WILDWOOD, N.J. – The word is out and the Wildwood Beach Bash is the main topic of discussion.

With a dearth of legitimate mid-June events in New Jersey and surrounding areas, The Bash fills the void and is a great tune-up for players looking to make a name during the upcoming “live period” in July.

It is the latest event added the United States Junior Nationals rotation.

Over 90 girls and boys’ teams travelled to the Wildwoods Convention Center, where eight courts brimming with precocious talent. For a first-year event it was a success and expect it back in 2019.

OK, after spending three days watching the games it was clear to see that there was talent aplenty in multiple age groups.

While waiting for another game to begin, I had some down time but quickly discovered that two future Division I girls were playing and another that most recently took up the game and is drinking up her coaching.

Here are two names to remember—Mary-Elizabeth Donnelly and Trinity Williams.

Donnelly is a rising freshman that is from Monmouth County in New Jersey and will attend St. Rose (Belmar) in the fall. St. Rose is a perennial powerhouse and has a history of sending players to big-time programs and plays a challenging schedule that lands the Purple Roses in the national girls’ basketball rankings.

At 5 feet 10, Donnelly plays for the NJ Belles 15U (Masonius) and was clearly the best player on the court. She guarded all five positions but was stuck in the post as a 4 or 5. She has fluid moves and can head to the perimeter for 3-pointers. She plays with confidence and was a vocal leader. She’s likely a 2 or 3 in high school and is capable of becoming the go-to player. Skills are polished for her age and she makes good decisions on the floor. She’ll be playing at the Big Ten, ACC or Big East one day. This is one player that needs attention now.

Williams is 6-2 slender, athletic post who runs the floor like a deer playing for In The Zone Platinum 15U from Pennsylvania. Long strides that move her quickly in transition. She can face-up with a mid-range game is a big target in the post. She defends her position well and stands her ground against smaller, quicker guards. Solid ability to finish. Williams, a rising sophomore, attends Palisades (Kintersville) in Bucks County.

Finally, there’s rising sophomore Emily Sekerak from In The Zone Platinum 15U. She’s only been playing organized basketball for two years but the size (6-1) and the physicality is there. She works hard and according to her coach is hard working in practice and coachable. Sounds like a late bloomer that’s worth monitoring. Sekerak attends Northwestern Lehigh (New Tripoli, Pa.) north of Philadelphia.

10 More That Caught My Eye

Check out these 10 players that made noise this weekend.

 Anthony Aririguzoh, 6-4, 2023 WeR1609, Trenton, N.J.: A good rim protector who runs the run. His length and size was a deterrent in the lane but he can play the high post and is a perfect player for a screen and roll. At 13, he has a solid build. Worth keeping an eye on this summer.

 Jaden Barnett, 5-10, 2023, WeR1609, Roselle, N.J.: Solid ball handler for a grade schooler looks like a combo guard that plays well off the ball.

Jonah Bevacqua, 6-7, 2019, OC Kings 16U, Warwick (N.Y.): Alters shots all over the court and look comfortable sitting the heart of a zone. Has solid post moves and is agile along the baseline. He’s a big target in the post but has the ability to play the stretch-4 and nice shot from beyond the arc. Runs the floor well and might be a perfect player that could benefit from a post-graduate year.

Dino Christianson, 6-2, Wildwood (N.J.) Bruins (Sixth Grade): Normally grade school players are rarely scouted but Christianson has height and that’s never taught. His skills are raw and developing and it will be interesting how he matures over the next few years and where he winds up for high school. Has a soft touch from 10 feet and can play with his back to the basket. Keep an eye on him.

Robert Eaves, 6-2, 2023, WeR1609, Mercer County, N.J.:He’s a physical post that will need to grow to stay there but the tools and the ability appear to be in place. Works well from halfcourt sets and can step outside to knock down shots from 3-point range.

Matt Giordano, 6-1, 2020, OC Kings 16U, Goshen (N.Y.): He’s another player from Orange County (northwest of New York City) that has potential.Thrives in an up-tempo offense and can stretch the defense to the 3-point line. Hits the glass at both ends.

Andrew Harrel, 5-10, 2020, YSU Elite 17U, Paul VI (Haddonfield, N.J.): Harrel is quick to the rim and will attract contact but still can finish. On defense, he has quick hands and anticipates the entry pass at higher rate than most.

Kevin Ranaghan, 6-4, 2019, Bulls Basketball Club 17U, Saddle River Day School (N.J.): He’s a nice sized 2 or 3 for the high school level but definitely a 2 on the college level. Stretches the defense with his perimeter game and rises above most guards, protecting the ball with a high release. Occasionally flashes into the lane and determined to create his shot.Wasn’t the top option on the most talented team in his age group but found ways tocontribute at both ends. A solid Division III prospect.

Kevin Stein, 6-3, 2020, OC Kings 16U, Chester (N.Y.): Quick off the bounce and possesses great court awareness. A shooter that wants the ball and can score in bunches.

Jordan Williams, 6-4, YSU Elite 17U, Trenton (N.J.) Central: His coach Freddie Young Sr., says his undersized post/forward is a “workhorse.” He was guarding a player about four inches taller but held his own in the post and will play a physical brand of defense. His eyes are always looking down court to make a quick outlet pass that triggers the break. Rebounding is second nature and he’s an inside-outside player on the offensive end.