HAMPTON, Va. – While the inaugural weekend of the girls EYBL was the main focus of college scouts and basketball fans at the Nike Invitational, there were plenty of talented players turning heads in the younger divisions. Here are just a few of those underclass players who turned in notable performances during this year’s tournament.
2017
Taya Robinson (5-8 – Guard – BWSL 15) – This explosive comb guard was named the MVP of the Marcus Jackson 15 U Division with her ability to attack defense and create from anywhere on the court. She handles the ball well in tight space and can get her jump shot off while closely guarded. Robinson rarely takes a possession off and with her top notched skill set she can be considered a major DI prospect.
Shalexxus Aaron (6-1 – Guard/Wing – ECBA Swish Black) – She can play multiple positions and has a very natural feel for the game. Her skills are still raw but she can create and score off the bounce because of her athleticism. Aaron displayed the ability to make plays while moving at full speed. Continue to watch as her skills matures.
Kasiyahana Kushkituah (6-3 – Wing Forward – FBC MO 2017) – Immensely talent, Kushkituah is an explosive athlete who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. Her willingness to defend inside, always looking to challenge any shot is a definite plus. She also does a great job securing rebounds especially when she goes up to get the ball off the glass.
Nikki Oppenheimer (5-8 – Shooting Guard MWE 15) – Great fundamentals as a shooter, she comes off screens with her hands ready to catch and shoot with her feet square to the basket. She looks for her own shot first but is a willing and capable passer. Oppenheimer is a smart player who understands the game and plays efficiently with the framework of her team’s offense.
Evonna McGill (6-0 – Post – GA Metros 15 Nike) – High energy player who is active in the paint… very nice upside.
Kristin Horne (5-8 – Guard – Havoc City Elite 2016) – Scrappy high energy player…quick hands and feet …defender who can score in transition.
Cheslie Hall (5-7 – Guard – Miami Suns Team Larkins) – Shifty ball handler with tight crossover moves…great passer in traffic…vocal floor general.
Khayla Pointer (5-6 – Point Guard – Pistols Elite 2016) – Ultra-quick first step combo guard… great handles…tough to stop once she gets into the paint.
Dana Evans (5-4 – Point Guard – Spiece Indy Lady Gym Rats) – Small speedy guard who can break down multiple defenders under pressure…can score in traffic or pull up against taller defenders.
Nia Beverly (5-8 – Point Guard – Team Takeover) – Plays with poise and maturity showing that she has all the intangibles to be a lead guard at the next level.
Andra Espinoza-Hunter (5-11- Shooting Guard Belles Hilf ) – She looks stronger in her upper body…can score in bunches from beyond the arc.
2018
Charli Collier (6-4 – Center – Cy-Fair 15) – Collier has amazing body control, balance and footwork for her age and size, especially since she is still growing. She has real post moves in her offensive attack, including hard drop steps and reverse pivots. Collier isn’t afraid to handle the basketball and has decent looking jump shot from the perimeter. With her skill set and tools right now, she is surely one of the top prospects in her class.
Charme Lily (5-6 – Point Guard – BWSL Richmond 2018) – Lily is very skilled for her age; she plays with a great deal of poise and intelligence. She thrives is in an up-tempo transition game with her court awareness and superb passing ability. Defensively, she is really digs in and has the lateral quickness to defend the ball full court.
Xaria Wiggins (6-1 – Wing – BWSL 15) – At 6-1 Wiggins is extremely versatile as a wing player, with her ability to score inside and out. Her length and agility allow her to make plays at rim level; she is a quick thinker who can exploit defensive weakness. Wiggins uses her tools well on defense with her overall athletic prowess she can pick off passes and get her share of steals. Right now her ceiling is unlimited.
Victaria Saxton(6-0-Wing – Pistol Team Elite) Explosive player who uses length to extend over defenders and attack the basket…still raw but one to watch.
