Mark Lewis's Blog - Blue Star Media

The Toast of Champaign - USJN Standouts

Published in USJN - Challenges
Written by Jessica Bogia
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Champaign, IL – This past weekends USJN Mid America Challenge lived up to its name and hype with 188 teams competing from eight surrounding states. Taking place on the University of Illinois’s campus and surrounding gymnasiums, the event did not disappoint. While there was tremendous talent across the board, many of whom have already made verbal commitments, I’m going to highlight some of the younger kids who stood out with their talent and high level of play.

2015

The 2015 class has a lot of solid guard play in it, but one individual of deceiving stature is 5-4 Darby Maggard (Larwill, Ind. – Spiece Indy Gym Rats 17U). This kid is a true competitor and winner in all regards. Running the point for a team that is loaded with talent, Maggard has the ability to create for both herself and her teammates despite her limited height. She has a great basketball IQ and is the epitome of a fundamental point guard. There’s no fear about coming down and pulling up for a deep 3 or give a hesitation dribble to blow by her defenders and finishing with contact or even dish to the open teammate. On defense she’s just as tenacious and scrappy doing whatever is needed to will her team to a victory.

Another backcourt player who really took the reigns for her team this weekend was 5-7 Teniya Page (Chicago, Ill. – Defenders Black 17U). This combo guard out of Marian Catholic was at her best when attacking the rim and creating. She has good handles and a great understanding of the game. Page is extremely athletic and has an explosive first step that keeps defenders on their heels. She can knock down the 3 or just as easily give a shot fake and attack the rim with contact. There’s a great college body and plenty of hustle on both ends of the floor. All over the glass for a guard, she’s not afraid to grab a board and push in transition with her head always up. A competitor and a leader, she’s at the forefront of her class.

2016

The 2016’s were led by 5-11 Chante Stonewall (Normal, Ill. – Illionois Rush 17U) who most people would already consider a college ready prospect that sits atop her graduating class. She is a tremendous athlete with a strong frame and body to go with it. Stonewall can play inside our out and has the ability to finish at both spots. When playing on the inside, she loves to post up smaller defenders plus you can also look for her to square up and face the rim. There’s also a great feel in place as well as an understanding of when the double team is coming. She can pass out of almost any situation. When playing on the wing, she’s not afraid to hit the deep three or attack the rim. Her court vision and understanding of the game allows her to find her open teammates or knock down the pull up jumper. Defensively she’s a great presence inside because of her long wingspan. With extreme athleticism, the promising prospect is always getting her hands in the passing lanes or blocking shots.

At 6’3 Darby Foresman (South Bend, Ind. – Spiece Indy Gym Rats 17U) is a major college prospect. Her incredible wingspan, athleticism and ability to run the floor catch your eye immediately; but it's her game that makes you stay and watch. Playing the both the guard and forward spot for her AAU team, she can knock down the 15 foot jumper and at the same time also put it on the floor. She passes well out of the high post and can finish on both sides at the rim. Foresman’s reach makes her a strong rebounder and a defensive presence in the paint. Once the range on her shot becomes more consistent, look for her to be another top prospect in the 2016 class.

2017

My favorite team in the 2017 class was Indiana-Skylar Diggins Elite. It was not just the name that caught my attention; it was the fundamental skill sets of these young players on the team. The team was lead by their point guard, 5-7 Daily Sullivan (South Bend, Ind.). This girl is a true team leader with a great understanding of the game. Daily has a high basketball IQ and knows where all her teammates need to be at all times. She has good handles, is a great passer, communicates well with her teammates, and already has the ability to dictate the tempo of game. Her crossover and ability to change speeds allows her to get by defenders who get caught on their heels and create space for herself. She has three point range, but with maturity look for her shot to become more consistent. On the defensive end she is just as smart and plays with a great understanding of positioning.

One of Daily’s favorite finds is her frontcourt teammate 6’2 Taylor Boyd (Cicero, Ind.). Taylor has a great body and frame, and gets up and down the court with decent athleticism. She has a soft touch around the rim plus a good understanding of the game. Boyd has no problem finishing on both sides with smaller defenders draped on her arms. Defensively, like the rest of her teammates, she has a good understanding and is a solid presence inside. As her game matures look for her to develop more post moves.

Another young standout who’s going to be fun to watch for years to come is 6-0 Jnaya Walker (Naperville, Ill. – Bolingbrook Panthers 14U). At first glance you might think that Walker is going to play on the inside. This 6 footer will shock you when you watch her handle the ball and run the show for her teammates. Playing a combo guard for a very young and talented Bolingbrook team, most everything goes through this freshman to be. She has a great body, long arms and is extremely athletic. The ability to create for herself and her teammates is already in place. Walker grabs boards over top of defenders with ease and can put it on the floor and push in transition. When playing at the wing, she has the diversity to knock down the 3, shot fake and attack the rim, or pull up over top of defenders. There’s no fear about posting up smaller defenders and a strong drop step move to call on. As her body and her game keep maturing, look for her to become more consistent with her outside shooting which will make her almost impossible to defend.

USJN Mid America Challenge

Published in USJN - Challenges
Written by Tony Bleill
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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Jasmine Lumpkin of the Mac Irvin Fire 17U Godfather team had an eventful week.

The highlight was making a verbal commitment to play at Michigan State starting in the 2014-15 season. But that decision doesn’t figure to have much of an impact on what’s ahead for her this summer during the club season.

“It doesn’t change my focus at all because there’s always room for improvement, so I want to get better and work on my game,” said Lumpkin after her Fire team advanced to Sunday’s Final Four in the 17/16U bracket at USJN’s 11^th annual MidAmerica Challenge. “And then just having fun with my teammates, getting them involved and winning with my team.”

Lumpkin is a versatile 5-foot-11 guard/wing who figures to play the three in college. She is rated 89^th nationally by Blue Star Basketball in the junior class. On Tuesday, she chose the Spartans over Louisville and Purdue.

“It’s a big stress relief that I don’t have to worry about the big college decision anymore,” Lumpkin said. “I’m just out here playing, having fun and staying focused.

“It was a really hard decision, but I think what won me over was my relationship with the (Michigan State) coaches. I have a strong relationship with them. They’re really supportive.”

Lumpkin last winter averaged 19 points and 13 rebounds for Joliet Catholic. She spent her first two high school seasons at Lombard Montini, which claimed consecutive Class 3A state titles.

Lumpkin is playing her first season with the Fire, having played for the Bolingbrook Panthers 16U team last summer.

“Mac’s a really good coach, he pushes me, and it’s a really competitive team and we really get after it,” Lumpkin said. “I enjoy that as well. It’s fun playing with a whole bunch of talented athletes.”

The Fire enjoyed themselves on Day 1 of the MidAmerica Challenge, winning Pool C and advancing to face the Spiece Indy Gym Rats 17 Silver squad in Sunday’s playoff round. The winner will face off against Illinois Midwest Elite 17 Platinum or Illinois Dream Team 17 for the title of Pools A-D.

The 189-team event attracted coaches from more than 35 schools along with two national scouting services.

Cera certain about her future

While Lumpkin’s commitment is just a few days old, Breanna Cera of the Wisconsin ABC Knights has had plenty of time to let her verbal commitment sink in. And she just finished her freshman season.

Cera picked Wisconsin-Green Bay shortly after receiving a scholarship offer from the Phoenix following her eighth-grade season.

“It was definitely a surprise,” said Cera of the scholarship offer. “I had visited there a couple times and went to their camps. I really liked the coaching staff, and I like what they’re about, how they emphasize defense and I’m about defense too. I really like the campus, it’s just nice and kinda quiet. And I like the Resch (Center), it’s a really nice facility.”

Cera fashioned a solid freshman season, averaging 10 points a game and shooting nearly 49 percent from three-point range as her Mukwonago (Wis.) team reached the state title game before falling to Milwaukee Riverside.

Making the decision to get her college future settled sooner rather than later has allowed her some peace of mind.

