WASHINGTON, DC – Usually the débutantes flock to the nation’s capital for its world renowned cotillions and balls, but this year The DC Convention Center hosted a different typing of coming out party. The 29th annual USJN National Championships were the perfect venue for the next generation of high school players to make an impression on the college scouts and elevators. The general consensus is that these classes, especially 2019 are among the best the sport has seen in decades.
Faith Masonius 6-0 2019 Exodus Wildcats
Savvy, smart and crafty are just a few of the intangibles that jump out when you watch this 6 foot wing from New Jersey. Faith Masonius has a college physique and a skill set to match, whether she is down low fighting for rebounds or handling the ball on a fast break. She is a vocal leader and isn’t afraid to call for the ball and score when her team needs it. Masonius is the type of player who can notch stats in every category all while making those around her better.
Makayla Pippin 6-2 2018 Team Takeover
As a rising sophomore Makayla Pippin has made some key improvements in her overall game since last year’s USJN. She can handle the basketball well enough to push it full court after getting a rebound. Never lacking in energy she is displaying more patience offensively, since her face up game from the high post is starting to emerge. Like many uber-athletic players Pippin tends to play her defense late, feeling that she can use her speed and size to compensate. Focusing on proper footwork will help avoid some unnecessary fouls. Overall Pippin is showing that she has the drive to keep improving her game.
Janai Crooms 5-10 2018 Mass Rivals 15 Black
Before she played her first high school game, Janai Crooms was drawing plenty attention for scouts and evaluators. At 5-10 she has the build of forward and the skills of a guard, her ability to deliver accurate passes from anywhere on the court is rare talent at any age. For Crooms not to plateau, she will need to focus on her conditioning and work on her left hand. The tools are all there for to have a long successful basketball if she wants it.
Taleah (Noo) Washington 5-7 2018 Havoc City Elite
Winning a state championship as a freshman this past season has helped boost the confidence of the is 5-7 point guard. Washington is a smart decision maker who understands how to control the pace and tempo of the game. She doesn’t over penetrate and get herself tangled up in the paint, instead she looks for her shots around the perimeter. From the defensive side she is steady and focuses on slowing the ball down.
Jakia Brown-Turner 6-0 2019 Team Takeover
Brown-Turner’s calm demeanor on the court makes it hard to believe that she hasn’t played in a varsity game yet. At 6 feet she has the size, skill and versatility of the prototypical wing. What will catch your eye about Brown-Turner is her mid-range scoring ability, her footwork is balanced, she can change directions and still elevate scoring within the 10-15 foot range. She is crafty when she puts the ball on the floor and can finish layups at rim level.
Leilani Correa 5-10 2019 NJ Cardinals
Sometimes a kid catches your eye in the layup line because they have that “look”, Leilani Correa has that and a lot more. Correa is athletic, smooth and fluid player with a wide wingspan that shines in the transition game. She sprints out head of the defense with her head up and hands ready to catch the ball, she has the ability to catch and finish without dribbling. Defensively, Correa does a great job anticipating passes and creates many live-ball turnovers, many times she is going to straight to the basket and scoring. All the building blocks are there for her to be a highly recruiting player.
Taliyah Contrymon 6-0 2018 Boston Showstoppers 15
This wing guard makes great use of her athleticism on the basketball court. Countryman is high energy disruptive defender who can slide into passing lanes and challenge shooters. Offensively, she has nice body control when she attacks the basket and is adept at drawing fouls.
Azania Baines 5-10 2019 Mid-Atlantic Heat
It is always refreshing to watch a young player who is obviously honing her game playing pickup in park. Azania Baines is that player, the lefty is a natural and can create her own shot in variety ways. Watching her bob and weave through the defense is pure joy because she is going to find a way to get herself or teammate a bucket, she is a true scoring guard. One area of improvement for her to focus on his her long range shooting form, she pushes the ball from her shoulder.
Quickhitters
USJN 17U
Emily Engstler 6-0 2018 NY Belles Deluca – Can play inside or outside brings ball down on rebounds handles in open court… when motivated and focus can dominate
Danielle Cosgrove 6-4 2018 Philadelphia Belles – Versatile fluid has range can face up… strong post moves and counter patient sizes up the defense attacks the defenders hip
Shakira Austin 6-4 2018 BWSL Richmond – Quick long strides shot blocker raw athlete with emerging skills
McKenzie Forbes 6-0 2018 AZ Select 17 – Good size smooth shot…can handle physical play
USJN 15U
Karli Cauley 5-2 2019 Diamond State Lady Titans 13 – handles ball against pressure… point guard skills…can get to the basket
Amayls Sharif 5-4 2019 Diamond State Lady Titans 13 – very aggressive on defense… plays in attack mode
Caroline Ducharme 5-9 2021 Bay State Jaguars 12 – combo skills very confident shoot off the dribble and facilitate
Cierra Pearson 5-4 2022 Lady Titans 12 – Lefty with a little flavor, mature and savvy at the point can stroke from deep
Kylee Watson 6-0 2020 Toms River Starz– College physique mature demeanor fundamentally solid fluid strong..major DI prospect potential
Roesha Samuels 5-6 2019 NY Belles 13 – Quick shifty handles both hands reads the floor quick decsions attack mode
Mia Seemadray 6-0 2020 NY Belles 13 – Lanky takes long strides extends to basket effortless jumper, lots of tools
Natalija Marshall 6-3 2020 Brooklyn Stars 12 -Athletic explosive speed can play on the perimeter barely scratching the surface…keep watching
Taylor Napper 5-11 2021 Fairfax Stars – Great build very strong aggressive on the boards
