COAST2COAST

COAST2COAST

I’m a big proponent that fall basketball should belong to the high schools.  I also understand that most high schools don’t run fall programs that cater to the elite but for the high schools that do, I enjoy seeing them get out there on the hardwood early developing that chemistry and bond that will be so vital down the stretch into state.  It’s no coincidence that the programs that make these opportunities available for their athletes are the ones that continually have success year after year.  On that note, Coast2Coast featured plenty of top notch high school teams and clubs, boasting some very talented young ladies, many of which will be bidding for that CIF supremacy.

1. Tia Dickson 5'7" G 2012 (San Diego HS, CA) *San Diego State commit*~ Has great change of speed and direction moves, definitely more of a scoring/playmaking PG.  She does play off the ball a little, possesses a decent jump shot, uses a great hesitation move to set up her crossover that she uses effectively. Tia sees the floor real well, the smallest of passing lanes, and knows how to set up her teammates.  Even though she is only 5'7 she is a good rebounding guard, pretty good hops for a smaller guard.  She doesn't always seem to give every possession her all, especially on defense and needs to quit watching her passes so much, cut and move better.
2. Aniya Baker 5'9" G 2012 (Perris, CA)~ is a very speedy guard, great defender with range.  Aniya gets many deflections, moves her feet well while pressuring the ball and reads passing lanes well.  She is a game changer with the ball in her hand, has range and capable of hitting big shots.
3. Destini Price 6' G 2012 (Antelope Valley, CA)~Remarkable 1/1 skills and size to take advantage against smaller guards. She can be more than a handful for most opposing team's guards, creates mismatches and can fill rolls at the 1-3 slots.  Decision making can be questionable and works too often outside the framework of the team.
4. Tanjunique Ajeto 5'7" G 2012 (Foothill, NV)~ uber athletic, possesses great open court speed and bounce.  Ajeto is best in the open court uptempo game cutting/slashing or with the dribble.  She is a superb defender and great rebounding guard.  Ajeto plays hard and gives everything every possession.
5. Jeanier Olukemi 6' SF/G 2012 (Bre Olinda CA)~ one of my favorite players to watch, extreme athleticism and mad bounce to her game.  She is a board queen from the small forward position, will easily give any team 7+ boards a game.  She is long and quick coming up with numerous steals a game. She can guard multiple positions.  Bre Olinda's Hartman and Perry got their just dues but Olukemi consistantly gave double/doubles w/ never demanding the ball, on her own never taking away from the other's game.  Her jump shot has seen much improvement.
6. Bryn Stark 6' G/F 2012 (The Bishops School, CA)~ *USF commit*~ displays not only strong perimeter skills at 6' but leadership qualities, accountability and responsibility in leading her team.  Bryn can bring the ball up in the back court, put it on the ground to attack the basket, attack off the dribble, shoot it from deep or just inside the arc.  She moves great without the ball and never stops working.  She has a great motor, never lets up and displays strong work-ethic.  She is very assertive and takes over games.
7. Imani Littleton 6'3 2014 (The Bishops School)~ Littleton is a very versatile big who is showing a varried array of skills at a young age.  She can play in and out.  She is athletic, long and strong for just being a sophomore.  She is a good rebounder and has the ability to be a good shot blocker.  As she matures, grows in her game and develops cosistency with her shot she will be a BCS prospect.
8. Jalen Carpenter 6'2" F/W 2012 (Bremerton, WA)~ Jalen has great hands and touch around the basket.  She can play outside and in.  The Carpenter twin displays decent athleticism from the wing, can be a monster on the boards, defend multiple positions and create mismatches.
9. Kourtney Carpenter 6'1" F 2012 (Bremerton, WA)~ On paper doesn't appear to be as active as her twin Jalen but Kourtney does all the dirty work.  She bangs inside, rebounds, blocks shots and shows great interior defense.
10. Jadea Brundidge 6'2" F/C 2012 (Emerald Ridge, WA)~ At 6'2 Jadea is a big that really motors up the court.  It's not just the fact she is a mobile big in the open court, it is how she does it.  She pushes herself, digs in and runs with a purpose and that leads to many points because she just out runs opponents bigs.  Jadea plays hard, plays solid defense inside and rebounds strong for her team.
11. Raychel Stanley 5'11" G 2016 (Faith Lutheran Jr. high)~ an athletic quick guard that can play lock down defense on opponent's ball handlers, also has the length and quickness to frustrate shooting guards and other perimeter players.  Raychel is a combo guard that saw more action as a cutter/slasher than with the ball in her hand but no doubt has the time to refine her perimeter skills.
12. Christine Saldana 5'10" SG 2012 (Perris, CA)~ is a great spot up shooter for her team, that also plays solid defense against opponents shooters.  Christine plays consistant and solid on both ends of the courts.  She is an efficient scorer.  She will quietly put up 15+ points being selective with her shots and making smart decisions.

