OAKS, PA – There’s a full moon rising over the Philadelphia skyline on a warm late July evening, you follow the sound of music around a corner, and there he is, with a Gibson J-35 acoustic in hand, jamming away as the crowd cheers on. It’s Joe Fenelon, guitar pick in hand, basketball meets the blues.
We all know that the camera is in fact Fenelon’s instrument of choice, and this past weekend in the suburbs of the City of Brotherly Love, the only Tune Up to be seen or heard was on the court. Some of the best programs the Northeast has to offer were socially-distanced through the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, and at the NYG Hoops Tune up, it was basketball that had the crowd really going.
With a delayed start to the club basketball season here in the region, many teams were seeing some of their first live action against live competition. As we’ve seen throughout these unprecedented times, safety and creativity are going hand-in-hand as teams are missing players, committed players (and others) may opt out, and clubs are finding new additions from a pool of temporary free agents who are looking to play for the weekend or calling up younger prospects to play with the older team.
In the end, none of that mattered. Players came to compete, coaches looked to prepare their teams for the upcoming August schedule, and we were there to enjoy all of the great action all weekend. The talent of all ages drew some of the nation’s top evaluators and media outlets. Joe was there too, camera in hand, posted up on the baseline for digital documentation of his own masterpiece creation.
For this event, we have opted to profile some of the programs who showed up and showed out. It’s always a treat to watch young athletes progress through the ranks from middle school to rising senior. Those same bright-eyed pre-teens watching marquee match ups featuring their older counterparts end up playing in those games themselves, coming full circle. In addition, we have a few bonus names to know.
While this event was primarily composed of regional powerhouses, Baylor Basketball made the trip from Illinois to provide us with a strong Midwest presence. Without question one of the weekend’s top performers was 2021 workhorse Aneesah Morrow. Morrow proved to be too much to handle for defenders all weekend, leveraging multiple 30 point performances in beastly fashion. A kid who can cash out from three one trip, and post up to score the next, she’s a match-up nightmare. Khaniah Gardner, a fellow rising senior, did damage on the interior and left her mark as a vicious rebounder. 2022 combo guard Kennedi Perkins can still make it rain from beyond the arc, but it’s the strength she’s added to her frame that really has her continuing to head in the right direction.
If you like your players tall, long, and athletic, Books and Basketball encourages you to do your homework. Future Georgetown Hoya Kaliyah Myricks makes the rebound-outlet process look easy at 6’2. Fellow 2021 6-footers Denae Carter and Zaniyyah Ross-Barnes are versatile athletes who impact the game in countless ways. In the backcourt, lanky 5’10 wing Kylie Favours is flanked by a recent addition, 2022 guard Kourtney Wilson to provide points in a multitude of ways. Speaking of their 2022 class, lefty forward Lauryn Redcross was consistently a factor for the 16U squad.
Five teams made the journey up from Hampton Road in Virginia to represent the legendary Boo Williams program at the Tune Up. Expect some big things the next four years from 2024 point guard Cyriah Griffin as she heads into freshman year of high school. Playing on the BWSL Webb 16U squad will certainly help prepare her, and with blow by speed and a useful midrange game intact, perhaps we should ask if high school basketball is ready for her. Alary Bell is a promising 2023 post prospect, and you can’t overlook 2022 athletic wing Desire Short either. The depth of Boo’s 2021 crew was on full display from two different teams. Standout wing/forward Iyanna Rogers will be spending plenty of time in Philadelphia in the coming years, as she has pledged to take her talents to Penn of the Ivy League. She is joined by some teammates who share in their own combination of size and athleticism, including Deaisjah Somerville, Danielle McTeer, and Alyssa Chapman, who are all on several college radars in their own right. Last, but certainly not least, 2023 standout Drew Jordan got to the rack early and often. Jordan is a magnet for contact and very bouncy on the boards.
