroke to go along with slick handles and a solid IQ. Then you have another 2027 you need to see in KeAundria Acree, out of Georgia. You look at her and see the athleticism so when you get all the slashing and driving, it matches the expectation. An then she shoots the pull up step back trey out of nowhere. Acree is not a finished product by any stretch, which might be the scariest part.

Scoring Prowess

The title speaks for itself. Among other things, the ability to score the basketball is a huge separating factor at the highest levels.

Sydney Savoury was in her second tour of duty at Blue Star 30, and the 2027 Michigan prospect did more of what we saw and liked last year. Here’s a player who gets shots wherever and whenever she wants them. Savoury is so smooth and very adept at getting to the rack. It’s hard to believe she’s only just heading into 8^th grade with the physicality and skill level. More good things lie in store for her.

2027.classmate Jessie Moses already has a nickname, “Jessie Buckets”, and it is quite fitting. A scoring point guard, the pull up game and three ball are legit, and she is great with the ball in traffic. Moses was an attendee at last year’s Blue Star All-American Camp here in Tampa, and her game has reached new heights in the past year. Another player who blazed that trail from the All-American Camp is the exciting wing/stretch forward Caterina Ravosa. The growth in her game over the past 12 months is off the charts, and when you have a 6’2 player making the finals of the three-point contest, that raises eyebrows if you haven’t seen her in action. Even with a hand up, she can stick it from deep, and unlike other players, she’s not allergic to the paint, as she is more than willing to score in the post areas and defend inside.

California’s Karisma Lewis is another playmaker at the lead guard spot. The 2026 standout from Sports Authority Swish is a sponge on the court and clearly loves to play. She can knock down three’s at an increasing rate, and she has some hops for a backcourt player. Tori Oehrlein of the Minnesota Suns is another 2026 that is destined to put up some big point totals in her upcoming high school career. Oehrlein is a steady hand and at times a silent assassin who can hurt you inside and out with all sorts of tricks up her sleeve.

Don’t Sleep

There were plenty of players we saw this spring and summer who are just now coming into their own and starting to click as they get to their later years of middle school. Fortunately, we had plenty of these players here at camp this year, and we continue to be excited about their development.

Elsie Larsen, a 2026 point guard with the Missouri Phenom, is coming off a really nice club season playing up with the 15U group. A coach’s daughter, she really knows how to play, moving without the ball and making the right decisions as a passer. Larsen also knocks down jump shots on the move, and picks the opportune times to get all the way to the rack, where she can mix her finishes. Jordan Speller is another ’27 lead guard who really stood out. You could make the argument that she was the best defender in camp, first and foremost. This lefty lead guard is a gamer, and already pretty dynamic. Offensively, she packs that one-two punch of handles and quickness.

Speaking of good defenders, 2026 combo guard Jeniya Bowers out of Ohio is quite the athlete. She showed a strong defensive prowess, and offensively, she can pull up on the move in a flash. Fellow rising ninth grader Taniyah Davis held it down for the home state, and really benefited from the experience. She flashed some good vision and passing in transition when she played on the ball, and a three point shot that is developing off the catch.

2027 guard Mya Wilson out of Minnesota really burst on to the scene at Blue Star Saturday back in April, and coming off a good summer, she showed she is just getting started when she got to Tampa. Wilson boasts range that now extends a couple steps beyond the arc, but she can also wow you off the bounce when she hits the spin cycle into the jumper and nails it. This is a bucket-getter to be aware of. Another guard from Ohio who is going through an on court skill growth spurt is Milee Smith. Standing at 5’10, she has size for a wing guard which helps her absorb contact on the drive. The shot is also fluid, and she is very coachable, so keep an eye out for her.

Keeping it in the Midwest, Stella Sakalas out of Illinois in a 5’11 wing who can shoot the basketball, flat out. The 2026 off guard is a solid option already, and we will se where she takes it in high school. On the flip side, 2029 (yes, that is not a typo) 6’3 forward Jayden McClain is no where close to high school yet, but don’t tell her that. She is a rim runner all day, and just a ball of energy out there, even as she is just getting started in her basketball journey. We will look forward to hearing a lot from the Kentuckian in the coming decade (literally!).

BIG Time

We have seen some elite forward and post play over the past 7 years of Blue Star 30, and the 2022 crew was no different. This group in particular was young, but hungry to learn and get better. Overall, there’s a lot of potential here, and we had a position group that is really even just now starting to peel back those first couple of layers.

Khalia Hartwell made the short trip down from South Carolina, but there’s not else really short when it comes to the 2027 6’4 post player. Hartwell is built to play at the highest level, and has all the physical make up already. Rim to rim she runs, and weak attempts at the rim she shuns. Her hands are pretty sure as well. Another 2027 big from down south with limitless potential is 6’3 Marley Spiers. When you see her drop step and slap the glass on her finishes in guard post break down, you just think how much fun it’s going to be when she realizes that she can do that to opponents in games. She’s working on her finishing touch and even a little jumper, and the footwork and rebounding sensibility are intact.

Also representing the Volunteer State in the frontcourt is 2026 5’11 forward Kimora Fields. There’s plenty of strength to her frame, and while you can tell she has a back to basket and face up repertoire, she also flashes some perimeter skills that include hang time to finish drives and a 15 foot pull up jumper. Then you have the exciting and super energetic Dalia Grandberry, a 6’3 2026 post who was watching her big sister in this event a couple years ago. With this one you get the bounce on the boards and the defensive chaps, hedging screens and rejecting shots. Her offensive development will dictate the rise in the coming years.

Vested Vets

Due to school start dates and July injuries, the group of returners in this year’s camp who participated in 2021 was the smallest we’ve had in some time. Maintaining pace, focus, and energy over a four day elite camp is not easy, and you have to rely on those who have been here before to set the tone.