USJN's ELITE OKTOBERFEST

By James Parker

On-The-Trail

To play or not to play, that is the question. The fall can be a tricky period for evaluators, players and coaches. Great players are well into their fall conditioning, strength training, haven’t played a lot of basketball with or even without their club team in over 60 days. Team chemistry is sometimes affected by the different personnel on the teams. Club practice time can be limited because of these new additions, high school open gyms getting started and club tryouts. Some players are almost on a complete break from the sport because of playing other sports or just getting the R&R before high school season gets on the way. Some seniors play, some do not. But, given the evaluation period in the fall, where there are tournaments coaches and scouts will scour, players will come to play to impress. Even though one might not see the kids at their peak performance, many things can still be taken away from the fall events, like a kid’s maturity, leadership, toughness, work-ethic and some new skills developing. So, to play or not to play, is still the question.
This years USJN Oktoberfest took place at the American Sports Center Anaheim, CA. Oct.7-9.

All Tournament Selection


Dominique Williams 5’8” PG (AZ2013)~ Though Dom can struggle at times putting the ball in the basket, create for herself or teammates, no other point guard ran their team more flawless. Starting in transition no PG in the American Sports Center got the ball on the move and into the front court off the pass faster and better than the Warrior guard. Dominique’s unselfish play is the catalyst to the unselfish play and passing game of the Warriors whether in transition or ball reversals. Anyone who has had the pleasure of watching the Warriors knows and understands how that unselfish play and passing game is the heart and soul of the team. Her physical defense and ball pressure is second to none and like her ball movement in the AZ Warriors offense, her defense is the precept to the Warrior defense.


Ariel Bostick 5’3” PG (AZ2013)~ Like a magician Bostick, the bay area kid, always seems to have a bag of tricks. She always keeps defenders back on their heels with her ball skills. She can pull from well beyond the arc. Defend her too close and she will get in the paint where she is deadliest. She sees the smallest of openings in passing lanes and delivers passes off the dribble seamlessly. This weekend I saw Ariel take the ball off the dribble and deliver on target a one handed pass through three defenders to a cutting teammate across court from just beyond half court, jaw-dropping.


Courtney Ekmark 6’ SG (AZ2014)~ Can be as consistent a shooter as they come. One is always waiting for the game where the shots are just not going to fall for her, but she displays continually that teams can’t leave her side. She is deadly from outside and you have been warned, hand down/man down!


Karlie Samuelson 6’ SG (CA2013)~ A point guard’s best friend. If Joe Montana is your point guard, Karlie is Jerry Rice. She spreads the floor, allows for some play making and knows what to do with and without the ball. Karlie is a very coachable young lady with great demeanor. She can shoot it from outside with the best of them; put it on the floor for the take and finish. She can help bring the ball up the court, displays strong skills at the 1 and 2 positions.


Katie Samuelson 6’2 SG (CA2015)~ Like Bonnie and Karlie, Katie is of that same shooting pedigree. We all have the feeling Katie is going to be something special to watch in years to come. Having yet to play a high school game, Katie is well on her way to shooting the ball as good as her older sisters and seems to possess more fluidity and athleticism at 6’2 on the wings than her predecessors. She is a franchise player and right now programs should be preparing a spot for her.


Keitra Wallace 5’11 SF/G (CA2012)~ Was all business this weekend. A recent commit to Pepperdine, one would think she was still on the board with how hard she played. No player played with as much determination and sense of urgency as Keitra. Definitely not a finesse player Kietra was definitive when driving to the cup, plays with emotion and passion.


Nyasha Lesure 6’ SF/W (NV2012)~ A recent commit to Nevada Nyasha is an athletic, long, 6’ wing or small forward. She really cleans up on the boards, has great bounce and length. Nyasha is speedy for 6’, navigates through traffic in control and has the jump to finish high at the basket, a great rebounder, cutter/slasher defensive specialist.


Bayli Mcclard 6’ SF/W (CA2013)~ A 6’ small forward/wing that can knock down the three, owns the mid-range can create mis-matches and defend multiple positions. Mcclard has a great feel for the game and when her team struggled would consistently infuse energy with her play and ability to step up and knock down big shots.


Chantel Osahor 6’3 C (AZ2013)~ One of the most fun to watch players on the circuit, with the absence of Shilpa Tumalla (Harvard commit) & Cortnee Walton (Louisville), Chantel made the most obvious difference in games with her play making ability from the center position. She can and will, without hesitation now pull the outside three with her funky set shot. Because she plays with such poise she always surprises with quick definitive moves and is deceptively quick as bigger player, whether she spins on a defender on the block, jab steps you off and pulls back for the three or throws a behind the back pass. She is nifty, unassuming, therefore deceptive and creative in her ability to create from inside or out. I believe led her team in assists from the 5 position in their state championship game.


Cheyenne Greenhouse 5’10” G (CA2014)~ Is stepping up where Teara Laudermill (Nebraska) left off for her high school and club team Canyon Spring Cougars. Great size at 5’10” and long at the PG position. She possesses a smooth between the legs crossover that allows her separation from her defender. She has great handles. She can pull up off the dribble and rise over defenders for the jump shot, has great athleticism. Decision making is going to be key for her success.


