BlueStar Media

CHICAGO, Ill.—The festivities surrounding the 2013 McDonald’s All-American Game are underway and players, families and fans alike are already enjoying the annual highlight of the all-star season.  Both teams on the girl’s side, along with their counterparts in the boy’s game, already have two practice sessions under their belts, a trip to the Ronald McDonald House, and have competed in the Powerade JamFest on the campus of the University of Chicago.  Tuesday’s schedule will feature another morning practice session, a media luncheon and closed scrimmages in the afternoon followed by a banquet and awards event in the evening.  Of course the game itself tips off Wednesday evening at 6 pm central time in the United Center and can be seen on ESPNU.  The boy’s game will follow at 8:30 and will be broadcast on ESPN.

To see the all of the selections for the 2013 Girls McDonald’s All-American Game see our announcement coverage at the following link on Blue Star Media

http://www.bluestarmedia.org/index.php/blogmain/marksblog/item/383-12th-annual-girls-mcdonalds-all-american-selections

Monday night’s Powerade JamFest offered up two different competitions for the girls.  The three point competition saw Kaela Davis, Rebecca Greenwell, Diamond DeShields and Kelsey Plum move on from the first round to a live shootout on ESPNU with Davis taking the crown with 17 followed by Greenwell’s 15, DeShields 14 and Plum’s 12.  Boy’s winner Nigel Williams-Goss from Henderson, Nevada got the better of Davis in a one round long range battle of the sexes.

The timed skills competition can be humbling to even the best of players.  Jessica Washington, crowd favorite and Chicago native Linnae Harper, Jordan Reynolds and Taya Reimer advanced from the first round to take a second run through the course live on ESPNU.  Washington’s 30.7 time easily got past Harper at 35.1, Reynolds at 37.8 and Reimer who came home at 39.7 seconds.  While there wasn’t a head to head match up with boy’s winner Demetrius Jackson of Mishawaka, Indiana, Washington’s time was just in front of his 31.1 effort giving the girls bragging rights on the skills side.     

COLUMBUS, Ohio— In most people’s minds the final buzzer of a season’s last game signals the end of something.  For others, it represents the start of a new year and the realization that what you do between now and October will be a determining factor of the level of success to come.  For over 50 girls, the Gannon Baker National Skills Select event in Columbus offered an opportunity to get on the floor with one of the nation’s premier skill instructors and begin addressing weaknesses, adding depth and taking their game to another level.

Athletes from eight states and Canada were on hand with Baker and staff on the campus of Ohio Dominican University.  In the event’s fourth year, the line-up featured a much younger roster of players than in the past, but some very promising prospects none the less.  Here are a few who offered up some moments that will have them catching the eyes of recruiters down the road.

Brittany Ward, a 6-0 wing/forward out of Indianapolis, Ind., already has herself on the recruiting radars of quite a few schools.  Currently a sophomore, she brings to the floor a combination of length, athleticism and a willingness to leave it on the court.  Her first step covers a lot of ground and leaves defenders sealed on her side hoping to recover.  She slashes effectively in traffic and can find her shot or the sharp pass as defenders rotate.  Spotting up, she appears to have solid form, decent touch and some range to force opponents to close out.  A few attempts saw her turn her body to some degree which might lead to consistency issues at some point.  On the catch she sees the floor and made several sharp passes from the wing and the trail spot in transition.  The effort was there on the boards and Ward hit the floor several times in an effort to come up with loose balls.  With two more scholastic seasons and two more summers of club ball, the possibilities are something college coaches will be smiling even more about.

Sydney Bordonaro of Lower Burrell, Pa. is someone you would much rather be playing with than against.  With a relentless approach, the 5-7 point guard is assertive and attacking on virtually every possession.  The sophomore has the ballhandling skills to navigate defenders and has no hesitation about taking it straight at the bigs who shift her way on penetration.  If overplayed for the shot she is more than adept at delivering some pinpoint passing to create opportunities for her teammates.  There is a physical aspect in her play on both ends of the floor that is often difficult to find in high school basketball and should serve her well down the road at the next level.  She demonstrated a good touch on the perimeter and knocked down a couple of pull ups that will be essential to keep those matched up with her guessing.  Defensively Bordonaro doesn’t give an inch on ball but occasionally becomes ball oriented on the weakside making her vulnerable to cuts by her own match up.

