CAPITAL HEIGHTS, Md. – Just days before teams took to the Washington, D.C. suburbs for one last hurrah with their club teams prior to the high school season, women’s college basketball coaches made headlines with their event “boycott”. There are many sides, many voices, many opinions and stakeholders. As for us, as always, we’re going to stick to the more important topic and take this opportunity to talk about the players.
If you were in the building for USJN’s 11th annual Fall Finale- East, you saw great basketball and, coach’s issues aside, that’s never a bad thing. There was no shortage of great play for those coaches who were in attendance to see. New 24 in Capital Heights provided a great venue for the event. If you were looking for those unsigned seniors who could fill that need in your 2017 class, there were plenty of those. Searching a couple years down the road for the next big thing? Well, some of the top players in the 2019, 2020, and even the 2021 class were on hand showing off and showing out.
For a list of all the participating teams, pool All Stars, college programs in attendance and more, follow the link below to the USJN post event page:
http://www.usjn.com/xtm_tournament_info_new.php?which=391
Here are some of the movers and shakers, some household names and some that we will be hearing a lot more about down the road.
Lensa Asefa – 2017 – 5-10 – F – Blast Basketball 17 – Nice build, athletic four player…Can get to the basket…Runs the floor and can finish in transition…Will thrive at the right level
Rachel Balzer – 2019 – 5-10 – G – Philadelphia Belles 14 – Scored in bunches and in different ways…Effective in transition, on basket cuts, from mid-range, and shot the three…Enjoys the game…Flashed a smile even in the final minute of a one possession game…Primed for a strong high school campaign
Mya Bembry – 2019 – 5-11 – G/F – iExcel 14 – Has all of the physical tools…Great height/wingspan…Nice skill set already…Will rebound and push on her own…Has the “it” factor…Need to see her be more assertive and take over games…Shows flashes and has the tools
Aliyah Boston – 2019 – 6-2 – C – iExcel 15 – Big strong post…Active, physical defender…Protects the paint… Handled it in the open court at times…Knows how to use her frame to post
Lezarea Bowens – 2017 – 6-1 – F – Blue Star Carolinas 16 – Thin framed post player…Active down low on both offensively and defensively…Knows how to use her feet to gain position on both sides of the ball
Jada Boyd – 2019 – 6-1 – F – BWSL 15 – Long, athletic forward…O Boards and finishes inside… Will take that crab dribble, lower her shoulder, and finish through the contact…Big time stuff inside…All the tools
Maddie Burke – 2020 – 5-11 – G/F – Philadelphia Belles 14 – Highly regarded and well established…Makes it look easy in the mid-range as well as transition…Continues to make big plays in big games…Patience and knowledge of when to do what is ultra-impressive.
Elaina Chapman – 2019 – 6-3 – F – BWSL 15 – Has a High D-I look and skill set to match…Face up game is an eye-catcher…Stood out defensively…Long arms got her out in the passing lanes and blocked some shots
Jacqueline Christ – 2019 – 6-2 – C – Fairfax Stars 16 Nike EYBL – Solid young post…Already understands positioning and scoring inside… Work to do but still has a few years…Expect stock to rise
Lauren Christian – 2018 – 5-11 – G/F – BWSL 17 Gold – Long, lanky versatile…Can line up on the wing or at the four spot…Smart player…Knows how to use her pivot…Has the ability to handle it in the open court
Nia Clouden – 2018 – 5-9 – PG/G – MD Lady Tigers 16 UA – Showed her established extra gear all weekend…Played at a high level…Deliberate and focused against some good competition…Made plays on both sides of the ball
Jonae Cox – 2017 – 5-10 –G/F – BWSL 17 Gold – Stony Brook commit…Versatile…Can play multiple spots on offense…Able to guard perimeter and inside defensively…Tools to bring the ball up on her own and start the offense…Will flash hard to catch and finish
Nadia Davidson – 2017 – 5-10 – G/F – BWSL 17 Gold – Stocky build but light on her feet…Makes plays on D…Has the handles and quickness to get to the basket in transition…Interesting player for the right fit
Kate Deutsch – 2018 – 6-0 –F – Philadelphia Belles 16 – Physical bruiser who is a mismatch problem on offense…Can post or catch on the perimeter and drive…Played with a great motor… Knows how to flash/basket cut and finish with contact or get to the line…Stock could rise with physical growth
Jasmine Dickey – 2018 – 5-10 – G/F – MD Lady Tigers 16 UA – Definition of a “tweener”…Jury’s out on playing the four without a few more inches…Has tools for the wing…FT stroke looks good, so could get there as a jump shooter…Athletic and competitive nature…Plenty of tools that have D-I eyes watching