As you venture up I-95 toward the gates of New England, one program you need to know if you follow girls’ basketball is Bria Holmes Elite. Playing her last summer on the circuit, 2021 guard Allison Palmeri in an established scoring threat who has been fun to watch over the years. She will be heading to Boston College and the ACC. Another player from this program who makes a ton of shots is 2022 point guard Aizhanique Mayo. You can’t go under ball screens with her. Classmate Jenesis Perrin certainly grabs your attention immediately at 6’6, and leaves her mark on the defensive end and on the glass already, as she continues to really hone in on the offensive skill set. Kayla Henry and Amaya Mitchell (both 2022’s) proved capable of attacking the basket time and time again. A little further down the age ladder, keep an eye on 5’11 2024 wing Ayanna Franks as well.
The Cap City Ballerz headed back home to Central Virginia with plenty of success across the board. We’ve watched 2021 wing forward Sherese Pittman through her journey from up and coming pre-teen to future JMU Duke, always impressing along the way. Logan Nuckols can flat out make lots of shots. If you’re looking for a 2022 kid who can fill it up off the catch or off the bounce, and log minutes at the point, she’s one to seek out. Cap City’s 2023 class is loaded with prospects on the rise. Kyah Smith is a smooth and patient floor general who has no issue flipping the switch and becoming a scorer at any of the three levels. Sylvie Jackson was not only impressive as a wing scoring threat against opponents her own age, but the deep trey ball falls against the upperclassmen all the same. Ella Weaver also has good size on the wing at 5’10 that enabled her to play up with the older squad, and Sydney Turner is a strong, physical driver who had some big games.
It seems like every year the Empire State Blue Flames continue to grow and build a truly formidable and highly respected program out of New York, top to bottom. This year is no different. Melannie Daley is playing her last summer before graduation and turning the page to competing in the B1G at Northwestern. A skilled, athletic wing who always gives the max effort on both ends and has an old school sense to her scoring ability, she’s been a joy to watch through the years. She’s joined by fellow rising senior lead guard Khya Hough, who will head to Kennesaw State. One more 2021 to know is 5’11 wing Brooke Tatarian, who got to the basket often through traffic and made some nice cuts without the ball to score. We’ve seen 2023 point guard Mackenzie Nelson put on a show a few times before, and rest assured the show not only goes on, but has gotten even more entertaining! With plenty of help in the frontcourt from classmates Madisson Roman (5’11) and Karly Fischer (6’2), expect plenty of spring and summer W’s the next couple years. Rylie Rosenberg was good for Empire’s 2024 crew, as a point guard who can really hurt opponents from the three point line. One team had to shadow her the length of the floor to try to slow her down.
Speaking of established New York programs, iExcel certainly needs no introduction. For starters, 2024 point guard Leah Harmon is an exciting young player who can really score the basketball. She dazzled defenders all weekend long, and proves she can hang with some of the best guards in the gym, of any age. 2023 twins Taylor and Taryn Barbot pack a serious 1-2 punch, with Taylor playing the 1 and Taryn over in the 2 spot. Que Cherry-Montague is a freak athlete who proved herself to be a relentless force inside on both ends of the floor throughout the weekend. One more name to know, this time out of the 2022 class, is a do it all wing/forward Alanis Diaz who time and time again put herself in the right place at the right time to make plays.
Headlined by 2021 Villanova commit Lucy Olsen, the Lady Runnin’ Rebels had two 2021 teams in the mix. Olsen is a stat sheet stuffer, with plenty of athleticism and length to go with a legitimate skill set and a great sense of court awareness. Point guard Sanaa Redmond is a player on the rise, with a mix of quickness and toughness out there. Standing at 5’11, wing player Molly Manion does a little bit of everything for her team, and while the three ball can be lethal, she can also go to the shot fake and attack as well. Comprised entirely of local talent, this crew plays hard and plays together, and the results follow.
The Maryland Lady Tigers joined the party, making the short trip up I-95 from Baltimore. A program known for producing raw athletes, 2022 point guard Ashley Dickey is the next example. Her IQ and recognition are a big asset to her team, as is her ability to get up and pressure opposing floor generals defensively. That lefty stroke from 3 can really get going too, especially off the dribble. Bria Beverly showed her versatility out on the wing and has no problem getting physical in the lane. Speaking of the lane, the Lady Tigers lead with a pair of 6’2 forwards Aniya Hills and Zyan Reynolds. Both are still developing but do some things that cannot be taught.
