CHANTILLY, Va. — The USJN Fall Final East featured 54 teams from New York to North Carolina, with over 100 college coaches in attendance. The event was held at the Nova Dome, a 7 court facility that provided great site lines for the parents, fans and coaches. In attendance were some of the top programs in the East, including, the Fairfax Stars, Philadelphia Belles, Philly Triple Threat, and a loaded Blue Star VA team.
The most pleasant surprise was the depth of talent among the younger players. Here is a snapshot of a few of the top performers from USJN Fall Final East.
Philly Triple Threat’s 2014 Aminah Farmer has been playing at a high level for a few years now but he 5’7 Cardinal O”Hara guard has added a new dimension to her game. Always a solid defender and team player, she has developed and refined a killer jump shot. Both days in this event she was knocking down big 3’s for her team in clutch situations. Her O”Hara coaches Linus McGinty and Chris Genther will be happy when they see the improvement with their junior guard.
Philly Belles- 2014 Tamiesha (Sox) Alexander has been running the show for Coach Sean Costello all year round at The Shipley School and for the Belles. Sox is extremely unselfish and a pass first mentality point guard. So the question has been raised, “Can she shoot it”? After this tournament, I am convinced that she can. She still plays her normal game of running the show, setting up her teammates, dropping dimes while playing the passing lanes well. But now the scoring light has gone on for Alexander resulting in driving layups, pull up jumpers, and top of the key 3 balls that were delivered with the consistency that all the college coaches are looking for. “Sox” is a lead guard, and she led her team to an undefeated weekend against the tournament’s top teams.
Nicole Floyd– 2014 – Stonewall Jackson VA- The 6’2 Floyd can play any way you want. She’s got a college level body, good perimeter skills, nice jumper, and happens to be a bruising rebounder. Floyd is a relentless player who gave her commitment to Wake Forest and new head coach Jennifer Hoover this week. Nicole will have to do a lot for her team this season, especially after the transfer of center NaeNae Cole. What a great option for a HS coach to have; giving the ball to Floyd more!
For a look at the college coaches on hand in chantilly, follow the link below.
http://www.usjn.com/xtm_post_event_schools.php?which=171
Other 2014’s who stood out included
Kylie Murphree- Fairfax High VA
Lauren Moses- Rancocas Valley NJ
Megan Marecic- Bethel Park PA.
G’Mrice Walters-Girard College HS PA
Avery Marz-Wilson-West Lawn PA
LaShawn Broome VA-
Alexandra Louin MT. ST Joseph’s PA
Tanasha Russell-Sanford DE
Kennedy Johnson- Sacred Heart NJ
Erin Garner-Trenton Catholic NJ
Bryonna Mack Upper Darby PA
Aaliyah Worley E + S PA
The 2015’s
I love this class nationally, and USJN-VA did not disappoint.
Dejanae Boykins has transferred to Flowers HS, from Riverdale Baptist, but this just means that the coaches traffic will increase at Flowers. When naming top performers in this class her’s will be right at the top. After an outstanding summer playing against the countries best players with her Boo Williams Club Team, Dejanae has the top college coaches paying attention. A 6’2 wing player with guard skills, and 3 ball range, Boykins likes taking the tough shots at the end of games, a mentality you can’t teach. Her rebounding and defense is ever improving, and as her body fills out, she will be even better.
Taylor Murray– Annapolis Christian Academy- she continues to live up to her nickname-Speedy, as her game defensively is a disruptive to the opposition as ever. With great instincts, and deceptively long arms, Taylor plays the passing lanes as well as any guard in the country. When running the fast break, expect a layup, as her timing is as good as it gets. Taylor can get to the rim and finish, and her pull up and jump shot get better each time I see her. She sees the court very well, and will be a high major recruit.
Adrianna Hahn– Ursuline- Adrianna doesn’t pass the eye test. She doesn’t look like a dynamic basketball player, or a tough kid. But guess what she is both, her offensive skills are crisp, deep range, tight handle, great footwork, and a scorers mentality. Plays her best when challenged, opponents are often surprised at what they get.
Jamiera Johnson-McDonogh MD- do you like tough post players who love to bang, are physical, and force their will on the opposition? If you do Jameira is for you, 6’3, raw skills, but makes up for it with her aggressive play. Gets deep position in the lane by sheer force, attacks the boards, and if you’re a guard don’t drive. She needs to work on her footwork,shot and handle, but in three years this young lady will be ready to make an impact at the college level.
Qalea Ismail– if having great genes matter, this kid should be a star. Her father is Qadry ” the missle”Ismail, a Super Bowl winning member of the Baltimore Ravens,her 6’3 mom Holly(Oslander)Ismail played hoops at Syracuse. Qalea has some qualities of both, her mom’s basketball skills and her dads speed. Qalea attends Patterson Mills HS in MD, Her jumper is picture perfect, and her defensive ability makes her tough to play against. Her best is yet to come.
Other 2015’s who shined
Brianna Jones-5’9 North Babylon NY
Kalista Walters- 6’1Bethlehem Catholic PA
Aneah Young 5’9- Baltimore POLYTECH MD
Shannon Miller 5’8- Bishop O’Connell VA
Jonquanae Cole 6’3Paul IV VA
Ciani Cryor- 5’5 Prep Charter PA
Kortni Simmons 5’8 Spotssylvania VA
Caroline Davis 6’0 Caravel DE
Amber Wilson 6’2 Marshall NY
Sydney Jordan-6’0 Stonewall Jackson VA
2016’s to watch
Stephanie Jones-6’1 Aberdeen-one of the top in country,
Olivia Gumbs-6’0 St. Andrews DE-relentless power forward
Jasmine Braswell 6’3Bishop O”Connell VA-strong center
Ashli Cheek 5’11Winslow NJ
Courtney Redcross 5’11Shipley PA
Tenisha Pressley 5’9West Deptford NJ
Genesis Parker- St. John’s College DC
2017’s
Megan Walker 6’0 Chesterfield VA- a big wing with an all-around game, handle, pull up, 3 ball range, rebounds well–a future superstar
Mikayla Boykin 5’9 Clinton NC-big pg with tremendous skill- a future star
Makayla Stanley-6’2 Glen Allen VA-big strong post with a bright future
2019
Lauren Ross- Shipley PA. smooth PG with a coaches mentality.
