UNION, N.J. —  Emily Engstler is ready to break out. Last weekend at the USJN East Coast Challenge was just a primer for lies ahead for one of the truly elite players in the Class of 2018.

She’s already recorded four triple-doubles this summer and with the final live period less than a week away, the rising sophomore at national powerhouse Christ the King (Middle Village, N.Y.) is unspooling a kaleidoscope of skills.

“She’s a tremendous ball-handler for her size and is already a known to be a high-major player,” said Mike DeLuca, who coaches the New York Belles 14U squad. “Emily is right-handed but goes to her left with

The live recruiting period concludes July 23-29, with the nation’s main event the USJN Junior Nationals in Washington, D.C. The New York Belles will be present competing against the best of the best in their age group and then will stick around for to “play up in competition and give our girls a chance to face older players,” DeLuca said.

The 6-foot point forward has length, a soft touch from multiple spots, deft passing skills, can absorb a shock and drop into the blocks to unleash a quick post move. Her defense starts with long arms and top-notch rebounding (at both ends). Height allows her to survey the court especially from the point.

Engstler, a resident of Roosevelt Island, saw quality minutes for Christ the King last season. That’s a rarity from the program that has produced the likes of All Americans Chamique Holdsclaw, Carrem Gay, Sue Bird, Tina Charles and most recently Sierra Calhoun (now at Ohio State).

“Her best days are still ahead,” said DeLuca, who is CK’s junior varsity coach and assists Bob Mackey with the varsity.

Five CK players appeared at Kean University’s Harwood Arena for the New York Belles. Engstler might be the showpiece but CK classmates Brandy Thomas, Jaeonna Sutton along with Chrisoula Motamed of Hunter (Manhattan, N.Y.) also stood out.

Thomas, a 5-10 forward, is brimming with confidence this summer, said DeLuca. Her post moves are improving and physicality is continues to soar. Thomas’s game is compared to Charles Oakley, meaning diving for the loose balls and cleaning up the mess on the boards. She’s considered a low to mid major but that could change in two years.

Same goes for the 5-5 Sutton, who also has low majors taking copious notes. Sutton is a strong, dominant guard who pushes the tempo and sets it as a true 1. On defense, she quick and low to the court giving her an angle to halt her man.

Motamed, 5-9, is benefitting from the summer circuit. Her first instinct is to dive on the floor but she’s honed her defensive prowess and has long arms. Motamed is a “late bloomer” and finds the up-tempo and quicker pace to her liking. DeLuca said, “Chrisoula always gives the extra effort. You love that as a coach.”

Front Nine

Here are nine players to monitor after shining last weekend in New Jersey.

Olivia Allrich, 5-10, Ballston Spa, 2016: She’s already receiving letters from colleges and can knock down the open shot and provide help defense.

Lauren Almonte, 6-0, Colonie Central (Albany), 2016: At first glance, Almonte looks the lower post player. She’s not afraid to lay a body on an opponent and owns the backboards. She’s a solid defensive oriented player for a Division III program in need of physicality.

Khyasia Caldwell, 5-6, Pocono Mountain East (Swiftwater, Pa.), 2016: As a sophomore she averaged 13.9 points and was All-Area second team (by The Morning Call)but isn’t much an outside threat. Instead, Caldwell is a dynamo in an up-tempo game and slasher in the halfcourt game. A lefty, she finishes at the rim and with a low center of gravy, she’s pest on the ball with probing hands.

Caitlin Estes, 5-10, Scotia Glenville, 2017: A dependable swing, which provides offensive punch from the mid-range and physical presence on defense.

Kyra Jefferson, 5-8, Freedom (Bethlehem, Pa.), 2018: She finishes on the break and plays sticky defense with active hands.

Maimuna Kenneh, 6-0, Collegium Charter School (Exton, Pa.), 2016: She’s shown the ability to guard taller opponents but normally won’t draw that assignment. Kenneh is a ferocious rebounder who ignites the break and features a nice touch in the post and on a mid-range jumper.

Taliyah Medina, 5-10, Bethlehem (Pa.) Catholic, 2020: Medina was the most impressive young player at the event. She demonstrates poise and sets a hard high-post screen, brushing off her defender and popping out for a 17-foot jumper. Inside she posts smaller players with ease, sealing them off with a quick-spin finish. Will need to adjust a low release point on her shooting technique.

Shannon Ryan, 6-4, Tabor Academy (Mass.), 2016: The rising senior has long arms and attends a prep school near Boston. She anticipates well on defense and offensive skills are average. She’s already verballed to Boston College, but the ACC might be a stretch. There’s plenty of time to mature.

Rebekah Recchio, 6-1, Bethlehem (Pa.) Catholic, 2017: Demonstrated intelligence with the ball making instant decisions that led to quick baskets. Recchio has a court presence that makes others better. She finds the defensive gaps where finds the open man or space for a shot.

Costa Livin’

Elsewhere, Joe Costa, the USJN Premier East ace-birddog and national circuit coach, wandered the courts last week at the Premier Invitational East in Hampton, Va., and felt four players had promise during the opening moments of the live period.

Here are his observations and notes.

Taylor Fritz, Philadelphia Belles Peterson, 5-10, 2017: She’s a rangy face-up forward who has scoring ability and can run the floor.

Anna Camden, Philadelphia Belles, 6-2, 2019: Her possesses a solid face-up game with footwork improving as well as her overall game. This summer the incoming high school freshman scorer’s mentality is starting to show.

Danielle Cosgrove, Philadelphia Belles Bamford, 6-4, 2018: This big has a soft touch and an excellent turnaround jumper. She has the ability to takeover the game.

Adriana Shipp, BWSL Red (Hampton, Va.), 5-8, 2019: The smooth athletic guard keeps her head up in transition to easily hit the open man.