One trend setter amongst the group was 2026 point guard Ariyana Cradle. She is a player who can compete and get it done against anyone. Cradle’s mid range game is silky smooth, and she knocks down the leaners and fadeaways as well. Just when you think she’s going to stop and pop another one, she slips right through the defense’s fingers to the rack to get more tough buckets.

Jaidyn Gunter is another 2026 weapon out of the backcourt who has been here before. That experience paid off, as Gunter once again proved to be a two way guard who is definitely on the national radar. Demonstrating a good understanding of offensive spacing and talking on defense are just a couple of the little things she does that stand out, and the crossover is awfully dangerous.

On the interior, 2026 6’4 post Marisa Taylor was back for year two, and got off to a good start before having to leave early. Taylor is deceptively athletic and flashes a good skill set. When she puts it all together and maybe adds a little more of a mean streak, look out. Chanel Noel Shuler is another 2026 center with a back to basket move set undoubtedly. She can be a handful when she gets the ball on the block, so let’s wait and see how she adds to her overall game in high school.

Wings on the Upswing

There is never a shortage of long, lanky, tall wing players at Blue Star 30 camp. These are the players that have the versatility to floor it on the outside and get it done down low as well. Anytime you see young six-footers, give or take, who can dribble, pass, and shoot at a high level, it instantly grabs your attention.

One player who has exploded this calendar year thus far is 2026 Brihanna Crittendon out of Colorado. First and foremost, when she drives into the paint, it’s pretty much over. Her footwork and uncanny ability to find scoring avenues around the rim is uncanny. The up and under is lethal, and she will get it and go up again and again. In traffic, her balance is outstanding, and she is also knocking down the mid range jumper. Crittendon is a blast to watch.

You can’t talk about players on the rise across the country without including 2026 Addison Bjorn. The Missouri native shined in the Blue Star All-American Camp last summer, and added to her game heading into Blue Star Saturday to earn her nod to Blue Star 30. Bjorn continues to impress. The transition scoring has always been there, but I like how she’s seeing things off the dribble more and delivering the ball in tight spaces. Also you see that she is putting in the reps with the perimeter jumper.

The Samuels clan have their second sister of the 30 family in 2027 wing Qandace Samuels. She is extremely smooth and fluid, particularly with the three point jumper. On top of that, she can get to the rack with ease and shows a soft touch to finish, even on some contested lay ins and reverse finishes. Samuels takes after the family in that she is really good at basketball.

The Boo Williams program is super excited about 2026 guard Maddie Leach, and for good reason. Athletically and competitively, Leach can hang with anyone. She can shoot, pass, and handle at a high level, and it’s never a surprise to see her score on two, three, four possessions consecutively. Defensively, she is smart and fast enough to lockdown elite opposing guards. She has a chance to be one of those total package types when it’s all said and done, even with the intangibles.

Versatile Size Sells

We’ve talked about bigs, and we’ve talked about wings. How about we take this hybrid and zoom in on some players who can do both?

Camri Hobbs, a 6’0 2026 wing/forward is another 30 legacy, coming off the heels of her big sister Ella, but with a totally different game. Camri isn’t looking for outlet help. She is rebounding and pushing on her own. If you don’t stop her, it’s going to be a bucket at the rim in a hurry. Throw in a pull up jump shot and three-point range for good measure, and you have quite the offensive weapon. The size and strength is there to rebound and defend inside too, making her an exciting prospect to follow.

A little further down the age brackets, keep an eye or two out for 2028 Makynli Bacon out of Tennessee. Bacon stands at around 5’10 so far, but may not be done growing yet. She’s built to be a bully, and one thing to love about her is that she embraces her size, strength, and ability to be versatile instead of just skipping right out to the perimeter. Time will tell where she ends up as a primary position, but she’s strong and the skill set is there at an early age, so there’s lots to like.

The Young Shall Lead Them

Let’s cap this off with some of the youngest standouts in camp this go around.

Nevaeh Roberson is a 2027 wing to know out of Maryland. The Team Takeover product is bouncy and can start the break on her own, but also shows patience and restraint in transition if nothing develops. Those quick hops are something else. Her perimeter defense stood out, and as she starts to get stronger, she’s bound to become even more of a threat.

You have to like where 2027 5’11 wing Micah Ojo is headed. She features a quick, long crossover to change directions, and she can lead her teammates with good passes off the dribble. Seeing things develop is coming easier and easier to her. When the jump shot fully settles in, she will be able to do damage in yet another way.

The Miami Suns have one waiting in the wings who is destined to become quite a versatile weapon in 2027 Jalynn Belton. Her attack is as strong as her build, and overall she plays with plenty of power. The perimeter shooting is coming along nicely, and she hit some tough mid range shots going one on one with defenders of all sizes. There’s more in the tank with her, too, so let’s see what she uncovers next.

New Addition

Last, but certainly not least, we kept with the tradition of previous years by “calling up” a deserving young player from the Blue Star All-American camp and anointing them into the Blue Star 30 sisterhood.

This year, one such player went to work, stuck out, and earned her 30 stripes. Her name, Jayla Williams. The 5’10 2026 wing suits up for Kingdom Hoops out of Iowa, and she showed the explosives off the bounce and a range of finishing tricks up her sleeve. Williams gets after it on the defensive end as well, and like many young players, it’s easy to see that the best is yet to come in her young career. Congratulations, Jayla!

There you have it. We missed those members of the #30sisterhood who couldn’t make it to join us this year, but as always, once you’re in, you’re a 30 for life! We look forward to our upcoming camps, and our search for the next generation starts now. Keep it locked in here on Blue Star Media for camp and event coverage all fall. Safe travels and happy hooping, everyone!