CHICAGO, Ill. – For years the Boo Williams Nike Invitational and the Deep South Classic have ruled the spring landscape of college recruiting stops for girls’ basketball.  The past couple of Aprils has seen a third event evolve into a premier destination for athletes and recruiters alike.  Last weekend 272 teams descended on the Chicagoland area to attend the 2012 USJN Windy City Classic. Over 250 college coaches took advantage of the convenient locations and great facilities to watch some of the top travel teams while evaluating a multitude of ranked and unranked prospects. Here is brief summary of four of the top teams that I enjoyed viewing.

Sports City U 17 (Berlin, OH): The logo on the back of the Sports City U player’s uniform speaks volumes.  Back in the 80’s the “U” symbolized confidence and swagger for the University of Miami and while there may not be a connection between Hurricane football and club basketball in Ohio, this team has those same traits.  It’s easy to use the same adjectives to describe this Sports City U squad which is led by a pair of 2013 dynamic point guards in 5 foot 6 Alexis Peterson and 5-8 Ashley Morrissette.  Peterson, a floor general with excellent command of her dribble, attacks and makes smart decisions. In turn Morrissette is an explosive combo guard with great handles, pinpoint passing, and a sweet 3pt stroke leading to the ability to put up big numbers.  2013 Alexis Gassion, a 5-10 sharp shooter, does a great job spotting up on the wings for kick out passes off Peterson and Morrissette’s penetration.  Sports City U is a well-rounded club that has solid post players ranging from high profile 2014 forwards 6-3 Alyssa Rice and 6-2 Makayla Waterman.  Both have college ready bodies, run the floor well, and provide that low post presence at both ends that college coaches crave.  Sports City U also has a very strong cast coming off the bench. In fact, they may just get better in some areas.  Martha Thompson is an impressive 2013 guard at 5-9 with the ability to almost anywhere on the perimeter.  Thompson’s athleticism and skill set can be a matchup nightmare for opposing coaches. Forward Jennifer Degraff has a solid 6-1 frame that she uses to her advantage at both ends of the court as an impact presence on the glass. She also runs the floor well and finishes with consistency in the paint. Another 2014, well known 6-1 Kathryn Westbeld, provides plenty of spark and versatility off the bench. Sports City U is a talented team with top notch prospects from top to bottom that will be a tough out for any team that crosses their path.

Cincy Angels 16 (Cincinnati, OH): A while back Disney produced a baseball movie called Angels in the Outfield. The Cincy Angels could be cast in a basketball version called Angels on the Hardwood. If you’re a coach looking for size, you definitely need to take a long look at this team. This squad is stacked with talented and multi-skilled prospects.  Kayla McDowell loves to create off the dribble at 6-2 and the senior to be runs the floor in transition with the guards. She finishes well in the paint and has a nice shooting touch that stretches beyond the three point arc. Their Class of 2014 is very strong and has some depth. First one to catch your eye is 6-1 wing Sydney Brackemyre.  With a college ready body she’s skilled offensively posessing a nice face up game that includes a jumper that extends out to the three point range.  Brackemyre, in addition to matching up on the perimeter defensively, can also battle down on the block as needed. Jenna Gunn also has a strong build and good size at 6-0 that she effectively uses to defend and rebound. She handles the ball efficiently and loves to attack the paint with no reservations about contact.  Ana Richter has lots of versatility at 6-0 allowing her to play with her back to the basket or exploit her smooth midrange shot. Richter also does a good job of handling pressure and demonstrated good vision passing out of double teams.  Rounding out the Class of 2014 is 5-8 point guard Imani Outlaw.  She does an impressive job of attacking and creating in traffic but at the same time has a smooth reliable jumper. The Angels are a well-coached ball club with sound defensive principles. Their post players are well schooled fundamentally and contribute both in getting stops and providing offensive firepower. The Cincy Angels will not beat themselves and you’re going have to bring you’re “A” game if you plan on coming out on top.

Spiece Gym Rats 16 Silver (Indianapolis, Ind.): The Hoosier state is traditionally known for quality, hardnosed and fundamental basketball. This young talented group has all the pieces to keep that tradition going for a while.  They are led by 2015 5-6 point guard Tiara Murphy.  Murphy is a smooth playmaker with great court vision and a high basketball IQ.  Fellow 2015 5-5 Darby Maggard is the perfect running mate for Murphy.  Maggard has a sweet stroke out to 19 feet and plays the game like a seasoned veteran despite her youth.  As a mature 6-1 2014 wing, Erica Moore has a college ready frame that she uses to her advantage to both attack offensively as well as lockdown opponents on the other end.  Moore runs the floor extremely well and has a nice face up game that includes an eye catching spin move. On the interior 6-2 Darby Foresman is a long, high energy 2016 player that loves to take her opponent off the dribble. She also has a dependable midrange jumper to call upon. Spiece is a versatile team that like to get out on the break but are just as effective operating in the halfcourt. The Gym Rats are focused, fundamentally sound and willing to go the distance on defense. They definitely fit the bill as your typical Hoosier State program with lots of talent and even more potential down the road.

Mile Hi Rockies 15 Black (Denver, Col): The Mile Hi Rockies are comprised of a scrappy group of young ladies that scratch and claw for every inch of the hardwood. They’re led by feisty 2015 point guard Raegen Rohn.  The 5-5 ballhandler loves to push the ball up the floor at every opportunity penetrating with the intent to score first and pass second.  A pair of 2014’s contributes to the success of this Colorado group.  Forward Samantha Rudd is a mid to high major 6-0 prospect with nice low post game strong rebounding skills.  At 6-2 Taylor Reiner already has a college body, a good midrange shot and can finish consistently in the paint.  Together Rudd and Reiner make a formidable front court. The Rockies played an “in your face” man to man defense that is often hard to find at the club level.  This may be a young team but they’re already doing some impressive things and are only going to get better as the summer rolls on.