Another 2015, Susan Bossler of Reading, Pa., showed plenty of promise on the perimeter as well.  Playing more of a combo spot at 5-7, she was consistent at creating her own looks or capitalizing on defensive breakdowns.  Getting out on makes, misses and turnovers, she presents herself as an option in transition time and again.  Her build is on the lean side at this point but she still took some hits on penetration without reservation.  She connected on several looks from the 15 foot range but has more of a two handed release that might need some refinement in the future to keep it a threat.  Bossler worked equally well on the defensive end and showed off some vision and anticipation on the weakside of the floor.  She may well grow a bit more and will definitely add strength as Mother Nature does her thing.  Plenty of promise. 

As if Texas doesn’t already have a long list of prospects in the next several classes, jump ahead to 2017 and take a look at Gabby Connally of San Antonio.  Her willingness to attack as an eighth grader makes those watching anxious to see where she takes her game down the road.  Her sharp ballhandling includes an impressive use of change of speed and pace highlighted by a hesitation move that will draw even the best defender out of a stance.  She sees the floor well at 5-6 and isn’t hesitant about giving the ball up to a teammate with better options.  Even without the ball Connally is a threat.  Her cuts are assertive and with purpose as well as advanced for a player with just a middle school résumé.  Athletic and strong for her size, she has the tools to be a stout defender and is already a pit bull on the ball.   

Taylor Sutton and Tyler Collins both call the state of Georgia home and are part of the Peach State’s 2018 class.  While just 5-4 (keep in mind her 7^th grade status) Sutton is quick and explosive with and without the ball in her hands.  Her acceleration leaves bigger and even quicker defenders scrambling and calling for help in the halfcourt or on the break.  Making her even more challenging is the penetration that she gets even against the most effective helpside defensive rotations.  Age and size made some finishes difficult but the skills and form are already in place when the physical attributes kick in.  Her pull up served her well at times and the ability to stop on a dime and elevate was that of a much more experienced player.  Just like Sutton, Collins hasn’t gotten on the growth train as of yet either.  However the speed and quickness she calls upon would make plenty high school seniors jealous.  Her individual ball skills allow her to create both shots and pass plus combine with a lightning fast first step to blow buy opponents.  While there’s a narrow base on her pull up and spot up jumpers she’s consistent and has a quick release that’s difficult to anticipate.  Sutton calls Hampton, Georgia home whole Collins hails from Fayetteville.  These two standouts may not be a full size hamburger yet but they’re sliders that will make their way onto a lot of recruiting menus in the very near future.   

COLUMBUS, Ohio—The final curtain has come down on the 2013 Ohio State Tournament and some things are status quo and others have changed.  The Division I final featured the two time defending champs from Twinsburg and Kettering Fairmont for the third straight year but it was the Firebirds taking home the championship hardware this time around.  Hathaway Brown took down Millersburg West Holmes for the second consecutive year in the D-II final while setting a new Ohio standard in all classes of five straight titles.  Division III was a repeat of last year’s overtime classic won by Columbus Africentric over Ana but with the Rockets getting bragging rights this time around and cutting down the nets.  Unfortunately for Berlin Hiland they enjoyed a repeat appearance in the D-IV championship game, but they came up short once again falling this season to relentless Fort Loramie team.

Whether the OHSAA State Tournament is an original screenplay or a sequel, each season it offers some impressive team and individual performances.  Those knowledgeable in scholastic talent nationwide will always tell you the Buckeye State annually ranks among the biggest producers of top tier colligate prospects.  While not all of them make it to the “Big Stage” with their teams for the finale in Columbus, quite a few were on hand once again showing off their talent and potential.  Since Blue Star Media was on hand from tip to final buzzer we thought we’d profile just a few of the many standouts that wrapped up their seasons in style.

SENIOR MOMENTS

While Twinsburg came up short in their effort to “three-peat” Purdue bound Ashley Morrissette had everyone’s attention and left even opposing fans holding her effort in high regard and appreciation.  The dynamic 5-9 guard has had her skill set and athleticism detailed and critiqued time and again but it may well be her focus and will that set her apart from the crowd.  Sure, she produced 20 points in the semifinal and added 27 more in the loss to Fairmont but its more “how” she attacked and the confidence with which she played that put the exclamation point on her high school career.  Nothing epitomizes that better than her fourth quarter effort that had Westbeld, Waterman, Welch and company going from the edge of celebration to a one possession game via a Morrissette juggernaut that produced 15 points and almost had the Tigers coming out on top.  The basketball and athletic skills speak for themselves but the intangibles are even a step above that and promise to make her an impact player anytime she steps on the floor.