“It took a lot of pressure off of me, so that was a determining factor,” she said. “And I visited some other schools, and I just didn’t really feel the same way as I did when I was at Green Bay, so I knew it was the place for me.”

Hankins takes aim at mental game

Ask Jordan Hankins of Indiana Family 17 about her targets of improvement for the club season, and she mentions her ballhandling. And then she quickly adds a segment of any player’s game that doesn’t go overlooked by the ever-watching eyes of the college coaches in attendance.

“Being a good teammate,” Hankins said, “and maintaining a good attitude the whole game, even when I make a mistake or my teammate makes a mistake, being there to cheer them up.”

Hankins certainly possesses many of the tangible qualities to make herself stand out. Rated 46^th in the Class of 2015 by Blue Star, the 5-foot-6 guard from Indianapolis’ Lawrence North High School can affect a game in numerous ways on both ends of the court. She had plenty of room to shine Saturday, as her highly touted teammate, Ana Owens (No. 73 in the Class of 2014) didn’t make the trip.

Champaign’s McCoy gets the call

Tori McCoy of the Central Illinois Storm 17 was playing Saturday in her hometown. But she’s headed on a plane in a few days for an important engagement in Colorado.

McCoy is one of 33 players who received invites to participate in trials for the U.S. U16 National Team in Colorado Springs, Colo., starting Thursday. Weekend workouts will determine the U.S. team for the 2013 FIBA Americas U16 Championship slated for June 19-23 in Cancun, Mexico.

McCoy, though highly rated by national scouting services, said she was shocked to receive the letter from USA Basketball inviting her to attend.

“I was like, ‘USA, USA,’ is that like for the Olympics?’” she said to her parents.

Well, yes, sort of.

“I was so excited,” McCoy said.

The 6-4 post from the Class of 2016 helped her Champaign St. Thomas More team reach the state title game last winter, relying on her relentlessness inside while displaying perimeter skills that make her a unique combo. She’s hoping to show the powers-that-be in USA Basketball that rare mixture.

“Just relax, calm myself down and play my type of game,” McCoy said.

Faith Suggs of the Illinois Dream Team and Kysre Gondrezick of the Midwest Elite, both of whom are competing in the MidAmerica Challenge, also will be part of the trials.

Skylar’s the limit for this group

The best team name at the MidAmerica Challenge: Skylar Diggins Elite 13. The team is based in Diggins’ hometown of South Bend, Ind., and is affiliated with Maurice Scott, Diggins’ stepfather, who has run The Soldiers program in that area for several years.

“We started out as a Sky Diggs Elite team not knowing ultimately, was she going to sign with adidas, was she going with Nike?” coach Shawn Sullivan said, of Diggins’ endorsement deal that was recently signed. “We didn’t know all that stuff. She ultimately went with Nike. But Mo Scott, her (stepfather), had already signed with adidas. So we’re Sky Diggs Elite, we’re adidas, and I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m guessing we’re going to be a Nike team in the fall.”

Like Diggins, her namesake is used to winning. The Skylar Diggins Elite went 2-0 in pool play Saturday.

Reebok Breakout Challenge

Published in USJN - Challenges
Written by Christopher Lawlor
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – The intrigue was there. So were the no-look passes, European game and a selfless approach that defines a true throwback point guard.

At first glance, Lucas Antunez is a tacit 17-year-old. When the basketball is on his fingertips there’s a transformation into an innate passer, ball-handler, who prefers to lasso his team into a bundle for that elusive, cohesive squad.

Antunez was a last-minute addition to the Reebok Breakout Challenge this week and by Friday he was the buzz around camp at Philadelphia University’s Gallagher Center. Antunez, a native of Madrid, Spain and recently the final cut of the Spanish 17U Team that competed earlier this month at the FIBA World Championships in Kaunas, Lithuania, found solace on the court and stream of followers here.

After watching the all-star game Friday night, he sighed, “No one likes to pass.”

And that’s exactly what the young, 6-foot-1 Spaniard does best.

“This kid is the real deal; he makes the extra pass and sees the whole floor. He has a very good grasp of the game and glad I had a chance to coach him,” said Gary DeCesare, who coached Antunez at camp.

DeCesare, the fast-talking, highly successful coach from The Bronx, knows talent. When he guided St. Raymond (Bronx, N.Y.) to national acclaim, he had several players reach Division I and NBA. After a stint in college, DeCesare landed at St. Rita in Chicago.

“Having never seen him play before today [Wednesday] I’m impressed; he could play for me any day,” DeCesare said.

When Antunez was not named to the camp all-star game, camp officials received several text messages, asking why not?

Antunez possesses an exceptional handle, can consistently break the press and hit the three-pointer and think three sequences in advance. Court vision is his forte.

Hard to believe, right?

Antunez has great bloodlines or lineas de sangre.

His father, Jose Miguel Antunez, played in the Spanish First Division for famed club Real Madrid Baloncesto. Real Madrid has produced five Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame members, including Drazen Petrovic and Arvydas Sabonis. Jose Miguel earned 45 caps playing for the Spanish National Team and lasted 17 years in the pro ranks for six teams.

Lucas Antunez, who attended Santa Helena High in Madrid, has two years of eligibility remaining at a traditional American high school. He currently is staying with his baptismal godfather, Jaime Ibanez, in Houston while looking to enroll in a school.

At the beginning of the week, Antunez was ticketed for New Hope Academy (Landover Hills, Md.) but there’s a chance national powerhouse Montrose Christian (Rockville, Md.) could enter the picture. Both schools are situated a an NBA three from the Nation’s Capital.

Ibanez, who sat courtside for each of his godson’s games, was vigilant of the schools that followed: Baylor, LSU, Rice, UCLA, Texas A&M, Florida, Temple and Central Florida. Antunez speaks English and was an honor-roll student in Madrid.

His game resembles that of Argentinian Pepe Sanchez, who was the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year following the 1999-2000 season.

“Lucas wants to attend high school and college in the United States but first we must find a high school with good academics. He’s a student first,” Ibanez said.

And a pass-first 1-guard.

Double Dribble

Mother Knows Best

For those a part of the basketball inner sanction, Alice Knox is a familiar face. Of course, Knox, is the mother of Milwaukee Bucks’ guard Brandon Jennings and has always helped out several budding players over the years.

Knox is back on the elite loop this summer with her youngest son, Terrence Phillips, a 6-1 rising sophomore who is headed to Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) in the fall. Last year Terrence attended Woodward Academy, a tony school in Atlanta, where Knox took up residency.

Phillips played football in 2011, starting at quarterback and running back as Woodward reached the state playoffs but his basketball plans hit a snag. When his grades slipped, Knox felt her son should concentrate on academics.

“Terrence was having a tough time academically; it was hard at time,” she explained.

When Jennings, his older brother, attended OHA (2006-08) for two years after excelling at Dominguez (Compton, Calif.), Terrence was often seen hanging around with the team and vowed one day to enroll at the boarding school located in the bucolic southwestern Virginia.

OHA is once again loaded and figures to be near or atop the Blue Star Media’s Go-To 25 national rankings for the 2012-13 season. Phillips will be surrounded by several high-major players including 6-6 rising senior Troy Williams, who will transfer from Hampton (Va.). (Williams will choose between North Carolina and Kentucky.)

“Terrence won’t have the pressure of being the star. He can settle into school and play against some the best players each day in practice. His day will come,” his mother said.

Phillips performed admirably at the Breakout Challenge, demonstrating a strong wing jump shot and aggressively attacked the rim. He should a contributor at OHA sooner than later.

Double Dribble

The early buzz this week surrounded Aaron and Andrew Harrison, the 6-6 twins from Fort Bend Travis (Richmond, Texas). The buzz only grew as the Reebok Breakout Challenge progressed.

Harrisons were dominant in every sense as their camp team peeled off seven victories in three days to remain undefeated.

