WASHINGTON, DC – Once again the US Junior Nationals served as the stage for many young players to make their debuts on the national scene. This year’s crop is loaded with talented underclassmen who are ready to become future stars of the game.
Tierra Wilson – 2017 – 5-5 – Point Guard – NC All-Stars 15 Bond – 5-5 Might be a stretch for this feisty little point guard, but what she lacks in size she more than makes up for in heart. Bond is a non-stop bundle of energy from the opening tip to the last whistle, she is always involved in the action. She is tough matchup for opposing perimeter defenders because her first move to the basket is so quick and once she penetrates she is fearless in her attack. Wilson is going to find a way to score or find an open teammate and if the defense sags off of her she can knock down the 3 pointer. She really shines in the transition game with her ability to make quick decisions while moving at full speed. Teams that tried to press her quickly found out that she is nearly impossible to turnover no matter how many defenders are on her. College coaches who want a true point guard who gets it done on both ends of the floors need to keep on Wilson.
Makayla Pippin – 2018 – 6-0 – Forward – Lady Shooting Stars 16 – At 6 feet Pippin is fluid running the floor and aggressive when the ball is in play. Her offensive skills are still raw but you can see that she is still working on her go to moves around the basket. What will catch your eye about her now is her relentless pursuit of the ball when she is rebounding and the fact that she can handle herself against older stronger competition. Pippin has the solid athletic build that colleges want at the 3/4 position and shows that she has the tools to develop into an outstanding prospect.
Brittany Garner 2018 – 6-3 – Center – Philly Freedom Stars – If post players take longer to develop then Brittany Garner is on the accelerated track. Besides her physical stature what will grab your attention is that she is very comfortable on the court and has a good feel for the game. Garner doesn’t mind the physical play down low, in fact she seems to thrive on it, she has no problem scoring with multiple defenders harassing her. She has very good footwork in the post and can score from either side, when she rebounds she meets the ball with two hands and keeps high away from the defense. Garner might remind you of the Paris twins and if she continues to develop on the court she may have a similar career.
Octavia Wilson – 2017 – 5-9 Team Sol 15 -There are tons of shooting guards in the game with similar skill sets to Wilson but she has found a way to make herself stand out from the pack. Wilson is a natural right-hander who is ambidextrous, which seemed to frustrate her defenders because she can get a shot off with either hand. Her first move to the basket is explosive and she can change directions without losing velocity. Wilson has a long range game, she can score in bunches when she gets hot but like most young scorers she is learning how to find other ways to score when her shot is not falling.
Jenai Crooms – 2019 – 5-8 – Bay State Jaguars 12U – It almost didn’t seem fair that she was playing 12U because she looked like a woman among girls. Speed, size and strength describe Crooms’ game, she is a force from the guard position. Her skill level is advanced, she can handle the ball and pass off the dribble. Crooms is a confident shooter, her form is pure and she likes to pull up from beyond the arc in transition. She can get into the middle of the defense with no problem and when she delivers a pass you need to be ready because it may leave a Spaulding tattoo. It will be interesting to see how long she continues to play at her age group because she will need to challenged to stay at the top of her game.
Niya Beverly – 2017 – 5-8 – Team Takeover 15 – Her team has been involved in some of the most exciting games of the summer and as the point guard we have had chance to witness her growth and maturity. She has all the intangibles that are needed to play the position at high level. Beverly has become more vocal on the floor but still maintains her demeanor even when things aren’t going well on the court. During an overtime thriller versus the Mass Rivals she was fouled taking a 3 pointer and knocked down the foul shots to send the game into sudden death where she drove from the perimeter straight to the basket for the game winning lay up. In the upcoming varsity season at nationally ranked St. Johns (DC) she will be without the services of backcourt mate senior Amari Carter(Penn State), who tore her ACL, a challenge that Beverly should be able handle with no issue.
Quick Hitters
Chloe Chapman 2019 – 5-6 – Point Guard – United Ballers – She put on a ball handling clinic, uncanny ability to see the floor and deliver passes at full speed…special talent
Madison Kerr – 2017 – 5-7 – Guard – Western PA Bruins – Stocky frame..fast feet…likes to attack off the dribble can elevate and score in traffic
Amanda Torres – 2017 – 5-8 – Point Guard – MA Rivals 15 – Smart scrappy lead guard deceptive runs team…plays well without the ball
Olivia Dabney – 2017 – 5-11 – Guard – Jersey Cardinals 14 – Feisty guard, uses crossover to create separation, defends well all positions
Ashley Owusu – 2019 – 5-10 – Guard – PSPA Rams 16 Elite – Big combo guard, great tools, played in 17U and more than held her own…one to watch
Malu Tshitenge – 2019 – 6-1 – Team Takeover 12 – Long athletic forward, runs floor great hands..nice upside