Mariya Moore 6’ G/W (CA2014)~ Get’s it done. She plays with a reckless abandon, maybe too reckless sometimes but she finds a way, whether pretty or not, to get it done. Mariya creates a lot of mis-matches because at 6’, rugged and big, she can bring the ball up, attack off the dribble, post inside and shoot outside. She plays like a true competitor and like she truly loves playing the game. She doesn’t back down from anyone. Matter of fact her newly formed club team NorCal Future Elite came into the tournament facing the AZ Warriors (ESPN #11 Best of Summer, arguably higher, they beat #1, #8, #10 in front of them) first game, her play along with the quick play of her sister Minyon upset the AZ Warriors. WOW! They have only one upper classman in the bunch. Watch this group.


Michelle Miller 5’10 G (CA2012)~ Showed the most maturity in her game from the last time I saw her. Cal Storm Taurasi without many of the other senior players, Miller stepped up and filled shoes. She really let her game loose and without the other big names in front of her, she shined.

NIKE GRAND OASIS INVITATIONAL

 

Sat, July 22-25, 2011

DAY 1

Players that stood out on this first day, that were the driving force for their team and that made substantial impact on the games played:

Arielle Bostick 5'5" PG CA13- What she might like in size she makes up in huge plays.  She showed continually the ability to break down a defense with her ball-handling.  She can get into the paint no matter what the defense is.  She splits traps with ease.  She can set her defender up for the take or get them back on their heels for enough space to pull a deadly jumper. Arielle rarely picks up her dribble un-warranted. She knows what she is going to do far in advance.  Sees the open player with ease and knows how to deliver on target passes off the dribble.

Kendall Cooper 6'3" PF CA13- Tremendous upside to this young ladies game. Still in the building stages, especially with consistency but she is showing a varied skill set inside and a stroke from the high post and short corner areas.  Was being a force and taking control of a game when her teammates were able to find her. 

Oderah Chidom 6'3 SF CA13- An athletic long post that can really run the floor. She is great in the open court and attacking the basket off a dribble or two.  Her length and quickness allow her to cover a lot of ground on the defensive end.  Didn't see her take the jumper enough to get a clear evaluation of her shot.  Did see her at the line a number of times, which she is good at getting to, to get a gander at her mechanics there, nice high release but can soften her release a little.  Other than that the mechanics are there. Question is how she sets her feet and gets her shot off in the flow of an offense. 

Candice Agee 6'6 C CA12- The Penn State commit shows so much promise.  I think it's just a matter of time for Agee's upsize to be really realized.  Her length is undeniable.  She has skill.  She needs repetitions, touches, more time and given more opportunities and I feel her game will start coming along. A little seasoning goes a long way. 

Elyse Hight  6'2 F OK12- Committed to play soccer for Notre Dame this girl made her presence known on the hardwood for her team.  She is a steady worker.  Consistent in most areas of her game.  Not overly dynamic or explosive but she is there when her team needs a rebound, a defensive stop, a bucket.  She plays her game within her gauge.

Brianna Barret 5'7 CA12- USC commit, Solid PG, that possess good speed, vertical leap, ball control, leadership and a good outside shot.  Brianna's game is effective in several areas, her ability to lead and facilitate from the pg position, create shots with her dribble, and she is solid on the defensive end.  She is a PG that will also give you 4-5 rebounds a game.

Amanda Lovely 6'2" CA12- Verbal to Pepperdine. This kid is not afraid to do it all.  She mixes it up in the paint, on the wing and can handle the ball in the back court.  She plays strong, fierce and with a lot of energy.  She is a difficult match-up because of her versatility on the offensive end and can guard multiple positions on the defensive end. She is also a great facilitator  with the ball in her hand in the middle, knows how to find the cutter and shooter. 

DAY 2

Jessica Washington 5'8" PG OK13- A legit D1 point guard with a smooth way about her.  Plays the game under control and seems to glide into her change of direction moves.  Her play seems effortless but decieving.  She gets by her defender with ease on one mistake.  So defenders have to give her space which allows her good room to execute entries or time to pull the jumper. Once inside her defender she does good to keep them on her hip and deliver an accurate floater, pull-up or step back.  She does like some physical strength.  She can break her defender down a lot but she rarely gets in to draw contact and get to the line or finish in traffic.  If the lanes begins to close she pulls out her dribble or kicks out before making any real contact. Like to see her take it harder to the rack, finish or get to the line more.  Strength may be the key to her success in a BCS conference. 

Jasmine Smith 6' F CA12- Nice solid build with broad shoulder and muscular frame that can support more strength.  She is very mobile and athletic.  Plays hard and is not shy of physical play.  Can bang hard inside and move bodies away from the glass to secure rebounds.  Can score in the open court but would like to see her refine and build on her offensive skill set.  All she needs is some simple tools but seems to lack those go to moves.

Jasmine Jenkins 6'1" F CA13- Very mobile, athletic forward the gets up and down the court.  Very active on defense. Comes up with a number of deflections and steals.  She has great hands and really cleans up the glass well.  Her shot is a little strong.  Like to see her get her wrist through a little more and have a softer shot.