A 23 – 9 regular season record and a trip to the WNIT aren’t the only things Coach Jodi Kest and her Akron program have to be happy about these days.  Joining the Zips next year will be 5-9 guard Hannah Plybon who led her own Orrville team to a semifinal berth in D-III and a 26 and 3 final record.  Her ability to create her own looks off the dribble or within halfcourt sets makes her a versatile asset in any offense.  Add to that her capacity to be a factor handling the ball in transition or getting out and running the lanes and you got a well-rounded prospect that may have slipped under the “big dog” radar.  Plybon finished with 28 points in her last game with the Red Riders on 10 of 25 shooting and also contributed 11 rebounds to the cause from the backcourt.  There’s an assertiveness to her game that makes her a great fit for the Zips and the college game.

Cornell bound Nia Marshall has been an integral part of the Hathaway Brown express from day one and she finished up her scholastic career with an impact game on both ends of the floor that led to the Blazer’s fifth straight title.  Her double-double in the finals of 17 points and 18 boards combined with an almost criminal lockdown defensive effort on West Holmes standout Laina Snyder for one of the event’s top performances in any class.  Her size and agility offer up plenty of defensive flexibility and though not yet fully refined on the perimeter, the tools are there to keep defenders honest.  Her two game totals of 31 points and 27 rebounds were instrumental in the HB record setting championship and provided a final look at the depth and consistency to her game that should translate well to the next level. 

Senior laded Olentangy Orange may have been a somewhat unexpected party crasher in Value City Arena but their efforts down the stretch and even in the semifinal loss to Twinsburg brought them some overdue and much deserved respect.  Leading the way for the Pioneers was future Indiana Hoosier Taylor Agler who saved some of her best basketball for her last games on the high school level.  Well known for her ability to connect long range, Agler’s attack, penetration and finish in both the win over North Canton Hoover to get to State and against a stingy Twinsburg defense provided a look at a an evolving element of her game that will be instrumental once she gets to Bloomington.  The understanding of the game is there as well as the instincts to read and make decisions in transition and the halfcourt making her an ideal fit for Curt Miller’s system.

UNDERCLASS SIZE WITH SKILLS

Also a future Hoosier and another coach’s daughter (Agler is daughter of Seattle Storm coach Brian Agler) is 6-1 junior Amanda Cahill.  She and her teammates from Clyde were undefeated coming into the Division II semifinal before running into the eventual champions from Hathaway Brown.  Despite the loss, Cahill provided another glimpse of the combination of size and skills that make her a formidable presence on the scholastic level and a promising prospect at the next.  Playing for her father John Cahill at Clyde she’s advanced her game consistently over her career and with another season promises to sharpen, refine and add to an already sound fundamental base.  The ability is there to score around the rim, from midrange and out beyond the three point line.  She can put it on the floor to improve both shots and passes.  In the Fliers only loss of the year she was 7 of 13 from the floor, including 2 threes, pulled down 9 rebounds and added 4 blocks and a steal.  However, the 8 turnovers most likely led to some extended conversations at home.

West Holmes standout junior forward Laina Snyder’s struggles in the Division II championship game were really the first time we’ve seen her truly frustrated on the floor.  On the receiving end of a championship defensive effort by Hathaway Brown’s Nia Marshall, Snyder was challenged to be involved offensively and had her opportunities limited.  That’s in stark contrast to past performances including a 26 point 19 rebound effort in the semis against Chaminade Julienne.  By the way, in that win over CJ she also had four steals and three blocks in the 69 – 44 win.  The 6-1 Holmes is a physical and aggressive presence both on the block or working from the high post.  There’s not much flash to her game, just methodical, textbook basketball with a solid consistent work ethic.  That combination makes her game very appealing to plenty of recruiters who would love to see her in their line-up.     

