ATLANTA, Ga.– These days the old phrase “the more the merrier” is all too common at some of the events found on the evaluation landscape.  Showcases promising participants an evaluation when it’s virtually impossible to accomplish due to the sheer number of athletes and, often, very few legitimate evaluators.

The South East Elite 100 Showcase broke that mold, however, and featured just 25 young women on the court of Atlanta’s Therrell High School. Hosted over the course of two days following Christmas, the event allowed for plenty of individual instruction, and gave us a chance to take a closer look at all the prospects in the gym.

The 2021 class is one that has talent at every position and from every state. That being said, Brianna Turnage of Atlanta, Georgia is one you’ll be hearing a lot from. Walking into the gym, it is easy to spot the lanky, 6’1 guard even before she steps on the court. Once she does though, her ability is impossible to ignore. Possessing a smooth stroke and good handles, Turnage also has the athletic ability to score in a variety of ways. Besides just the skills, the leadership shown by her made her stand out even more. She is many years away from picking a college but is on her way to giving herself plenty of elite options when the time comes.

There is a certain noise the rim makes when a ball bounces of it, one that any true basketball person knows even with their eyes closed. There is a different noise entirely made when someone grabs the rim and pulls it down. The latter sound was one that causes heads to turn when 6’3, 2022 post prospect Ashlyn Watkins is coming down from a dunk attempt. You could argue if Watkins, from Cola, South Carolina, actually completed the dunk or not, but what you can’t argue is the high ceiling she demonstrates is right up there with her impressive vertical. Blessed with great size and athletic ability at a young age, Watkins also has great hands and a good stroke. As she continues to work on her post play development and extending her range, Watkins will likely make some noise among the top tier of the 2022 class.

Another rarity nowadays is a true point guard who runs the show while looking for more than just her own options. De’Mauri Flournoy, a 2021, fits the bill as the perfect mix between old school and new school with her focus in setting up her teammates.  However, let your guard down and suddenly the ball will be in the basket. Flournoy showed off some impressive vision, oftentimes getting the ball to her teammates when even they didn’t realize that they were open. Calling Valla Rica, Georgia home, she is also able to use solid ball handling skills to get into the paint and finish with either hand. Though she didn’t have to do it a lot, she also showed off a very good looking stroke knocking down the majority of her shots from deep.

Being one of the youngest players in the gym didn’t bother 2023 guard Courtney Ogden one bit. We saw the Atlanta native several months ago and following that event, Ogden was looking for input to advance her game. It was clear from the start this time out that she took the feedback to heart and put in plenty of work. She shoots a bit of a knuckleball but it does go in plus her range is now extending all the way to the three-point line. Ogden is very patient with the ball, never forcing the action, but taking what the defense gifts her. As she continues to improve her strength and overall skills folks will be watching closely.

QUICK HITTERS

Tylei Byrd- 2021- Wing- Nettleton Jr. High School (Arkansas)- Good, athletic build…Finishes at the rim through contact…Good passer

Anala Nelson- 2022- Guard- Hopkins Middle School (South Carolina)- Tough PG with good passing skills…Solid ball handler…Gets to the rim well

Amelia Osgood- 2021- Guard- Brentwood Middle School (Tennessee)- Lefty shooter with a pure stroke and deep range…Handles need a little work but are solid currently…Developing nicely…Keep an eye on

Eden Sample- 2021- Guard- River Trail Middle School (Georgia)- Quicker and more athletic than first impressions…Can drive both ways and finish at the rim…Nice stroke and consistency from three point range…Good build…Watch

Zaakyaa Young- 2021- Guard- Ditmas I.S. 62 (New York)- Quick guard…Solid stroke…Handles are solid…Needs to get stronger…Works hard and has great attitude