Word is the twins have three schools on their final, with Kentucky leading the way. Texas A&M and Maryland are also in contention but in reality don’t surprised when they announce sometime this fall on ESPNU that will sign with Kentucky.

And, yes, said their father Aaron Sr., the twins will attend the same.

“I always thought it was a given they’d be going to the same school,” Aaron Sr. said.

Windy City Combo

It was a productive camp for brothers Charles and Dominique Matthews from St. Rita (Chicago). The brothers competed against some of the top players in the country and suited up for the Chicago Mustangs, their club team comprised of players from St. Rita at the Reebok Showdown Championship, which wrapped up Sunday afternoon with title games in three age groups (15U, 16U and 17U).

Matthews’ are interchangeable combo guards.

Charles, a 6-4 rising sophomore, has a chance to “become a special player,” said St. Rita coach Gary DeCesare, who was also a camp counselor for Reebok. So far all Big Ten schools, notably Illinois, and SMU have expressed the most interest early in the recruiting process.

Dominique, a 6-2 rising junior, is “one of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever coached,” DeCesare said. Dominique is getting several Division I looks.

DeCesare warned: “They have to remain focused and continue to work hard.”

Galaxy of Prep Stars

The usual suspects were rounded up for the Reebok Breakout Challenge All-Star game Friday night.

After five days of nonstop games, drills and skill sessions at Philadelphia University’s Gallagher Center, two dozen of the top players were on display for a send off.

Most realize the summer only intensifies for the remainder of the month; amped up means the stakes are higher.

Paced by Roddy Peter’s 19 points and 16 from Austin Nichols, Team Question edged Team Answer, 100-95, before a packed house at Herb Magee Court.

Five players, led by 6-foot-11 Nebraskan Akoy Agou’s 13 points, were in double figures for Team Answer.

Here are the complete all-star rosters:

Team Question

Rashawn Powell, Dr. Phillips (Orlando, Fla.); Darin Johnson, Sheldon (Calif.); Allerik Freeman, Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev., formerly from Olympic of Charlotte); Rysheed Jordan, Vaux (Philadelphia); Brandon Austin, Imhotep Prep (Philadelphia); Dwayne Morgan, St. Frances Academy (Baltimore); Robert Hubbs III, Dyer County (Tenn.); Roddy Peters Jr., Suitland (Md.); Tyler Roberson, Roselle (N.J.) Catholic; Austin Nichols, Briarcrest Christian (Memphis); Damonte Dodd, Queen Anne (Md.); Dylan Johns, Trent International (Houston).

Team Answer

Aquille Carr, Patterson (Baltimore); Alex Robinson, Kennedale (Texas); Zach LaVine, Bothell (Wash.); Rashad Vaughn, Robbinsdale Cooper (Minn.); Jared Terrell, New Hampton Prep (N.H.); Dakari Allen, Sheldon (Calif.); Aaron and Andrew Harrison, Fort Bend Travis (Richmond, Texas); Keith Frazier, Kimball (Dallas); Jonathan Motley, North Shore (Galena Park, Texas); Akoy Agou, Omaha (Neb.) Central; Tony Trocha, St. Thomas School (Houston).

Several players were selected to participate in the game but some left early for club team commitments or in other cases were sidelined by knacks:

Zena Edosomwan, Northfield Mount Hermon (Mass.); Demetrius Henry, Faith Baptist Christian (Brandon, Fla.); Ikenna Iroegbu, Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.); Michael Kobani, Caldwell Academy (N.C.); Jermaine Lawrence, Pope John XXIII (Sparta, N.J.); Detrick Mostella, Decatur (Ala.); Malik Price-Martin, Northeast (Oakland Park, Fla.).

History Lesson

In 2007, the Reebok Breakout Challenge changed the course of history for NBA superstar John Wall of the Washington Wizards.

"I'm excited to team up with Reebok again to provide players a chance to get noticed,” Wall said. “Reebok Breakout was the first major step on my path, and I am humbled to be able to give back to players that deserve it and truly want to earn their way. I hope the event brings them as much success as it brought me."

Wall, who was an unknown, unranked high school basketball player, credits the Reebok Breakout Challenge as the turning point in his career.

In 2007, Wall drove 18 hours from Raleigh, N.C. to the tryout in Chicago, a trip that would forever change his life.

“John’s performance at the event put him on the basketball radar and launched his career that eventually led to him being the number one pick in the 2010 NBA Draft,” said Brian Lee, head of Reebok Basketball.

The Reebok Breakout Challenge was truly a unique event in the basketball landscape because the innovative Headliner tryout system opens the door to this elite event for any player to have earned their way in.

In 2012, there were seven Headliner tryouts in April and May. The top performers at each were extended invitations to be one of the 135 players at the Reebok Breakout Challenge.

USJN's Premier Invitational‏

Published in USJN - Challenges
Written by Mark Lewis
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CINCINNATI, Ohio – The opening of the July evaluation period has evolved into a triple header that has most of the top programs making a trip to Ohio, Texas or Oregon to kick things off. Over the past nine years the USJN Premier Invitational has established itself as one of the fastest growing events on the summer club basketball recruiting circuit. This year’s edition brought together 180 teams from 14 different states and Canada to metropolitan Cincinnati to tip off 20 days of NCAA certified basketball.

The National division featured 48 teams and saw the MoKan Eclipse 17 Red team roll through the field in an impressive championship run. The talented squad from the Kansas City area won all eight of their games by an eye catching margin of 27.8 points per game including a 20 point win over the Indiana Flight in the title game. More impressive yet was their defensive effort that saw them hold their opponents to a combined scoring average of 44.7 points per outing and forcing way too many turnovers to count. While the Flight had a successful run to the final, it was the game that didn’t occur that left folks wondering. The Cornhusker Shooting Stars Bison easily won their five pool games and first round bracket match up by an average of 26.6 points per game before departing early for travel reasons.

Other bracket winners were as follows.

Premier
Spiece Gym Rats Silver 65
Ohio DB Hoops 48

15U winners – (Two Brackets)
NC Lady Storm and WBA Prestige Blue

14U
Michigan Monarchs 44
Indiana Lady Legit 37

13U
Ohio TNBA 13 40
Illinois Pizazz Black 23

See complete results and information on all USJN events at www.usjn.com

With so many talented teams on hand it stands to reason that there would be plenty of standout individuals in the house as well. Here are just a few who got their summer off to an impressive start.

2013

This year’s Michigan Crossover team may well have one of the deeper rosters they’ve brought to the gym in some time. While Hayes, Doss and Sweeney may be the first names that come to mind you better keep a close eye on Shakeya Graves as well. An explosive 5-9 athlete, she’s no secret to college recruiters, but it’s a safe bet that there’s much more potential in place than a lot of folks know. This left hander is constantly in attack mode and the individual skills in place put her in a position to be a threat on the break or on the entry pass to the wing in a halfcourt set. Her first step is both quick and lengthy leaving a lot of defenders only hoping to recover. The ballhandling is there to adapt and adjust when rotations come her way as well as a high release pull up jumper. Her decision making has evolved over the last few years and she’s playing with much more consistency. There are still some rough edges to smooth out but Graves looks to be one of those athletes who could really hit her stride down the road at the next level.

Look around any gym Alexandria Harris happens to be in and she’s going to catch your eye. At 6-2 and possessing a physically strong build, she’s the forward coaches love to work with. Playing with TNBA out of Ohio, she continues to show all the potential and possibilities that have had recruiters looking her way the past couple of years. Now entering her senior season she appears ready to provide the consistency and high impact play that will translate into top tier Division I basketball in the near future. Her skills appear more refined while her decisions are much better read and made based on what she sees rather than her previous impulse attack. There appears to be a much more aggressive approach at creating her own opportunities with solid cuts and a wide, low post up that defenders can only dream about getting around. Harris has the speed to get out on the break but you hope first and foremost she’s the trigger with a strong effort on the defensive boards. On the defensive end she still tends to defend after the catch rather than taking away options but more advanced and mature competition will force her to make that change or take a seat on the bench.