Sarah Fitzgerald – 2020 – 6-1 – C – BWSL Norfolk Xpress 14 – Big, young post…Moves well vertically and horizontally…Impressive potential at her age
Azzi Fudd – 2021 – 5-10 – G – Fairfax Stars 15 – Continues to shine…Bigger perimeter player…Very advanced for age… Attacks basket…Smooth pull up is there as well… Fills up the score sheet
Jhordan Gardner – 2018 – 6-1 – F/C – TLP Basketball 15 – Athletic post of the face up variety… Long limbs…Strong rebounder…Showed ability to get low in a stance and guard the perimeter…Would be imposing on the hedge or trapping ball screens…Needs to continue to develop high post face up game that she’s built for
Aniya Gourdine – 2020 – 5-9 – PG/G – MD Pride 14 – Good size and build for a combo at her age…Nice handles…Has that a “glide” with the ball that coaches like
Erin Green – 2018 – 6-3 – C – 1OnNone 16 Witherspoon – Face up post player… Showed ability to face up in the high post…Can attack or take that foul line jumper… Needs to develop physically (get stronger and faster)…Good foundation of basketball skills
Taniya Hanner – 2019 – 6-1 – F – iExcel 14 – New to the iExcel program…Physical tools to be a power forward…Vocal on D…Offensive skill set is still a work in progress…Impact on that end of the floor varied with the level of competition this weekend…Future is bright
Taylor Happer – 2021 – 5-11 – C – Blast Basketball 17 – Very young post prospect…Nice frame… Lots of possibilities If she keeps growing
Morgann Harden – 2019 – 5-10 – G – Blast Basketball 17 – Long, wiry frame…Gets to basket…Uses her length and hang time (she’s a jumper)…Can finish in different ways
Lillian Harris – 2020 – 5-11 – C – Columbia Ravens 14 – Built strong like a post…Already has the ability to score inside…Nice finish around the rim…Made her free throws…How much will she grow?
Kaia Harrison – 2019 – 5-6 – PG – iExcel 14 – Very good ball handler…Will break down defenders with a variety of moves…Played well in a very competitive game against the Philly Belles…Also shot the step back 3… Strong, effective on ball pressure defensively…A 2019 PG to watch
Shanell Haskins – 2019 – 5-9 – G – Crusaders 17 Elite (Riverdale Baptist) – Young guard…Plays very mature and smart already… Shoots the three and has a nice mid-range game already… Stock will continue to rise in strong coaching scenario
Katie Hollensteiner – 2021 – 5-8 – G – Germantown Lady Panthers 13 – Nice size on the wing…Shot the three with confidence
Tracy Hueston – 2020 – 6-2 – G/F – BWSL 15 – College build already…Used largely as a wing forward…Wasn’t bashful about shooting the three….With four years to develop could be special
Anani Humphrey – 2021 – 5-9 – G – Columbia Ravens 14 – Put herself on the map in a big way… Has the build, skill, and “wow” factor beyond her age…Looks and plays much older than she is…Handles the ball with ease…Name we could be hearing a lot more of for years to come.
Elizabeth Martino – 2020 – 5-9 – G – Fairfax Stars 16 Nike EYBL – Already a well-known commodity… Scorer on the wing…Makes plays on offense…A handful to guard already…Continually improving
Maddie McCracken – 2019 – 5-7 – G – Philadelphia Belles 17 – McCracken can handle the ball, and the lefty behind the back wrap dribble is her go to move…Combo guard at this point, but could be a two guard long term… Nice push-pull in transition…Knew when to press the issue, and when to pull it out
Meghan McLaughlin – 2018 – 6-3 – C – Philadelphia Belles 16 – Has continued to develop her post move set since July…Played strong and gritty…Not going to blow you away with her athleticism or speed rim to rim…Taking steps forward
Shawkina Mulazim – 2018 – 5-9 – G – MD Power Move 16 – Tall, long slasher from the wing…Loves the drive…Smart enough and under control enough to dish around the help…Length and athleticism serve her well…Will take the three
Jordan Nixon – 2018 – 5-8 – PG – iExcel 15 – Scoring PG…Showed off a well-developed mid-range prowess…Has the ability to hit the deep three…Fast with the ball…Plays with a lot of confidence
Jasmine Norman – 2017 – 5-7 – PG/G – Cross-over Hoops Premier 17 – Nice lefty combo…Good mid-range game…Well coached…Should come in mature and ready for the college game
Rochelle Norris – 2018 – 6-5 – C – Crusaders 17 Elite (Riverdale Baptist) – New to Riverdale (transfer from Paul VI)…Legit 6-5…Moves well…Knows how to use her size and length for position…Far from a finished product…Tools for big things
Destinee Oberg – 2019 – 6-3 – C – Crusaders 17 Elite (Riverdale Baptist) – Special guest down from Minnesota this weekend…Imposing post player…Coaches love her size and build…Also light on her feet…Was a difference maker…Active rebounder…Smooth short corner face up game is there already…Makes her FT’s…Still room to grow as a player