Jaime Swan 6'2" F AZ12- Extreme athletic 6'2 frame, slim hips and broad shoulders. Built like a professional basketball player hopeful. Has good speed and vertical ability.  She pulls down boards, secures the ball well and finds the outlet well.  Rarely gives up a board once she has her hands on the ball. She is a good shot blocker, mobile and gets over to help in a hurry. Supplies a lot of energy and passion on the floor, is vocal and leads her team.  She communicates and directs well.  Is a little stiff on offense but has the tools to improve.

Arnecia Hawkins 5'8" G AZ12- ASU commit is very comfortable in a leadership role and taking over games.  Possess a great mid-range game.  Hits big shots for her team.  Stays low on her dribble, takes care of the ball and doesn't seem to get frazzled.  She can knock down the three but not as consistent as her pull-up. Shot can seem a little flat.  She has a healthy demeanor and no doubt a very coachable kid. 


Destiny King 5'10 W CA12- Has a great quick stroke and nice release on her shot, can hit it from a variety of spots on the floor, nice turnaround.  Not sure how consistent she is from beyond the arc but the mechanics are there.  Uses her body well to gain position on smaller guards in the post.  Not super quick on her feet moving laterally in front of smaller quicker guards but uses her strength and size to keep the ball in front of her.  Plays with good energy and is a strong rebounder.  I think she can actually be more assertive and confident in her play.  She seems to be a leader type and big sister to her teammates.  Though, probably not the primary scorer on her team, how she goes reflects on how her team goes.

** REMEMBER A FULL ARRAY OF EVALUATIONS ON PLAYERS SINCE THIS SPRING, SUMMER AND FALL WILL BE POSTED IN SHECANPLAY'S DATABASE.  **

ON THE TRAIL IN OREGON

DAY ONE

Every year the NCAA evaluation period of July starts off with one of the biggest, most prestigious tournaments in the country, hosted in Oregon City, Oregon and surrounding areas. It is a mecca of talent for young high school female basketball players. Though a large number of teams and players are from the west and northwest region of the country, teams travel from all over the country to participate in the Nike EOT Tournament and this year even boasted teams from British Columbia, Hawaii and New Zealand.  The tournament is limited to 224 teams that were divided into  two divisions, National and American. The National division had four brackets of which the winners of each would make up the final four for the National Division Championship. The American had three divisions of which the winners of each bracket would make up a semi-final and final game for the overall American Division Championship. 


I arrived early Wednesday morning to PDX, Portland airport and with barely taking a breathe I jumped in the rental car and raced my way to Oregon City high school, not wanting to miss a moment of the action. Throughout the day I jumped around from gym to gym taking in what the teams had to offer taking special notes of particular players, teams and programs. Many of the kids I have seen first hand but there was more than a handful I've only heard or read about that I needed to see in action.  The teams expected to dominate did just that the first day but there was one game in particular that I had special interest in. It had the billing of a heavy weight match-up and was a perfectly arranged exhibition game between two top notch teams with some of the better young talent coming up, AZ Warriors and Team Concept (heat).


The AZ Warriors have only two players going into their senior year of high school and Team Concept has only three. Team Concept has four players from the class of 2013 and the Warriors have five. TC also has two 2014's, Jaime Nared and new addition Lexi Bando, while the Warriors have Courtney Ekmark as their lone 2014. The game was held at Old Oregon City high school at 5pm, the summer sun still beaming on the old gym making it warmer than usual and the smell of old wood and old finish filled the arena. The setting was perfect and the one sideline and one baseline of the court was lined with college coaches. Being from Arizona I have seen my share of the Warriors play.  I have also followed Team Concept the past couple years but had yet seen them with their three new additions in Russell, Scott, and Bando that weren't with  them on the recent trip to Arizona at the AZ Elite Classic in April.  I had a feeling it was going to be a great game.  Team Concept had the size, skill, athleticism, while the Warriors had experience, a relentless pressing back court and unique way of playing that deciphers defenses with the passing game. Team Concept had no problem with the Warriors press and the Warriors did their usual passing till they found a cutting player in the gaps created by their ball movement or underneath the zone.  No team having favorable momentum, it was a tight game that often exchanged leads but by never more than a possession or two. It wasn't till the last minute of the first half that Team Concept seemed to gain a favorable push. The new additions made their presence known, as Russell blocked shots inside and out on the perimeter and Scott and Bando Knocked down open shots helping TC take a 42-36 lead into half.  In the second half, even with Shilpa Tummala knocking down her patented big shot after big shot, TC's length, athleticism and skill was proving to be too much for the Warriors. As TC kept gaining momentum and a sizable lead the Warriors looked more and more defeated and they were facing an uphill battle. In the end Team Concept would prove to me and the others in the room that they were no longer the young kid on the block. As quoted in the Oregon Live, Michael Abraham said, "But we've paid our dues. This team has taken beatings in this tournament.” Well, now might be their time and this game was sending a message.

DAY TWO

Sorry to change the note on you. Just know that I was everywhere on this day in every gym watching, taking notes and appreciating the effort and play of so many. I took most my notes on day two. I like to give a shout out to so many, but too many and too many that with all my effort still didn't get seen. So how can I give a true objective opinion of an all-tournament team if I couldn't see every player and every team. My evaluations will be submitted to She Can Play. Contact Coach Billy Carson for access to player profiles. Give time for all content to be input.

