HERSHEY, Pa.—As in the past the USJN Hershey National Showcase served as an opportunity for over 220 teams to fine tune their games with the NCAA July recruiting period just around the corner. For the 13th year athletes, coaches and families enjoyed the atmosphere surrounding Hershey while taking care of business in the gym.
Competition took place in 19 pools between teams representing 14 different states as well as the District of Columbia and Canada. Though not a D-I evaluation period, recruiters wearing the logos of over 30 different programs were on hand looking to discover, identify and evaluate the up and coming talent.
To see a full post event page – including complete results, colleges that attended, pool all-stars, etc…follow the link below.
http://www.usjn.com/xtm_post_event_new.php?which=255
Today Fran Burbidge, Kevin Lynch and Joe Costa offer up their takes on some of the prospects that caught their eye last weekend in Hershey.
FRAN BURBIDGE
Nicole Williams (5’9 – 2015 – Philly Belles/ Parks) – Williams is a tough as nails wing who can knock down the three. She has a competitiveness that allows her to be a positive force at both ends of the floor especially at the end of tight games.
If she continues to work on tightening her handle and her off the dribble shot (which improves each time I see her) she is going to make some coach happy at the next level.
Shannon Glenn (6’0 – 2016 – Philly Belles / Lee) – This 6-0 sharpshooter can consistently hits the open three. She is putting the ball on the floor with some aggressiveness which is making her a tough match up. Glenn rebounds the ball well and plays with a toughness every time out. Definitely one to keep an eye on.
Chyna Latimer (5’11 – 2017 – Maryland Belles/Gizzi) – Latimer is a terrific athlete who scores in a variety of ways. When active, she’s a very difficult match up as she gets to the basket with quickness . She has a nice feel for offensive rebounding and shows a real good mid-range shot. Because of her size and speed she is disruptive on the defensive end. If she can continue to improve her “activity” on both ends of the floor, Latimer has the talent, athleticism and ability to be a real good one .
Alexa Naessens (6’0 – 2018 – Comets /McFadden) – This 6-0 lefty is not only strong and tough to move in the post area but has the feel and instinct to be a relentless rebounder. She does a nice job of setting screens both on and off the ball. In addition Naessens can knock down the 15 foot shot as well as put it on the floor to get to the rim. Even though she is just a 2018, she shows a strength and maturity of someone much older.
KEVIN LYNCH
Sunshine McCrae (6-0 – 2019 – wing – Philly Belles) – When watching younger players you always look for things you can’t teach. Aggressiveness, passion, fearless, and a will to win…check off all of them with rising 8th grader Sunshine McCrae. McCrae currently plays post for her team but is a promising wing prospect. When the ball goes up she is around the action and usually coming up with it. With a frame that belies her age, she takes advantage of it with powerful moves to the basket, a soft touch and ever improving footwork. Defensively she still overcommits early, but it certainly is not a terrible habit at this point of her career. She needs to continue working on her ball handling and mid-range game, but as her name indicates, her future is bright.
Alayna Gribble (6-0 – 2016 – guard – Western PA. Bruins) – Most college coaches are looking for shooters with size. Gribble certainly fits that profile. Throughout the tournament she showed deep range on her threes and a nice display of both floaters and pull-ups. Alayna has a shooters mentality and comes up big when her team needs her. Her ball handling will need to improve for the next level at which she certainly will be playing when the time comes. Defensively she uses her length well, and reads lanes well getting deflections.
Andra Espinosa-Hunter (5-11 – 2017 – guard – Philly Belles- Blair Academy) – Espinosa has been on everyone’s radar since the 7th grade while playing varsity basketball on a very successful Ossining High School program. Easily one of the premier players in Hershey, she led her Belles team undefeated through bracket play and was consistently their top scorer. Her deep shooting range is well documented and her uncanny ability to score off the break with dazzling fakes and hesitations is equally impressive. Just as impressive is her leadership, defensive intensity and ability to move against tough defensive coverage. All the skill, size and talent to play at the highest level is in place.
Mya Melvin (5-7 – 2017 – pt gd – We R 1) – If you’re looking for a fast, athletic point guard who does it all, look no further. Melvin has a nice handle, killer crossover and the ability to get to the rim. She plays a controlled game while pushing the ball up court looking to set up her teammates. Her basketball IQ is very high and is illustrated by her knowing when to pull it back and when to attack. Defensively she is an on ball pest with the ability to turn her opponent over at important times during a game. She needs to work on a more consistent outside shot but the form and work ethic is there.
JOE COSTA
Jania Crooms (5-8 – 2018 – Gd – MA- Bay State Jaguars ) Dominant with her skill, size and athleticism. Jump shot now has unlimited range, either game plan for her or you will lose to the Jags. Still needs a left hand and her first left step must catch up to her first step right.
Ashley Durcharme (6-1 – 2018 – Fwd – MA- Bay State Jaguars) Ashley’s game has come a long way in a year… Her hands are far better and she seems to want the ball more this season. Rebound position is better and she now plays hard all the time.
Kendall Currence (5-6 – 2018 – Gd – MA Bay State Jaguars) Kendall seems to play bigger when the game matters. She has good range on her jump shot but her best traits are defending good perimeter and reading situations well.
Kate Klimkiewicz (5-10 – 2018 – Gd – VA- Vogues) Range is not an issue for Klimkiewicz. She gets to the basket, can finish, draw fouls and makes free throws. Anticipates effectively on defense.
Lexi Weger (6-2 – 2018 – Fwd – VA Vogues) Weger has the size and athletic ability to both step outside and face up. She crosses the lane well on her left hand. Toughness, rebound and inside game need some work.
QUICKHITTERS FROM FRANNY
2015
Dana Direnzo (6-0 – Philly Belles/Parks) – Tough lefty….. Nice shot…. Good understanding of the game
Haley Parks (5-9 – Philly Belles/Parks) – Good three point shooter…. Aggressive … Runs the floor well
Madelyn Comly (5-7 – PA York Thunder) – Great competitor… Smart….Confident with ball… All around player
2016
Kayla Agentowicz (5 -7 – Keystone Karma) – Athletic…. Good shooter…. Understands game…Lots of promise
Rosie Mpamaugo (6-1 – MD Hooped Elite) – Good size…Strong…. Tough in traffic….
2017
Madison Shanahan (6-0 – PA Lower Delco) – Runs the floor….Athletic…. Good range on shot
Jada Smith (5-10 – Philly Belles / Hilf) – Ultra fast… Plays hard…. Runs floor effectively
2018
Maura Hendrickson (5-6 – Comets/McFadden) – Great shooter….. Nice handle… Knows the game
Katie Mayock (6-2 – Comets/McFadden) – Good size….Runs the floor well… Potential is there
Diamond Bragg (5-7 – PA Central Elite) – Nice size…. Good first step… Athletic…Confident with ball
2019
Madelyn Aulbach (5-3 – Drill for Skill) – Tenacious …..Athletic ….. Great leader … All around player
Jordan D’Ambrosia (5-7 – Comets/Hazinsky) – Quick first step….Attacks basket…. Aggressive on both ends of the floor
Lauren Lane (5’3 – Philly Belles / Woodall) – Dynamic… Smart… Quick… Confident with ball … Shoots it well …. Smart beyond her years
2020
Sommer Reeser (5’6 – Comets/Burbidge) – Shooter with range… Good feel for game … Potential is there