One smooth and consistent backcourt performer last weekend was Jazmine Harris of the WBA prestige Teal Squad. Not quite the 6-0 stature listed on the roster she still brought a good combination of size and athleticism. With the ball in her hands she has the skills to create off the drive or to advance it effectively in transition situations. Several times she kept defenders guessing with her use of both hands as she attacked the rim. In traffic she was adept at slashing through and around defenders leading to some simple and clean looks at the rim. Her solid physical strength also put her in a position to rebound effectively from the perimeter and she pulled plenty of boards each time out. The perimeter form appears sound though she didn’t take that many with penetration offering up better options. The previous mentioned size and physical strength puts her in a position to be an impact defender. Her lateral footspeed makes her an opposing ballhandlers worst nightmare. As well as she’s playing she’s got the potential to really come into her own at the next level.

Another solid performer on a deep roster is Nebraska bound point guard Hannah Tvrdy of the Cornhusker Shooting Stars Bison. Tvrdy’s decision to continue her career in Lincoln has the interesting twist of her mother having played there from 1983 to 1987. Right now she’s playing alongside high profile standouts Chatrice White, fellow Nebraska commit Jessica Shepard and currently injured Iowa verbal Alexa Kastanek. Playing point guard with a group like that carries the burden of distributing the ball and making good decisions both in transition and halfcourt sets. The 5-9 ballhandler looks to run at opportunity but is equally comfortable executing against man or zone in a more controlled possession. A floor leader also has to communicate and convey her coach’s wishes and playing for ultra-intense Dan Lesoing can’t help but prepare her for anything Connie Yori may have to offer down the road. Last week’s performance saw Tvrdy creating more off the drive and delivering some solid assists as defenders rotated her way. The pull up and floater came through for her a time or two as well.

2014

Athletic and attacking, Kindell Fincher makes a defender’s life miserable for 32 minutes. Playing with Lady Legit out of Indiana, this “absolutely not 5-11” as listed guard is ultra-quick and explosive on the catch. Her ballhandling is a good mix of change of speed and direction as well as a flat out speed attack. There’s no hesitation about taking it into traffic and she does a good job of splitting or ducking around helpside that has come her way. Fincher found her way to the line multiple times and took more than her fair share of contact on the way to the rim. While her perimeter shot looked solid, she had trouble finding consistency in the two games we caught. That threat will be essential to keep defenders closing out and allowing her to penetrate and do what she does best. Her on ball defense was quick and assertive but she came out of her stance on the weakside making her slow to rotate. Lots of tools and potential will pay off for her with the right focus.

The 2014 class in the state of Ohio is loaded. Mitchell, Waterman, Westbeld, Rice and Brackemyre are on everyone’s radar but, depending on what you’re looking for, there are plenty of other Buckeye State residents to check out. Imani Partlow of the Cincinnati Finest 17 Black squad doesn’t give you a choice. She makes plays and forces you to take another look. A somewhat undersized forward at 5-10, she’s physically strong and is more than willing to put it to use. Around the rim she’s patient and reads her options effectively. Her shot fake got her some nice looks at the rim and one tip play was impressive for anyone taking the floor. She goes up strong and seems consistent and simple in her attack. Partlow is a coach’s dream when it comes to the rebounding department. She clears space and pursues on both ends of the floor coming up with more than her share. That quality alone should have a few folks taking a much closer look. There were a few points that she seemed to tire with an up tempo pace but it may have been the multiple game schedule taking a toll.

Another multi-talented Ohio resident in the 2014 class is a DB Hoops wing / forward Laina Snyder. This 6-0 inside-out threat has an extensive skill set that allows her to make plays on both ends of the floor. Add to that a relentless approach to her play and you’re going to see some serious productivity. Though just entering her junior year next fall, she plays with a maturity and confidence usually reserved for players with a little more time under their belts. Snyder is comfortable working from the elbows or setting up shop on the block and working the low key. On the catch high or low she’s patient and reads her options. Her physical strength is an asset around the rim but also serves her well on the drive as she keeps defenders at bay on her way to the hoop. The passing skills are sound as well and allowed her to provide her teammates with some easy looks when their match ups looked to help on the drive. Ultimately her long term potential still has the jury out as to what level she might play on. None the less it’s a safe bet that there’s lots of basketball in high school and colligate future.

2015

Sophomore to be Sophie Cunningham has already established her place on the Missouri basketball scene. In fact she’s already made her college decision intending to follow her older sister Lindsey to the University of Missouri. At 6-0 the MoKan Eclipse standout has the tools to play either the wing or in the off guard spot. On the catch her focus is simply to attack. Whether it’s off the drive, off the pass of off the jumper, you can bet she won’t be simply holding and waiting for a cutter. Cunningham’s aggressive approach actually starts at the other end with the jump and effort that goes into her running the lanes. She’s running the floor as if there was a winning lottery ticket at the other end and the effort often leads to some clean and easy looks. She a consistent shooter with range out to the arch but is always looking to improve her looks or find a teammate with a better one. The vision is there to see the floor and she quick and capable in the passing department. Like the rest of her talented teammates, Cunningham has embraced defense like young girls have embraced Justin Bieber. She and the rest of the Eclipse set the tone in every outing with a constant and aggressive press that resulted in turnover after turnover. Her size makes her formidable in trapping scenarios and the effort she puts into it pays dividends time and again.

There are lots of players who play point guard and then there are the players who are point guards. Haley Gorecki is one of the later and a talented one at that. Being one of the few players who just may be taller than her listed height (5-9), the Illinois Elite floor leader combines good size and sound fundamental skills with that instinctual quality that sets a true point guard apart from the crowd. In transition she’s seeing the floor and making good choices both in her passing as well as when to push and when to pull it out. In the halfcourt she can attack and create not only her own looks but also improve her passing options. She’s got a good stroke and was comfortable spotting up or pulling up off the drive. On the defensive end her footspeed is solid but at this point she’s short on the physical strength. Her length will help offset that shortcoming until Mother Nature and the weight room takes hold. Gorecki has plenty of folks watching and the list is only going to get longer as time goes by.

Kym Royster of the Dayton Lady Hoopstars continues to advance her game and provide college coaches a reason to take a look at the 6-0 forward that missed a large majority of her freshman year due to injury. Utilizing an athletic build and strong lower body she’s developing a more and more reliable attack. She’s putting the ball on the floor more from the high post or short corners and although she’s very upright she finds her way to the paint. Royster can get off the floor and mixes it up efficiently with bigs who bring a little more size to the fight. Down the road there will have to be more perimeter skills and polish to her game but there are moments and flashes that tell you the potential is in place. It will be an important summer for her.

If you’re going to follow in the club basketball footsteps of Ariel Massengale or Morgan Tuck you better be ready to produce in a big way. Faith Suggs, a 6-0 wing / guard with the Illinois Dream Team did just that last week in Cincinnati. Showing plenty of versatility in her game she combines size, skills and athleticism to make an impact on the break or in the halfcourt. The ability is there to create off the dribble getting to the rim or elevating for a soft pull up from the 10 foot range. The tools are there as well to take a smaller defender down low and exploit her size and vertical for some easy looks around the basket. On the other end of the floor her agility makes her size all the more intimidating as she has the capability to match up at virtually every position other than the post. She’s quick, active and more than willing to put the effort out there to get a stop or go after a loose ball. Suggs is just scratching the surface of what looks to be unlimited potential. It should be fun to see what she does with it.

Anytime the folks from “A” Game make the trip down from Ontario, Canada you know there’s going to be some players worth taking note of. This time around was no different and Eternati Willock was one that offered up some moments that had some coaches talking. At 6-2 she’s got a lean and athletic build that allows her to work both at the forward and wing spots. All of her movement, both in the half and full court, is graceful and fluid. There’s some ballhandling in place that lets her take it off the wing or from the high post and also enabled her to bring it in transition a couple of times. Without the ball she has the speed to get out and run the floor with the guards. Her vertical lets her finish in traffic and she called on a floater a time or two as well. The defensive end will need some attention but the size and physical tools are there if she’ll embrace the role. Physical strength is a liability at this point but she still has three years of high school (or four since Canada is home!) to advance the physical nature of her game.