DAY THREE

Day Three is the day where the rubber begin to meet the road and no more easy passes. Semi's and finals for each bracket started early Friday morning. My final four were all still in the race but the Platinum had a big question mark. In my opinion there was no clear favorite. The bracket could go to EBX, Tree of Hope, Minn Metro Stars or WC Premier (valley). Here my first bracket got busted as a EBX team minus Gabby Green, who left to play for Cal Storm (Taurasi), fell to a Katie Collier led Tree of Hope. Metro Stars took care of the athletic play of miss Lopez and WC Premier behind the steady play of Scherber and Johnson. My favorite, Team Concept kept steam rolling through the Daniels bracket not even faded by the tough play of the Hood sisters and Plum of the Wiggin Waves. TC showed in the Daniels Bracket Championship that they are not just all offense and fluff. They showed their versatility, using their length and athleticism to shut down the shooting of Kelsey Plum and team defense to stop the attack of Maya Hood. My favorite to win the tournament, Cal Swish never seeming to be firing on all pistons, would scratch their way atop the Gold bracket but not after getting a good scare from the Gonzalez twins, Dakota and Dylan. The two sisters Dakota and Dylan do it all and play with no hesitation but are always on the attack mode. In the silver bracket Jaime Weisner became a household name receiving the praises of many as she blazed the nets for 33pts against Oregon City Elite, followed by another stellar performance, 28pts against the AZ Warriors. I told you people in my last post that she is clutch, a scorer and is as strong if not stronger in the 4th late in a tournament as she is in the very 1st quarter of the first game. She gets it from the line, mid-range, three and all kinds of off-balance shots. NW Blazers did surprise me. I had the AZ Warriors getting out of the silver bracket. I didn't think the Blazers were equipped to beat the Warriors relentless pressure. So the final four was set for the overall National Championship:

Minnesota Metro Stars
Cal Swish
Team Concept
NW Blazers

DAY FOUR

Championship Day!

Team Concept and Minnesota Metro Stars would be the first to hit the floor for a 9am tip off.   TC wasted no time taking control of the game from the tip.  It was evident from the beginning the Stars were going to have their hands full trying to defend the high/lo offense of Kailee Johnson and Mercedes Russell.  TC would often throw Jordyn Peacock into the high post, who demonstrated from that vantage point with her size and length to be a meticulous passer. Jordyn is also well versed in knocking down the 15ft shot from the high post and short corner areas.  If that wasn't enough to consider, when TC flashed Jaime Nared to the middle, her athleticism and quickness was too much for Metro Stars. The Metro Stars didn't go down without a fight. Coach Meinhardt of the Stars strategically used timeouts to try and stifle TC's offense and settle his troops but on the defensive end TC was too long and quick.  The Stars got nothing easy and several times were called for shot clock violation. Team Concept would go on to win by a sizable margin and await the winner of the Cal Swish/NW Blazers game. 
Cal Swish had a couple games where they had seemed to be struggling putting the ball in the net and were earnestly waiting on that game they know so well to come to them.  Finally in the Gold bracket championship against the Cal Stars Elite, Swish seemed to have found their way.  Now if they could just reproduce another game like that against Cal Stars, the National Championship would be in their grasp.  NW Blazers who implement a variety of defenses primarily chose to go man against Swish, really sticking on their shooters and never allowing them to get comfortable.  The Blazers scrambled and covered each other but never allowed for an uncontested shot.  Then the Weisner show begin.  Weisner a 5'9 athletically built shooting guard who plays the game tough as nails was stroking it from everywhere on the court. One word that can identify Jaime is "Scorer".  She simply knows how to put up points and she does it in a variety of ways. Her output along with her back court partner Karlee Wilson would prove to be too much for the Struggling Cal Swish team.  The championship game was set North West Blazers vs Team Concept, familiar foes.


It was  a nice warm afternoon in Oregon City, Oregon about 2:15 pm as I made my way to the gym at Oregon City high school one last time during this tenure of the EOT 2011.  As I made my way to the bleachers my first thought was, "where are the 224 teams that participated in the Nike EOT?".  In the day, if you didn't make the championship or play at the same time you brought your behind to the game.  It is a respect thing and a sincere desire to see the best of your class compete in a game you so passionately wished you were in.  Now days it seems if teams don't make the "Chip", they are on the first ship out of town.  I honestly believe it's only the right thing to do, to pay homage to the players that worked hard to get to where all players should want to be.  OK, I will get off my soap box now.  
There was no need for note taking in this game.  I've seen both teams before and a number of times this year and this tournament.  If anything stood out to me I would just make a mental note.  I was here to purely enjoy watching great young talent, decipher the game and admire what separates the best from the rest.  I hate to always state the obvious, but evident every game for Team Concept is there abundance of skill, talent, size, length and athleticism.  On the other hand, even though the NW Blazers don't always awe you or pass the look test, they consistently outplay teams in effort, smarts and they have a great scorer in Jaime Weisner.  Early in the game it was evident the Blazers were going to have a hard time stopping the high/low offense of TC, with Russell, Johnson and Peacock down low.  TC could play big with any of the three before mentioned playing intermittent roles high or low.  TC can also go a little smaller and faster using 6'1 Nared as their small forward.  One jaw breaking moment, to give you an idea of the versatility of Team Concept, is when 6'5 Russell started a break seamlessly, dribbling in the back court and kicked it up to a 6'4 Johnson who was running the wing.  The Blazers would fight to stay in the game, and in previously match-ups were able to stay in games against more talented teams with the relentless scoring ability of Weisner.  This day was not to be, as it was the first time I saw Weisner without an answer.  The length of Nared and Reynolds gave Weisner fits. Team Concept would run away with the championship game in a lopsided 62-40 win and Reynolds would get MVP honors.