It’s safe to say that the Mid-Atlantic Magic is a name other teams don’t like seeing on the schedule. The Magic program is known for a hard-nosed, scrappy style of play that keeps teams off balance with their poise and execution. The 2021 squad has several players who have already made their college choices. Dana Kiefer is a 6’2 stretch 4 player who can shoot the heck out of the basketball, and score in the paint as well. Noelle Baxter is a steady guard who makes great decisions and just knows how to play. A little deeper into the program, 2024 guard Lola Ibarrondo is tough and crafty, and classmate Reese Zemitis is a 5’10 prospect who is built for the 4 but has plenty of skills and ability to play on the wing, so it will be interesting to see how she progresses.
The New Jersey Belles were excited to get some of their first live action of the adjusted season at the Tune Up. If you know basketball in New Jersey, you’re looking forward to seeing 2024 Hope Masonius at the high school level the next 4 years. Talk about having the “wow factor”, Masonius is wise and capable beyond years, not only as she makes scoring look commonplace, but in the sheer number of pinpoint passes she delivers to help her teammates score. More than a few of those assists went to 2023 teammate Molly Kelly, a 5’8 off guard with a scoring prowess and a great stroke from deep. Taylor Derkack is a 6’0 2024 player who can already score in a multitude of ways and defend multiple positions. More length and size lingers on the 2022 squad, including 6’1 forward Julianna Gibson and another 2024 playing up, 6’1 Katie Collins.
For the NJ Demons it all starts in the paint for their 17U team. The well-established Tabitha Amanze (6’4, 2022 forward) and Dorreen Ariik (6’4, 2021 post) are a dynamic interior tandem. Amanze is a walking double-double with that big time leaping ability, a pair of huge hands, and nice over-the-shoulder finishing. Standing at 5’10, Tara Johnson is a 2021 perimeter player with size that logs plenty of minutes at the point for this group. Size is also plentiful in the younger Demon classes. Keep an eye out for 2023 6’4 forward Sydney DeVoogd and 2022 6’1 forward Grace Klag, who both caught our attention at different times.
NY Extreme brought a talented mix of players from four different graduating classes out of necessity, but the results were still quite positive nonetheless, as this group could flat out play. 2021 forward Caitlyn O’Boyle did plenty of good work in the paint. She was joined by 2024 forward Natalie Fox, a skilled 6’2 competitor that consistently showed up. 2023 5’10 guard Eva DeChent is quite simply a baller. She can shoot the lights out, but also drew a reaction with a ball handling spectacle, going behind her back in motion on a lay-up in traffic at one point for the SC Top 10 voters.
While missing some pieces, the Philadelphia Belles had both their 16 and 17 year old EYBL squads convene to get some run in and stay ready for the remaining summer schedule, and several other teams from the program also represented well. Notre Dame commit Olivia Miles did Olivia Miles things, but it was the standout play of future Villanova forward Christina Dalce that really proved to be the most impactful down the stretch of a couple hard-fought battles. Dalce’s defense and timely rebounding tipped the scale on more than one occasion. 2022 guard Ava Sciolla continues to flex and embrace her versatility and scoring tool box this summer. The future is bright for the Belles as well, as 2024 point guard Lauryn Swan shoots, drives, and passes her way toward freshman year of high school. Another youngster to keep an eye on is 2024 5’9 wing Jessica Aponik, just a youngster who executes and shoots the ball well, while not being afraid to get on the floor and make hustle plays.
Philly Triple Threat has an impressive collection of talent in the 2023 class in particular, many of whom are gaining valuable experience playing up. Aleah Snead is one such player, a lanky lefty with loads of promising athletic potential. Snead is a playmaker already, and if she can develop the jump shot, she will be difficult to deal with. Kelsey Bess is built to bang in the paint, and certainly embraces that, but when she stepped out and hit face up jumpers in the high post and then knocked down the trey ball, it garnered several nods of approval. Mikala Carter is yet another 2023 prospect, and at 6’3 she’s hard to miss on a basketball court. Once she starts to mature and fill out, she can level up in a hurry. Breaking out of the ’23 class, Kaylinn Bethea is a rising 8th grader. A combo guard who has some wheels with the ball, she is very mature at the point, relocating after every pass to shorten passing lanes and keep proper spacing, exactly what you want to see out of point guards.