Tierra Floyd is hardly a new name or face on the recruiting roadmap.  In fact, she had a national profile and awareness among recruiters before she ever suited up for a single high school contest.  However, multiple injuries and an extended period sidelined by those physical ailments had folks ready to do a “where are they now” segment on the 6-1 forward.  Back on the floor, leaner and pain free, Floyd is again reminding anybody watching that the tools and potential are there to be an impact player at the highest level.  So much so that several evaluators courtside spent a whole lot of time talking about a prospect that actually went scoreless in the Notre Dame semifinal loss to Kettering Fairmont.  Despite not setting the stat sheet on fire the sophomore displayed physical size, athletic agility and some pretty sharp perimeter skills that should ultimately translate to a long list of high end recruiters at her door.  There’s an important spring and summer in front of her.

A couple of years back Makayla Waterman exploded on the high school scene with fellow forward Kathryn Westbeld and helped lead Kettering Fairmont to the OHSAA championship game which they lost to Twinsburg.  Last year, as sophomores, the duo reached the same pinnacle but still came home with the same disappointing results.  In between those two title games Waterman had gone down the dreaded ACL detour that befalls so many athletes yet made the long climb back to help the Firebirds reach their second championship game in a row. This year they finally got past their nemesis from the northern part of the state with a 52 -48 win and claimed their first championship.  While her numbers have not been eye popping over the course of the season her effort in the final Saturday night might a sign that her long rehab is completely behind her and she’s advancing her game once again.  Shooting 7 of 11 from the floor and 10 for 11 from the line, she finished with 24 points on the night while cutting and moving with plenty of authority.  It could be a sign of even better things to come down the line.

UNDERCLASS IN THE BACKCOURT

One thing about a Dave Schlabach coached team is you can bet they’re going to be prepared, skilled and balanced.  On occasion however someone is going to step up and post some numbers that might raise some eye brows.  Junior Regina Hochstetler has had her share of moments in the past and provided a couple of more in Columbus.  The 5-9 guard has her nights lighting it up from downtown but both in the Division IV semis and the final she offered up a more diverse attack and led the way even though the Hawks came up one game short.  Active with and without the ball, she was able to create her own looks as well as put herself in a position to improve the opportunities of her teammates.  Hochstetler finished with 24 in the win over Reedsville Eastern and gave a strong effort in posting 23 in the championship loss to Fort Loramie.   

Anna’s Division III title may have come in the most dominant fashion posting a 21 point win over Orrville in the semifinals and then taking the crown by way of an 18 point victory over Columbus Africentric.  Impressive sophomore Cayla Bensman (One three Bensman sisters on the team) provided a couple of good looks at a promising future for the 5-7 guard.  Showing no nerves in Thursday’s semifinal she connected on 12 of 16 shots from the floor and added 8 rebounds from the backcourt.  Bensman followed that up in Saturday’s championship game with a 21 point performance courtesy of 7 of 16 shooting from the floor and a 7 for 7 effort at the line.  Her scoring comes from spotting up, off the drive and a very reliable use of the glass on a midrange bank.  She will have to tone down the turnovers however having endured 7 and 8 miscues respectively in the two wins.

Fort Loramie may have taken the toughest road to their Division IV title winning in overtime in the semifinals and needing a big fourth quarter to seal the championship on Saturday.  Leading the way for the Redskins was junior combo Darian Rose.  Physically strong and scrappy at 5-8, she’s constantly on the attack.  There’s no hesitation about attacking the rim and she does a good job of navigating traffic once she’s deep in the paint.  As a result she finds her way to the line time and again with solid results.  There’s some midrange to her game and the ability to spot up deep is there as well.  In the overtime win against previously unbeaten Ottoville she was 5 of 13 from the floor and went 10 for 13 at the line.  In the final with Berlin Hiland she was 5 of 13 again from the field while a perfect 8 for 8 in the free throw department.  Rose had five assists in both games but also eight turnovers in game one and seven in game two.

Dayton has already gotten a verbal commitment from junior guard Jenna Burdette of Reedsville Eastern who led her teammates to an impressive 23 and 5 record on the season.  At 5-8 Burdette has a very lean build and a solid set of skills that allow her to work both from the point or two guard spot.  The ability is there to attack and create off the dribble and the form from the perimeter is sound.  She uses a hesitation move to draw defenders out of their stance with effectiveness but could use a deeper arsenal of counter moves to facilitate her attack.  The future Flyer has shown plenty of game in the past but had “one of those nights” in the Division IV semifinal with Berlin Hiland.  Technically it was a triple double but turnovers usually aren’t included in the calculation.  Shooting 8 of 22 from the floor including 1 for 9 from three made for a long afternoon and a difficult way to end a successful season.