Team Concept Nike EOT National Champions 2011

R-L: Rachel Mendelsohn, Kailee Johnson, Abby Scott, Mercedes Russell, Anjenae Torregano, Jordyn Peacock, Lexi Bando, Jordan Reynolds, Jaime Nared

EOT 2011

It's that time of the year again. I'm looking forward to getting in the gym and watching the crop of young talent that will be competing in this year's EOT.  Follow me as I cover the EOT for SheCanPlay July 6-9 in Oregon. I will post daily updates here on my blog as well as the minute by minute updates at TrifectaBasketball Twitter. You can email me any questions about players and teams at mailto:TrifectaBasketball@gmail.com%20or direct message me on twitter.

Most games playing out the way I would expect in the National division. No upsets yet. Platinum division is up for grabs but I might expect EBX (blk1) to win it. Expect Team Concept to win the Daniels bracket. Cal Swish are destined to win the Gold Bracket and Warriors should roll through the Silver.
Final Four Predictions are set:

1. EBX
2. Team Concept (heat)
3. Cal Swish
4. AZ Warriors

Arizona Elite 14th Annual Spring Classic

•  Khadidja Toure (WA12): 5'8 guard, Kamiakin high, Richland, WA.  Probably the fastest, most athletic guard in the whole tournament. Explosive off the dribble. Not only does she have blazing speed, she does it with the ball in hand.  This girl can get up the court in neck-breaking pace while dribbling, control her dribble, change directions, slice through defenses and elevate at the rim. She is so quick with so much control, all she needs is the smallest of cracks to get inside the paint to get to the cup.  She is explosive to the rim and finishes strong.  With the kind of speed I'm raving about you can only imagine what kind of defender she is.  Opponents have to be wary of the passes they are making and be crisp because Khadidja will appear out of no where and pick them off if she gets but half a read on them.  I didn't see her connect very often from outside but didn't see her take a lot of outside shots either and I can't fault her.  If I was able to attack the basket at will and finish over players the way she can I would be doing the same thing.  She is a player that will get to the line 7-8 times a game minimum. Her ability to attack off the dribble really puts a lot of stress on opposing defenses.
•  Brooke Reilly (WA13):  Another 6ft+ wing player that really knows how to get it done in a variety of ways.  Provides the team with a lot of energy, can rebound, use the dribble, shoot outside, defend inside/outside.
•  Jaime Nared (OR14): 6'2 small forward/wing, Westview hs, Portland, OR.  The most developed 2014 player I've seen this year.  Plays like a well seasoned veteran in a division consisting of mostly 2012 players.  A very versatile small forward who can extend the floor with her range.  She can mix it up a little inside.  Most players this size that have an outside game tend to play too upright but Jaime probably does the best of any 6ft + player receiving the ball outside to attack or shoot.  Jaime is a scoring guard and a long athletic defender that can give shooters complications.  Jaime is still very young and might be the reason she tends to disappear from the game at moments. I'm looking for her to be a more steady force for a full 32 minutes for an entire weekend and not slip into a passive lull. Her growth physically and mentally will no doubt suit her to be an impact player for any team.
• Tess Picknell (OR12): 6'5 Center, South Medford high, Medford, OR.  Huge upside, Tess is an undeniable presence under the basket. Got off to somewhat of a slow start and was defended well in her first match-up.  Throughout the weekend she seemed to be getting more and more comfortable.  Tess draws a lot of attention inside and is capable of finding open teammates out on the perimeter when doubled. She seems to be under a lot of pressure to play up to her stature.  Her team and her self seem pressured to force things at times rather than just play the game a little looser, have fun and let the game come to her. She has got to learn how to be more instinctive, have a better feel and get all the "I have to's" out of her head. 
• Jordan Reynolds (OR13): 6'1 guard, Jefferson hs, Portland,OR. Jordan can run both the point guard and shooting guard positions with efficiency. She reminds me a lot of another guard with a similar build and athleticism who goes by the name of Chelsey Gray, who just had a very successful freshman campaign  for Duke University. I watched Chelsey as a junior & senior. Those are big shoes to fill but no doubt Jordan has the right make up.  With continual improvement and improved ability to create her own shot, Jordan has a lot to look forward to, or we have a lot to look forward to in her game.
• Elleson Tinkle (MT12): 6'2 forward, Big Sky hs, Missoula, MT. A fierce competitor.  A player that looks to step up her play, rises to challenges and will try and carry a team on her back. Solid from 15ft.on the shot and possesses the ability to lead the break with the dribble, sees the floor very well. Can learn to play not so erect and extend her range to beyond the arc but a solid forward that can help out on the boards and will fight. 
• Kailee Johnson (OR13): 6'4 forward, Central Catholic, Portland, OR. Another colleague referred to her as "the truth". You have to see for yourself. The detail in which she defines her position at such a young age is remarkable. Probably the most college ready player I viewed this weekend. She can stop on a dime, catch and pull up from beyond the arc like a shooting guard, attack the basket, post big, block shots.  Despite her array of offensive repertoire what most impressed me was the energy she plays with despite such talent and to guard out on the perimeter.  I watched her close out on perimeter players, use her length and keep guards at bay.  She stays low defensively, moves her feet and takes up so much width, makes for a difficult pass on a drive.  She can also defend the paint and rebound.  Did get muscled a little on the boards by very strong older post players last game on last day.  She still has over 2 1/2 years before she steps on a college campus.  I have a feeling she will be ready. 