2016

It’s hard to watch the Spiece Gym Rats Silver team and pick a standout from among their talented roster. When all else fails look at the youngest player. In this case that would be 6-2 forward Darby Foresman. With four years of high school ball still in front of her she’s already exhibiting a diverse game with both interior and perimeter possibilities. Her size is legitimate and it comes with an impressive wingspan and good footspeed. She’s a factor in the transition game either with a quick outlet or simply getting out and running the lanes. On the catch she can spot up effectively but the capacity is there to take it to the hole as well. Her pull up is reliable but she’s also comfortable navigating traffic near the rim. The tools are there defensively and she’s active both on the ball and rotating from the weakside. Foresman and her teammates are a young squad worth checking out and keeping a close watch on.

2012 Memorial Midwest Showdown

Published in USJN - Challenges
Written by Amy Wright
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The Midwest Showdown in Mason, Ohio, provided a smorgasbord of talent from a field of 144 teams featuring players from the 2013 to 2016 classes. The lineup included teams from as far east as West Virginia and the Carolinas and the southern states of Georgia and Tennessee. Top tier talent, diverse styles of play and some some promising young prospects provided a preview for an exciting July evaluation period.

Players Play

The young ladies that arrived in Ohio with national credentials did not disappoint. Here are just a few players that confirmed their status and demonstrated continued improvement in their game.

Brielle Blair * 6’1 * F * 2014 * FBC Southeast Black – With her college ready body, this polished forward is showing more and more that she is capable of playing the three as well. In the post she has a quick catch and quick shot release and keeps the ball high without fear of defenders.

Kelsey Mitchell * 5’8 * G * 2014 * All Ohio – When a game is on the line and you need a bucket from half court and in, Mitchell is the player for the job. Mitchell’s ball handling continues to improve and well as her already quick shot release from anywhere past half court. She will always have that scorer’s mentality and continues to add dimensions to her offensive game.

Antania Hayes * 6’1 * F/G * 2013 * MI Crossover – Being the first one down the court on every possession is no easy task, unless you are Hayes. Her athleticism is the obvious best aspect of her game, but she has shown improvement in her 12 feet in game and her ball handling off a rebound or in transition.

Asia Durr * 5’11 * PG * 2015 * GA Pistols Elite – One of the most impressive point guards Memorial Day weekend, she is amazingly mature, both with her physical ability and in basketball IQ. Durr proved she can score at will inside the 3 point line or make the quick transition pass for the easy basket. Look for a breakout summer from this youngster as the Pistols rely on her heavily and give her a platform to perform.

I Love Surprises!

With the three game guarantee in pool play, and diving directly into tournament play, the tournament allowed everyone the opportunity to see players several times. These hoopers proved they deserve some recognition for their efforts.

Allazia Blockton * 6’0 * G/F * 2015 * WI Playground – A true power forward at an early age, Blockton has the ability to attack the rim from the wing or in transition. Her solid frame and willingness to take contact leaves is reliable yet there’s still room for her to improve her outside shot and finesse game outside of the paint.

Khadaizha Sanders * 5’4 * PG * 2016 * Baylor Basketball – Sanders is going to be another great point guard from the state of Indiana. Initially her athleticism and blocking a post player’s shot grabbed my attention, but as I watched more she also knocked down two 3 pointers with ease and drove the paint to make several solid dishes to her teammates. If a point guard is among your needs for in the 2016 class, jump on this kid quickly!

China Dow * 5’9 * G * 2013 * KY Premier – A lot of people already know about Dow and for good reason, the combo guard is a player. Her approach to her offensive game is “like a bull in a China shop.” Her first step is one of the quickest and most powerful in the class and there’s a little “flavor” to her game with some great ball handling skills. Dow could be a real steal with her continued improvement in the consistency of her outside shot.

Championships Monday

The drive from Mason, OH to Lexington, KY was well worth it as Championship Monday at the Wildcat Memorial Tournament was one of the most competitive games of the weekend.

Florida Essence Purple and Midwest Elite Platinum squared off in the early afternoon after semifinal wins earlier in the day over the KC Select and Pure Sweat respectively. From tip off, it looked to be another Essence show staring Iesha Small (5’11 * G * 2013) as she attacked the lane and glided to the rim time after time early in the half. Midwest Elite fought back with solid post play from Jacqui Grant (6’1 * F * 2013) who didn’t back down from physical play inside and was also able to step out of the paint and knock down short jumpers. Also making an impact for the Elite was Gabrielle Ortiz (2014). The 5’7 point guard showed great skill with both ball control and tempo. With Essence turning up the heat she also offered up an example of how to come off any screen and knock down 3’s and 2’s with ease.

With the game going back and forth in the second half, Essence threw their full court press at the Elite. With the front line of Faith Woodard (6’2 * F/G * 2013) and Erica Young (6’3 * F * 2013), size, reach and athleticism provided the Essence some easy baskets down the stretch.

While Brandy Montgomery (5’10 * G * 2013) and Iesha Small controlled the offense for Essence, the Elite leaned on some unstoppable reverse post moves of Olivia Jakubicek (6’0 * F * 2013)as well as some critical offensive rebound conversions. In the end, the Elite had an opportunity to tie the 2-point game, but could only get up a desperation 3-point attempt that was off the mark. Essence walked off as 2012 Wildcat Memorial Champions in an exciting and competitive game.

USJN's Memorial Day Challenge

Published in USJN - Challenges
Written by Mark Lewis
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TOLEDO, Ohio – Memorial Day weekend is rapidly turning into one of the busiest non-certified event periods regardless of the time of year. For the fourth consecutive year the USJN Memorial Day Challenge provided one of the settings that took the place of parties, picnics and celebrations. Four different states and Canada were represented by 90 participating teams while 57 D-II, D-III, NAIA and junior college coaches took in the action courtside. Three locations and 12 courts hosted the competition in four divisions beginning Saturday morning. To see the complete list of colleges that attended / final results / Pool All Stars – Click Here

Bracket winners following pool play were as follows:

Sports City U defeated Dayton Lady Hoopstars 17 Premier to win the Top Division

Ohio Rockers 17 Llanas defeated Michigan Cagers 17 to win the 17/16 Division

Indiana Lady Legit 14 defeated The Cincy Angels 15 to win the 15/14 Division

Ohio Lady Bruins 13 defeated the Michigan Monarchs to win the 13/12 Division

While we split time between Toledo and another event several individuals stood out with their play.

It’s hard not to take notice of Sports City U and their dominant performance. In five games the closet an opponent came to challenging the folks in green and orange was still a 30 point margin. All the usual standouts were themselves and offered up plenty of moments. Ashley Morrissette (Twinsburg, Ohio – 2013) demonstrated her versatility with and without the ball and Alexis Peterson (Columbus, Ohio - 2013) attacked time and again while Alyssa Rice (Reynoldsburg, Ohio - 2014) had her opportunities around the rim. However it may be the newcomers that give Tom Jenkin’s club the depth to cause major headaches for opponents. Makayla Waterman (Dayton, Ohio) and Kathryn Westbeld (Kettering, Ohio) give them a pair of high profile 2014 forward’s that have had coaches at their doorsteps for several years already. Paige Cashin (Newark, Ohio - 2013) is showing steady improvement and could become a real factor before the summer’s end while ever Marisa Howard (Aurora, Ohio - 2014) is showing promise inside as well. Alexis Gassion (Fairborn, Ohio - 2013) is the kind of guard that recruiters are going to wish they had focused on even sooner than the group already lined up for her. The youngest member of the roster, 2016 Celina King (Cincinnati, Ohio), advances her game virtually on a daily basis and is one to watch.