Rochester Premier was that team of kids who hadn’t played in high school yet that looked and played like they’d played in high school already… a lot! Madison Francis, a dynamic 2025 wing, will catch your eye with the physical gifts, and then keep you watching with a mix of scoring ability, tip drill put-backs, and plenty of blocked shots on the perimeter. Amaia Jackson (2025 point guard) demonstrated both the scoring and assist numbers you want to see. Leah Thompson, a 2024 wing, was on the receiving end of some of those assists, spotting up to nail multiple three pointers. This was a fun group to watch.
Another program hailing from upstate New York, there was plenty to like from the Syracuse Royals this past weekend. 2021 Niagara commit Marianna Freeman is a spark plug point guard that sets the tone. She plays well with 6’4 2021 post Katie Whitaker, a true back-to-basket player with mobility and a simplistic approach. Their 2022 class is led by speedy lead guard Ayana Coleman, who navigates traffic and proves to be a more than capable scoring threat. Adrien LaMora is a 6’0 tall stretch 4 in the making, and deeper down the age spectrum, 2024 forward Kaylee Marvin is coachable and active as she looks to develop her game now at the high school level.
Blue Star Bonus- 10 More Names to Know
Julianna Almeida – 2024 – 5-7 – Point Guard – NJ Freedom 2023 – Can freeze defenders with the hesi and then blow by…Keeps her head up to see things develop…Poise under pressure…Willing to feed hungry posts…Rebounds for a point guard…Active and very solid all-around
Maya Bateau – 2024 – 6-1 – Forward – Hoopers NY – Face up forward…Very physical off the bounce to get into the lane to score…Will block a shot and take it the other way…Vocal and aggressive…Can be a one woman wrecking crew at times…Rebounds in a crowded lane
Antonia Bates – 2022 – 6-0 – Guard – Team Miller 2021 – Rutgers commit…Has the look of a future B1G player with that size and length…At her best when she can attack the rack, and does so especially well in transition
Zoe Brooks – 2023 – 5-8 – Guard – Jersey Cardinals – Has noticeably slimmed down to her benefit…Just a power guard who can score in so many ways…Can take over a game and go on a scoring spree at any time…Pinpoint footwork to finish…Well on her way
Laycee Drake – 2021 – 5-6 – Point Guard – Alpha Tier Athletics 2021 – Physical PG…Jumper is smooth…Uses her dribble to create space to make a pass…Puts others in position to score with great dishes…Always seems to be a couple plays ahead…Creative finisher
Nile Miller – 2022 – 6-1 – Wing – Philly Freedom Stars – Long stride with the ball makes her a threat, especially in transition…Gets into the lane and up into a lay-up very quickly…Hit the three so she can score all over…Plus defender as well
Ava Naszimento – 2023 – 5-11 – Forward/Post – NJ Freedom 2023 – Wants to work in the post, and certainly has a diverse array of moves down there…Work horse…Mans the high post, and willing to flash middle against the press to help beat traps…Nice build
Samantha Richardson – 2023 – 6-2 – Forward – Team Miller 2022 – Has the college build already…Nice catch and finish in the paint…Developing interior repertoire…Pick and roll player…Drew some double teams inside when she got going…Still lots of ball ahead for her
Olivia Schmitt – 2024 – 5-5 – Point Guard – SI Bulldogs 2024 – She’s a bucket…Drain-o from three…Nice wrap up and reverse finish in a lane full of bigs…Big time energy player…Pressures opponents on D…More than her share of assists as well
Kara Wehner – 2023 – 5-4 – Point Guard – SI Bulldogs 2023 – Very vocal and has a good head on her shoulders…Plays hard…Showed some ability to split the D off the bounce…Gets low coming off ball screens…Does all the little things well