Jada Peebles – 2019 – 5-9 – PG/G – NC Zoom 17 – Stock is on the rise…Lanky guard with a smooth mid-range game… Nice, long crossover…Showed maturity playing the point in close games
Makayla Pippin – 2018 – 6-1 – F – Fairfax Stars 16 Nike EYBL – Can rebound and take it on her own…Fast with the ball and really pounds it…Showed off the 15 foot jumper…Has nice move set out of the high post
Saylor Poffenbarger – 2021 – 5-10 – G/F – Germantown Lady Panthers 13 – Quick trigger…Shoots it with confidence…Long arms get their hands on a lot of balls defensively…Handles it in the open court…Can start the break off a rebound on her own…Not going to blow by you but can penetrate and draw the help…Knows how to kick out to open shooters…Future is bright
Deja Powell – 2017 – 5-7 – G – NC Zoom 17 – Has a D-I build for a wing player…Ability is there to create her own shot at all levels…Lots of interest
Ja’Naiya Quinerly – 2021 – 5-6 – PG/G – BWSL Norfolk Xpress 14 – Young scoring PG…Handles the ball well…Played under control…Knew when to pull up for the mid-range J or dish it off…Got into passing lanes on D
Kayla Rouse – 2018 – 6-1 – C – TLP Basketball 15 – Has some good size, big hands and long arms…Raw offensively…Still has some time to develop… A little foul prone on defense… Has D-I potential
Eniya Russell – 2020 – 5-8 –PG/G – MD Power Move 16 – Fast and smooth with the ball…Has that “extra gear”…Shot the three off the catch and off the bounce with confidence…Dual scoring threat…Will pull up at the top of the key given the opportunity
Grace Sacco – 2017 – 5-5 – PG/G – Philadelphia Belles 17 – Smooth, creative combo with nice handles and some “wow” pass ability… Plays fearless… Consistently got into the lane and was physical in finishing…Liked to spin on the defender and finish/get to line… Size will probably make her a point guard at the next level
Marisa Sanchez-Henry – 2020 – 5-3 – PG/G –Columbia Ravens 14 – Smaller combo guard with some jets…Feisty and fearless competitor…Will pick your pocket on D…Long term potential to be a two way point guard
Michelle Sidor – 2019 – 5-7 – G – iExcel 15 – Strong shooter…Deep three range…Will shoot it off the bounce/step back…Plays a smart game…Shows some grit/toughness already…Should continue to elevate her game over time
Zhymani Smith – 2017 – 5-8 – PG – BWSL 17 Gold – Showed a lot of patience and poise against some different press looks…Has the ability to score it on her own…Strong on the defensive side of the court as well…Legit two way point guard
Ya’Kyra Smith-Hines – 2018 – 5-7 – G TLP Basketball 15 – Lefty shooter…Hit the three from the NBA line…Not shy about taking it
Kayla Spruill – 2018 – 6-0 – F – MD Lady Tigers 16 UA – Impressed with outside shooting…Catch and shoot three…Mid-range jumper was working…May still be catching up to her body…Lots to like
Jasmine Stephen – 2017 – 5-9 – G – TYO Neptunes 16 – Taller guard…Mid-range stroke is useful…Showed ability to get into the lane and draw the foul
Natalie Stralkus – 2018 – 5-11 – G – Jersey Cardinals 17 – Taller guard…Played the point most of the time…Destined to play the wing most effectively long term…Vocal and showed some leadership skills…Shoots the three with deep range, including the step back
Caramina Tanedo – 2020 – 5-10 – G/F – Fairfax Stars 14 – Lefty…Nice stroke at the line and in the mid-range…Has skill and size to be a versatile wing forward at the DI level…Plenty of time to develop
Jessica Tomasetti – 2020 – 5-5 – G – Germantown Lady Panthers 15 White – Smart, feisty guard…Shoots the three and attacks the basket…Well coached…Already knows the game pretty well
Skylah Trevis – 2020 – 6-2 – F – BWSL 15 – Wiry young athlete…Gets up for boards…Showed killer instinct when it comes to rebounding…Good, fast rim run…Handled the ball a little bit… Needs to fill out the frame and keep developing skill wise…Lots to like out of a freshman
Malu Tshitenge – 2019 – 6-3 – C – SJC 17 (St. John’s College HS) – Build and wingspan catches your eye immediately…Might touch the net without jumping…Stock will continue to rise…Tools are off the charts
Zoe Vidaurre – 2021 – 5-6 – G – Germantown Lady Panthers 15 – High energy kid…Can tell she loves to play the game…Shoots the three and showed a step back with range…Tries some things normally reserved for older players
Kylee Watson – 2020 – 6-3 – F – Philadelphia Belles 14 – New addition to the Belles…Well established already as major D-I prospect…Super athletic…Speedy with great feet… Can start the break on her own…Loves to attack the basket offensively… Athleticism leads to shot blocks galore on D…Athletic, plays hard and runs the floor well
Shaileen Woods – 2018 – 5-5 – PG – Fairfax Stars 16 Nike EYBL – Undersized in height but strong in stature at the point…One of the better defenders at the PG spot…Can deny the other team’s PG…Works opponent up the court with pressure….High energy player…Three point range