Three other Sports City U rookies showed some strong progress in their already established games.

Point guard Bianca Quisenberry (Springfield, Ohio – 2013) displayed some aggressive and assertive play at both ends of the floor. Standing 5-8, she’s physically strong with good lateral speed and quickness. Her attack starts from makes, misses and turnovers and the downfloor vision is always there. Off penetration she can read and deliver the interior pass as well as kick it to the wing or corner for the open jumper. Her perimeter consistency will be a key for keeping defenders honest and allow her to be an impact each time out. On the defensive end her on ball effort is challenging for opponents and can set the tone for her teammates behind her.

Martha Thompson (Bedford Heights, Ohio – 2013) has previously shown a strong individual attack but is now blending it into a versatile team game. The ability to create her own shot has always been there but now the option and ability to read rotations and make the smart pass seem to be evolving and making her a multifaceted threat. On her pull up the elevation makes her shot difficult to contest and provides her clean looks at the rim. Defensively she has her moments and is still prone to taking a few chances and ending up out of position but she may be one of the few players with the athleticism to recover.

Jenny Degraaf (Springboro, Ohio – 2013) is going to be one of the players that college coaches underestimate. The 6-1 forward has the size and strength to work down low and in the paint but her ability to shoot the ball makes her the match up nobody wants. Degraaf is no secret but if recruiters don’t take a closer look they’re going miss the added power aspect to her game and assertiveness with the ball. Her individual ball skills allow her to create her own looks off the drive and the pull up is not a foreign element to her arsenal. There’s a new and apparent confidence in her game that allows her to make plays at both ends and be a strong presence on the glass. Similar performances to Memorial Day weekend once the coaches are back courtside should open some eyes just a bit wider.

Other standouts that caught our attention included…

The Cincy Angels may have not had a full roster nor did they play their best basketball but its hard not to still take notice of the talent on hand. Swing player Sydney Brackemyre (Harveysburg, Ohio – 2014) already has major offers on the table but there could be plenty more knocking once July rolls around. Combining good size at 6-1 with strength and skills makes her a tough assignment defensively. The ballhandling is there to get to the rim but the form and range will force tight closeouts as well. There’s a patience to her game on the catch that allows her to read and break down defenders. The tools are there to defend both the forward and wing spot and she has the agility to be a factor in pressing situations. Brackemyre is already well suited for the college game and what she does the next two years will determine just how far she can take her game and at what level.

Dayton verbal commit Christy Macioce (Pickerington, Ohio – 2013) offered up some impressive perimeter shooting that should keep future coach Jim Jabir smiling. Over the last couple of years Macioce has added to her game and made herself a more complete player. At 5-10 there’s good size that serves her well on both ends of the floor as well as decent footwork to help her out defensively. She’s comfortable with the ball and more than willing to kick it ahead or pitch the ball off penetration. Added strength will be a key down the road to make her more college ready when the time comes.

Brackemyre wasn’t the only standout for the Cincy Angels. Point guard and recent St. Bonaventure commit Imani Outlaw (Cincinnati, Ohio – 2013) demonstrated the game that has Jim Crowley’s staff excited up in Olean. The 5-8 Outlaw was on constant attack and made things happen both off the drive and from the perimeter. Using her explosive first step she got by on ball defenders time and again converting at the rim and from a consistent pull up. She also added several deep jumpers that forced opponents to commit to containing one element of her attack or the other. Defensively her physical strength offsets any lack of size and allows her to contain and steer opposing ballhandlers.

A couple of other standouts…

The Dayton Hoopstars made it all the way to the final against Sports City and a lot of it had to do with the play of Maddison Rittinger (Centerville, Ohio - 2013). A 6-0 wing, she provided a deceiving game that feature both inside and outside options. The ability is there to slash to the rim and finish in traffic. At the same time she connected from long range consistently and confidently. Her ballhandling and passing skills keep her teammates and coaches happy as well as create opportunities. Her lean, wiry build will need some added bulk and strength in the future but some possibilities are there.

Shiloh Murphy (Reynoldsburg, Ohio – 2013) of the Ohio Glory has multiple tools and the ability to make plays as a 5-9 guard. The ability to penetrate as well as knock it down from the outside is there.

Ashanti Abshaw (Cleveland Heights, Ohio – 2014) of Lady’s First Basketball Academy was a scoring machine with the ball in her hands. The combo guard has both an explosive first step and speed that’s tough to contain.

Big Apple Challenge

Published in USJN - Challenges
Written by Christopher Lawlor
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UNION, N.J. - Selfless play is considered rare on the summer circuit, where the basketball is subject to a vanishing act.

Distribution channels cease when egocentric players declare: I’m the show.

Sound familiar?

Roles are defined into categories of ballhandlers, defenders, shooters and warriors on the boards. When teams share the ball, it’s a throwback to Red Holtzman’s New York Knicks of the early 1970s that captured two NBA titles and the hearts of basketball purists.

Last weekend the NYC Lady Warriors 16U demonstrated a brand that coaches preach and champions buy into. No surprise the team -- comprised mostly of players from national powerhouse Christ the King High in Middle Village, Queens -- walked away with the 16-17U title going undefeated at U.S. Junior Nationals Big Apple Challenge at Kean University’s Harwood Arena.

The event was a tune-up for several East Coast teams in various age groups as the stakes are raised each week before culminating with July’s “live evaluation periods.”

Warriors coach Joe DeLuca, a junior girls’ varsity coach and varsity assistant at CK, marveled at his team’s all-in style.

“It’s the most unselfish team I’ve ever seen either as a player or coach,” said DeLuca, who played at Hunter College and CK. “Everyone gets the job done and executes. When some aren’t playing well others will pick up the slack. Our motto is loyalty and it shows in their play on and off the court.”

The Warriors played without Alyssa Gatti, a rising junior at CK, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament three weeks ago. Gatti, a 5-foot-4 point guard, will miss the upcoming high school season but will return next spring. “We miss her; Alyssa has a tremendous basketball IQ,” DeLuca said.

The Warriors are worth a look, based simply on selfless play.

Here’s a look at the roster with the year enterting for the fall term (all attend Christ the King unless noted), with comments from DeLuca.

Kristen Drogsler, 5-6, junior: “She’s the silent assassin and one of our more efficient players.” Can penetrate the lane but is capable of scoring. Earlier in May she scored 25 points in two games at the Hoop Group event. Considered a low Division I player.

Deja Johnson, 5-6, junior:As a top defender she welcomes the challenge of guarding an opponent’s top scorer. “Deja has a strong first step to the basket and will draw the contact.”

Cynthia Perez, 5-9, sophomore: A knock-down shooter who also has a mid-range game. A vocal leader on defense, who plays excellent help defense and no roof for potential.

Jill Conroy, 5-5, senior: She plays at Bishop Ford in Brooklyn, a league rival of CK, and possesses high energy and can score in bunches. Has interest from Division II but that could change.

Kollyns Scarbrough, 5-11, junior: A big-time talent who rebounds, runs the floor and “one of the most positive teammates you can have.” Scarborough has a high basketball IQ and a deadly mid-range game and 10-foot pull-up jumper. She’s hearing from Providence, George Mason, Stony Brook, Fordham and Marist. Expect the suitors to expand.

Jackie Kennedy, 5-10, senior: She’s physical enough to dominant the post and play with her back to the basket. “She’s hard to guard because she’ll step out and hit the 3.” Will play 3 or 4, with several local Division II school such as St. Thomas Aquinas, Dominican, Mercy, Bentley and Adelphi interested.

Taylor Butigian, 5-11, senior: “She has the potential to be a great player.” Will play effectively with her back to the basket but is deadly from the elbows, where she connects on over 50 percent of shots. She’s attracting interest from St. Bonaventure, Fordham, St. Francis (N.Y.), LIU-Brooklyn and Buffalo.