• Rachel Mendelsohn (OR12): 5'8 G, Jesuit high school, Portland, OR. Don't let this soft spoken young lady lead you to believe she is as meek on the court as she might be off the court.  Very cunning ability to make plays happen for her and her teammates.  Makes reads very well and demonstrates good basketball IQ. Can hit the outside shot and run a team.  I saw Rachel during last summer and was pleased with her game but in a year I have seen more confidence, more assertiveness and growth.  It's always a good sign when kids have good, steady continual growth.  
• Taelor Ross(OR12): 6'2 F, St. Mary's Academy, Portland, OR. A kid who can bang inside, very broad strong shoulders, she is the player who is going to do all the dirty work, defend the paint, rebound, set screens, get the ball inside and suck in the defense.  Can be a little more aggressive at times. I like to see her attack off the bounce more from hp area, has the strength to take to the basket hard and finish. 
• Ivonne Cook Taylor (CA12): 5'10 wing, Terra Nova hs, Daly City, CA. Extreme athleticism. Notes say "speed that kills with a SWEET J!" Ivonne has great open court speed, quickness in the half court and awesome elevation. She has a sweet mid-range jumper she gets great elevation on.  She possesses undeniable athleticism, seems to glide along the court effortless. She has great length, good reaction and is a great perimeter defender.  Ivonne is a game changer, a hard to guard player but  tends to have lulls in her game.  I did watch her in late night game, late in the tourney but she was at times performing a disappearing act.  I would have liked to see her be more assertive and demand the ball more at times when her team needed that spark because her speed rendered opponents indefensible.  She has the ability to make thinks happen.  She is more of a driver than shooter, often dismissing the open outside shot. Never saw her shoot the three which makes me wonder about her ability to connect from outside.  She shows good mechanics, release and follow through on her pull-up, so I know the base is there. Confidence, comfort ability and recognition might be all she needs. 
• Sharise Portia (ID13): 5'6 PG, Centennial high school, Boise, ID. Good build, athletic, quick, fast guard who really knows how to control a game.  One of the truer point guards viewed this weekend. Didn't see a lot of true pg's at AZ Elite Classic, combo guards filling roles between point and shooting guard.  Does a great job of setting up her teammates.  Very good at dealing with pressure defenses. Is a pass first PG.  Doesn't look to get much of her own.  Not much of an outside shooter is more wrapped up in getting ball up the court and allowing teammates to make plays. 
• Jasmine Hotchkins (AZ13): 5'4 PG, Xavier College Prep, Phoenix, AZ. This tournament was deep in talent with 6ft + players, dynamic wing players and versatile post players, but Jasmine was one of the rare point guards that stood out at the AZ Elite Classic.  She Possesses fantastic quick dribble that she can use to set up defenders for the take, jump shot, or break pressure.  We saw on several occasions where she mounted her young team on her back and put them in contention against much more talented squads.  She never seemed troubled by any defender or defense & attempted to run her team with efficiency. Jasmine is a guard that in the past largely relied on her ability to connect from downtown to be effective but recently has been taking charge, controlling game tempo with aggressive offensive and defensive play, impacting games.  She is a bully with her ball pressure on other guards and very disruptive. I have seen a lot of growth from this young player who brings a lot of energy to the court. 
• Jamee Swan (AZ12): 6'2 forward, Marana high, Tucson, AZ. Very energetic small forward that provides huge rebounding detail for her team.  Jamee has a nose for the ball, goes after it hard and pulls it in strong.  This is not a girl you should have to remind to rebound.  It is what she does.  She has a much improved outside shot.  She can be safe with the dribble, not going to make a bunch of plays with it but can handle it in a straight line, enough to help in the back court if needed. Pretty good shot blocker. Great leadership. Good talker on the floor, instructs, motivates, rallies team.  Plays a little tight offensively, can learn to be a more effective driver, create own shot. Not real offensive minded. 
• Jaime Weisner(WA12): 5'10 guard, Clarkston high, Clarkston, WA.  A fierce competitor,very tough scoring guard.  She plays a big game, very active, effective and makes huge impact on games.  Moves great without the ball. Can catch and shoot as well as put the ball on the ground.  Jaime can take contact at the rim and still finish.  She has a very strong build physically.  Seems like a very dedicated player with not just her basketball skill but conditioning and strength training as well.  She was making the same shots deep into the tournament as she was making on the first day. Has a great touch on her shot.  Everything she put up that caught any part of the rim fell in.  I never witnessed her game taper off in any of her games I watched.  She possesses a lot of heart and tenacity.
• Chelsea Waters(ID12): 6'1 forward out of Lewiston Idaho, is a 5 tool player.  She can handle the rock like a guard, shoot from outside, post hi & lo, pass like a pg, defend multiple positions & rebound. I can't say enough about how much this young lady impressed. She left my jaw on the ground more than any player in the tournament. I did my best to keep my composure but can't say how many times I wanted to say out loud "OMG, this girl is incredible". She can do it all folks. I saw her cut up a press on her own displaying every change of direction move in the book and finish with a PG like pass at the end.  She has great hands, court awareness, vision and moxy.  She really seams to enjoy the sport and playing.  She has an array of moves from the perimeter, low post, high post, and several ways she can finish.  She is a solid HM prospect that can be an impact player.  Needs to develop more strength (but I say that about just about every player), and consistency with her outside shot.

