UNION, N.J. — To the discerning eye the USJN Big Apple Challenge may have lacked overall high-level, but after peeling a few layers away, there was plenty to appreciate. Granted the nation’s elite convened in Colorado Springs, Colo., for the USA Basketball U17 trials and other teams took off the Memorial Day Weekend.

Those who attended the well-run event last weekend at Kean University can come with more experience and a game plan heading into the two most crucial months on the summer calendar, climaxing with NCAA live recruiting periods in July.

The USJN Big Apple Challenge mostly featured sub-Division I talent and a handful of exciting players who are headed to high school in the fall. In May, all type of players are on display, starting with the average one who is sharpening her game for the final high school season to a youngster playing up an age division in hopes of gauging her talent. The smart players will use this event as a learning tool and some should review their fitness. Huffing and puffing in the opening minutes off a game and the sure sign of placing the hands on the hips should send a red flag.

There’s still a little over a month until the live period opens July 6. Those live evaluation dates are: July 6-12 and July 23-29.

Saturday was a good day and now here are some thoughts from Sunday’s games.

6 More Players Who Caught My Eye

O’lesheya Braxton, 5-11, 2017: She was the 1-guard for the Ladies Play Too and with her ball handling skills against pressure defense and the ability to see over a defense from the point, gives her a distinct advantage. She plays at Passaic County Technical Institute (Wayne, N.J.) and she has long arms and a good change of direction. Can spot-up from three.

Jimmirah Johnson, 6-2, 2018: Plays the post and is a true 5. Her strength is plugging the middle, physical rebounding and plays with her back to the basket. Attends Kennedy High School (Paterson, N.J.) and is a member of Ladies Play Too. No question a mid-major talent.

Ally Lassen, 6-1, 2017: She’s a rising senior from the Central Jersey Hawks and Point Pleasant Boro High School and a lengthy wing, who seems to work well in a structured offense. She shows flashes of scoring from 3-point range and sank clutch free throws to ice a game this weekend.

Kealei Light, 5-7, 2017: Talk about intensity, Light is just that and more. Always talking and encouraging her Philadelphia Belles 17 teammates. She plays sticky man defense and disrupts passing lanes. She attends Holy Spirit High School near Atlantic City and mentioned she wants to major in fashion merchandising. Light is a program player for Division II and positive addition to any program.

Jasmine Lyles, 5-10, 2020: Another youngster with a high skill set for her age. Lyles plays for the New Jersey Cardinals and will likely play varsity as a freshman at Rutgers Prep (Somerset, N.J.) for USA Basketball coach Mary Klinger. She’s aggressive to the basket and can absorb physical play. She solid rebounder who understands floor positioning.

Morgan Mosely, 5-11, 2020: This is one the better young players at the event. The rising freshman plays for the Maryland Pride 15 and is from Centerville, Md. The first thing that jumps is her aggressiveness. She is fearless attacking the basket and looks a future star.

Next up for USJN

The basketball season never stops spinning and this weekend there are several key events. In Pittsburgh, Joe Costa runs the show at the fifth annual Three Rivers Challenge at California State University in nearby California, Pa. This event is already sold out.

The action is fast and furious throughout the Midwest with three events. The event takes place at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill. Chris Mennig of USJN presents the seventh Midwest National Championships starting on Saturday.

Another sold out weekend is on tap in the 17th annual Battle of the Border conducted in the greater Kansas City area at four venues: Drive5 Sports Center and Johnson County Community College, both in Overland Park, Kan.; University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Swinney Recreation Center; and New Century Fieldhouse in New Century, Kan.

I am headed to the West Coast for the Pangos All-American Camp at Cerritos College in Norwalk, Calif. Event director is Dinos Trigonis and culls the best prospects from the western states with a smattering of top-notch players from other regions and overseas and Canada. This camp is one of the best anywhere and runs Friday through Sunday afternoon and is capped by a high caliber all-star game. I’ll have a full report on the top talent and unearth a few gems. Check back at www.bluestarmedia.org early next week for a report. – Christopher Lawlor