Shannon Barrett, 5-11, junior: “This spring has been Shannon’s coming out party.” After a tentative start she’s becoming more comfortable and buried nine 3-pointers in two games last weekend. She’ll also make the extra pass from the perimeter to find an open teammate. There are high expectations for a productive summer.

Success

According to tournament director extraordinaire Dr. Hope Fuery of USJN, the event was a success as both sites (also played at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Park) sold out over the Memorial Day Weekend.

Additionally coaches nominated opposing players for the all star teams in the 9 pools. Here’s who shone the brightest.

Pool A: Calli Balfour, N.Y. - Triple Threat Elite (U16); Lexi Bruno, N.J. - Philadelphia Belles (U16); Dyzhany Burton, Maryland - Adidas Team Maryland/Shooting Stars Tim (U16); Brittany Gregory, N.Y. - Triple Threat Elite (U16) Jessica Hairston, Blue Star Virginia (U17); Janae McNeal, Blue Star Virginia (U17); Taylor Ryan, N.J. - Philadelphia Belles (U16); Dionna White, Adidas Team Maryland/MD Shooting Stars Tim (U16).

Pool B: Melanie Ackerman, Virginia - Vogues Priester (U16); Kara Cezar, N.J. - Team Final (U16); Kerri Clifford, Paterson, N.J. - Ring City (U16); Tiff Cocelli, N.Y. - Westchester Hoopers Elite (U16); Liana Ilutzi, N.J. - Ring City (U16); Elizabeth Manner, Vogues Priester (U16); Jada Matthews, N.J. - Team Final (U16); Njaire McKoy, N.J. - Ring City (U16); Lilli Robb, Maryland Lady Comets (U16); Crystal Simmons, N.J. - Team Final (U16); Imani Stepney, N.J. - Team Final (U16); Brittany Williams, N.Y. - Westchester Hoopers Elite (U16).

Pool C: Christina Briscoe, Virginia - Cardinals PWCE (U17); Caroline Corcoran, N.J. - Jersey Shore Wildcats (U17); Kim Dana, Jersey Shore Wildcats (U17); Kathleen Egan, Jersey Shore Wildcats (U17); Kiera Gannon, Jersey Shore Wildcats (U17); Brianna Jones, Philadelphia Belles Bamford (U14); Chayla Lewis, Maryland - Pride (U17); Marjani Lillard, Pride (U17); Kendeedra Morgan, Cardinals PWCE (U17).

Pool D: Logan Ballard, Virginia - Monica Wright Elite (U16); Tanasia Blake, NYC Lady Warriors (U16); Amanda Lavigne, N.J. - Jersey Cardinals (U16); Alison Lewis, Philadelphia Belles (U15); Tanasia Russell, Philadelphia Belles (U15); Angie Schedler, Monica Wright Elite (U16); Kimberly Thomas, Jersey Cardinals (U16).

Pool E: Brianne Allender, N.J. - Mid-Jersey Mavericks (U16); Kaycee de Voogd, Mid-Jersey Mavericks (U16); Lina Graham, Mass. - Worcester FrontCourt Fire (U16); Aysha Harris, Long Island Lightning (U16; )Shanice Shaw, Worcester FrontCourt Fire (U16).

Pool F: Caroline Centeno, Conn. - Lay'D Athleticz (U16); Jill Conroy, NYC Lady Warriors (U16); Amanda McKenzie, Lay'D Athleticz (U16); Casey Poole, N.C. - CIC Lady Warriors (U16); Margi Rivara, NJ - Gazelles (U16); Kollyns Scarbrough, NYC Lady Warriors (U16).

Pool H: Peyton Traina, Philadelphia Belles (U14).

Pool I: Lorna Caesar, Pennsylvania Running Rebels 14U (U14); Niamh McGrath, NYC Lady Bulldogs (U14).

Note: Pool G was not reported.

USJN's Mid-America Challenge: Day 2‏

Published in USJN - Challenges
Written by Tony Bleill
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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Coach Mike Elles’ Wisconsin Lakers 17U White team needed some heavy-hitting competition. Naturally, he turned to USJN.

The Lakers were scheduled to play in a tournament in Wisconsin over the weekend but elected instead to compete in USJN’s 10^th annual Mid America Challenge, which featured 164 teams and more than 40 college coaches and multiple national scouting services in attendance. For full results, colleges in attendance, & Pool-All Stars – Click Here

It turned out to be a wise move, as Elles’ squad won the title among Pools A-H in impressive fashion.

“We came in at the last minute because we were going to play up in Wisconsin,” Elles explained. “We were told we would get some competition up there but we didn’t feel we were. I saw some of the teams that would be down here, so we came down here. It’s always good competition at USJN events.”

The Lakers didn’t take the easy way out. They faced a gauntlet of challenges over two days and passed all tests. They went 3-0 in pool play Saturday, with a 12-point average margin of victory, including a 14-point victory against the Mac Irvin Fire 17U.

In Sunday’s bracket play, the Lakers beat the Hoosiers Elite 16U by 19 points, then posted a three-point overtime win against the Illinois Defenders 17U. In the Pool A-H finale, they pulled away for a 53-46 victory against the Illinois Wolverines 16U Elite.

“We had a pretty good event,” Elles said. “We’re missing a key player, Morgan Blumer, so it was a pretty good event for our kids.”

The lopsided wins were impressive, but it was the overtime victory that displayed the Lakers’ heart. Cassidy Mihalko (Franklin, Wis.) sank two free throws with 21.9 seconds left in regulation to tie the game, and then Katie Nord’s three-pointer with 1:34 to go in overtime gave the Lakers the lead for good.

Mihalko and Nord were only two of the Lakers’ weapons. They have plenty.

“That’s one of the strengths of our team,” Elles said. “We’re very quick and we’ve got a lot of kids that can score. Ten of our 11 kids averaged double digits for their high school teams, so we’ve got a lot of kids that can put it in the hole and that’s the whole key to the game.”

One of those players is point guard Brenna Gaspervich, who stands out for more reasons than just her pink – or is it salmon? – colored Nike shoes.

“I got them during school but my (high school) coach said no,” Gaspervich said. “So I’m wearing them now.”

Gaspervich stands 5-foot-4 but moves well, makes good decisions and can score in a variety of ways. In a halfcourt situation, the Lakers spread the floor and utilize their perimeter shooters effectively, moving the ball to an open shooter when the defense reacts. That’s especially effective against some of the pressure-oriented teams that Lakers face at USJN events.

“I think the competition was good, but the last USJN (event, the Windy City) helped us by playing against that kind of competition,” Gaspervich said. The Lakers tied for first in pool play before finishing third in the brackets that weekend in Chicago.

The Lakers also showed off their balance in the final, breaking open a close game early in the second half. Gaspervich scored on a rebound and Olivia Braun (Racine, Wis.) hit back-to-back three-pointers for a 44-27 lead with 12 minutes to play.

Elles said the Lakers will play in two USJN/Blue Star events in July -- the Premier Invitational in Cincinnati and the Midwest Summer Final in Chicago.

The next USJN events are May 26-27: the Big Apple Challenge in North Jersey, N.J., and the Memorial Day Challenge in Toledo, Ohio.

Illini Gain Two Commitments

Sources confirmed to Blue Star Media that Kennedy Cattenhead (Illinois Dream Team) has made an oral commitment to play for new coach Matt Bollant at Illinois. Cattenhead, ranked 184^th by Blue Star, comes from coach Anthony Smith’s powerhouse Bolingbrook, Ill., program. Cattenhead and the Raiders lost to eventualy state champ Whitney Young in four overtimes in the super-sectional in March. Cattenhead is a 5-9 guard from the Class of 2013.

Bollant also picked up a commitment on Thursday from the Midwest Elite’s Jacqueline Grant, ranked 154^th by Blue Star. Grant is a 6-3 forward from the Class of 2013 who averaged 13 points a game at Maine South last winter. Her 6-foot-9 father, Josh, had a stint in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors.

USJN's Mid-America Challenge: Day 1‏

Published in USJN - Challenges
Written by Tony Bleill
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Rouse Catches Fire

CHAMPAIGN – One of the top uncommitted players at USJN’s 10^th annual Mid America Challenge hasn’t finalized her college choice, but she seems close.

JeTaun Rouse, the 5-foot-9 guard (Class of 2013) on Mac Irvin Fire’s 17U Godfather squad, helped her team to a spirited 63-56 victory against the Indiana Elite 17U team Saturday on the University of Illinois campus and said afterward that a Big East school is leading the pack for her college services.

“Right now I’m leaning towards Marquette,” said Rouse, who took an unofficial visit to the school with her mother. “But I’m not sure (yet).”

Rouse is a winter standout at Chicago’s Marist High School, where she earned first team all-state honors from the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association in Class 3A/4A. She was one of four juniors on the 15-player team.

Her ability to score in various ways proved invaluable in Saturday’s win against Indiana Elite. She hit back-to-back three-pointers in the second half as the Fire overcame a sluggish first half and pulled away to a double-digit lead. She also played up front on the Fire’s fullcourt press that wore down the Elite and resulted in a bevy of Fire layups.

“They played really hard,” Rouse said of the Indiana team. “They pushed us to play even harder than we normally play.”

As for her own game, Rouse said her summer goal is to make her left hand stronger – she’s a natural righty – and make a few more people take notice of her abilities.

“I want to work hard to move my rankings up, to get higher than I am right now,” Rouse said. “I’m working hard.”

Bunch of Fun

Indiana Flight 17U forward Allyson Bunch can’t be pigeonholed into one position. She’s 5-10 with a sturdy body, thick calves and a muscular frame. That makes her a nightmare matchup for tall, thin post players who are shoved aside when Bunch gets the ball on the low block. A couple pieces of evidence: The Columbus (Ind.) East standout had 39 points and 14 rebounds in an early sesason victory against defending state champ Jeffersonville, and she had a school-record 45 points in a sectional win against Bloomington North.

On the other hand, Bunch is working to make her game well-rounded because when the Class of 2014 grad reaches the college level, she won’t be playing in the post. Therefore, her guard skills are the focus of her development.

“I get mismatches a lot, so I can usually body up with them inside,” said Bunch, who has committed to IPFW. “Usually I’m built bigger than most (opponents) so I can bulldoze my way through them.

“I’m really confident playing in the post. But I’m working really hard on my shooting and my dribbling, so I’m getting a lot more comfortable up there, too.”

Bunch displayed her ballhandling skills a few times as her Indiana Flight Strike squad rolled to a victory against the Indiana Lady Legit 17U. She once went end-to-end after gathering in a defensive rebound.

Just following orders, she said.

“(Coach Gregg Mason) actually wants me to start dribbling up and down the court,” Bunch said.

“She’s been playing in high school leagues in southern Indiana, and that’s all they’ve been working on with her – handling the ball,” Mason said. “She’s going to have to. She’s not going to play a four (in college). Little short for that.”

Mason, however, likes the type of player Bunch is right now.

“She’s a horse,” he said. “She’s one of the best in the sophomore class in Indiana.”

Mason’s Strike squad won all three games by an average of 18 points Saturday despite playing without point guard Mackenzie Taylor (Richmond, Ind.) – “By far one of our better player,” Mason said – and guard Brittani Rizzi (Bedford, Ind.), an Evansville commit.

Getting Physical

The Indiana Elite 17U matchup against the Mac Irvin Fire 17U featured some of the most intense, spirited, physical play of the day.

Not that that’s a bad thing.

“I think it’s good for kids to understand what it’s like to play in pressure situations, especially with some attitude off the floor and on the floor,” Elite coach Ranae Isaak said. “Hopefully we responded appropriately and didn’t respond the way some people might, (which) would get us in a bad position.”

The Fire’s athleticism and pressure was an obstacle for the Elite.

“They had a lot of athletes that were really strong. The pressure that was in that game is something that we’re not quite used to,” Isaak said. “It was really good to see that. Hopefully we learned something in all three games.”

The Elite played without Evansville commitment Sasha Robinson, whose 6-2 frame would have provided a boost inside against a physical opponent.

USJN’s Gateway Challenge: Day 2

Published in USJN - Challenges
Written by Tony Bleill
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Eclipse Show Their Power

ST. LOUIS – The field at this weekend’s USJN Gateway Challenge got eclipsed.

The MoKan Eclipse capped a strong showing Sunday by nearly sweeping the premier spots at the Gateway Challenge, which featured 64 teams, more than 20 college coaches and four national scouting services and media representatives. For full results, colleges in attendance, & pool all stars – Click Here

One of the most impressive displays came from the Eclipse 16U Black squad, which beat the St. Louis Rockets 64-32 in the final of the 17/16U bracket. The Eclipse showed off their cohesiveness and teamwork, using strong passing and an eagerness to share the ball while dissecting defenses.

“We have so much fun playing together,” said Kaylee Page, a 6-foot-2 guard who handed out a bevy of assists while scoring seven points. “They’re my family. I spend so much time with them, and they’re so much fun to be around. What we do off the court carries onto the court, too. They’re not ‘me, me, me,’ kind of people. They’re all great people.”

Page (Alma, Kan., Wamego High School) is the top talent, featuring good vision and perimeter skills in a long body. Blue Star evaluators suggested that her weekend play should push her into Blue Star’s top 100 sophomores list soon. The Eclipse also got solid play from 5-5 guard Kyessence Collins (Kansas City, Southwest High School). The team’s Sunday showing was perhaps most impressive because two of its best players – 5-10 Kylee Kopatich (Olathe, Kan., Olathe South) and 6-2 Rachel Blackburn (Leavenworth, Kan., Leavenworth) weren’t in attendance.

But the Eclipse 16U Black team had plenty of company in the winner’s circle. The Eclipse 16U Red and Eclipse 17U Red reached the final of the 17/16 National bracket and chose not to contest each other in the title game. The 17U Red squad finished the weekend unbeaten, while the 16U squad dropped a 68-65 overtime decision against St. Louis Flight 17U but still managed to win their pool. The Flight rebounded from a sluggish Saturday performance and managed to beat the Eclipse despite missing standout post Sydney Stipanovich, who suffered a knee injury in the first half and did not return.

Two Eclipse teams – 14U Red and 13U Red -- also reached the final of the 14U bracket and chose not to play out the title game. The 13U Red squad, which blitzed all comers on Saturday, had to fend off a feisty Running Angels 14U Red team in the semifinals. The Angels led 31-24 with 10 minutes to play before the Eclipse running game was able to grind out a win, wearing down the Angels with a 23-7 run to finish the game. Jessica Wayne (Kansas City, Piper High School), an athletic 5-8 wing, sparked the rally.

“They’re a real high quality team, and we’ve been playing them for about three years,” Eclipse coach Ed Hammersmith said of the Missouri-based Angels. “It’s a game like that every single time. They play pressure (defense) and we play pressure (defense) and it usually comes down to who gets the turnovers and who makes them pay on the other end. Both teams played well.”

The Eclipse 15U Red squad didn’t get through unscathed, as the St. Louis Warriors posted a 53-51 victory in the final of the 15U bracket. Charisse Williams (Ellisville, Mo., Westminster Christian) scored in the lane with 1 minute left to break a 49-all tie, then added a layin off an in-bounds play with 17 seconds left to seal it.

The final in the 13U bracket also went down to the wire, as the Running Angels slipped past the Missouri Rockets 44-43.

USJN’s next event will be in two weeks in Champaign, IL – 10^th Annual Mid America Challenge. As of May 7 the field already had 160+ teams & are expecting close to 30 college coaches again as well as all four major scouting services. BlueStar Media will be bringing full coverage of this event.

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USJN’s Gateway Challenge: Day 1