This is the first eval on my blog from the Elite Classic. I will be posting more over the week. I will be posting evals @ SCP where you can find more prospects and evaluations on your favorite players.

AZ's Top Performers 4/8-10

Pictured kneeling L-R: Kenna McDavis, Shilpa Tummala, Alexa Jacobs; standing L-R: Jasmine Hotchkins, Cortnee Walton.

Leading into the springs evaluation period many teams and players like to get in some game time in local tournaments to work out kinks, shake off rust, and sharpen timing in preparation.  This weekend was no different in that many players showed why they are highly regarded prospects, new faces arose out of the bunch and budding stars continued to separate themselves.
Here is a briefing on some of the Arizona players to be seen next weekend starting with the 2012 class on through some 2015 players in no particular order.

2012's

• Cortnee Walton, 6'2 F, (AZ12):  Plays hard is her modus operandi.  She doesn't take a play off.  She plays for the team and bigger good, setting screens, blocking shots, rebounding, rotating off help-side defense.  She covers on-ball screens with the best of them, showing well and recovering.  She can hit the 15ft shot consistently. She has vastly improved her ability to put the ball on the ground and attack the basket from the pinch/high post area.  She is relatively proficient with her back to the basket.  Doesn't necessarily possess a variety of moves but knows how to use her body, protect the ball and finish. At 6'2 she possesses a solid build, fit with good shoulders, solid legs, a very durable body.  I've not known her to be injury prone.  Cortnee can greatly improve her game by getting more range on her jump shot, improving on perimeter skills and finishes.  She has been spending the past month running the 300 hurdles for school track team.  She will be traveling with her club team AZ Warriors to Boo Williams 4/15-17. They have not had practice together since high school ended and will be missing play-maker Shilpa Tummala.  Not sure what they will bring to the table this year at Boo.
• Shilpa Tummala, 5'11 G, (AZ12):  Shilpa is a game changer, simply put.  She is very capable of having big games and has had many of them, none bigger than her first half 18pts. before leaving the game with an injury to help lead her high school team, St. Mary's, to a state title this year. Also scored 30pts against Boo in last year's Boo William's event to only come up a possession short of taking the host team down in the first round.  Shilpa scores in a variety of ways, with the three ball, off the dribble, cutting/slashing, running the floor.  Shilpa will get better the better she takes care of her body.  It's very important she work on her defensive footwork, agility, conditioning and speed.  Strength training is going to improve her game drastically and help her to stay better injury free. She has been rehabbing a shoulder injury she sustained in the Arizona state championship game.  She was a last second scratch from Boo and will not be traveling with her club team to Virginia to better take care of her injury and not having the opportunity to prepare for competition.
• Jamee Swan, 6'2 F, (AZ12):  A very energetic small forward that plays with a lot of energy and emotion.  She rebounds with a viciousness and every time I have seen her she has improved more on her outside shot.  She possesses length and athleticism in a solid build. She is a fierce competitor and worker.  She seems to be headed in the right direction with her training, can maybe attack the basket better, add second moves to beat help and counters. Will be playing with AZ Elite at Elite Classic in Tempe AZ. 4/15-17
• Shealyn Brown, 6'4 P, (AZ12): The best 6'4 body in Arizona. She has strong legs, good build for a post.  She is still looking to define her game in more detail but more and more I see her she is getting comfortable and making plays.  Shea runs the floor very well.  She is a presence inside and alters a lot of shots. She pulls down rebounds and is strong with the ball.  She has a nice stroke that she can connect on from 15ft.  The physical tools she brings to her game are undeniable but what would take her game to the next level is a deeper low post game.  She stills looks uncomfortable playing with her back to the basket and doesn't show a variety of moves.  I also think she can be great on the bounce but I need to see her attack the basket more.  Will be playing with AZ Elite at Elite Classic in Tempe AZ. 4/15-17.
• Emily Wahlberg, 6'3 F, (AZ12): Not as strongly built as the other forwards and posts listed but has the best range on her shot.  Emily can shoot the three, the mid-range and pull-up off the dribble.  Not enormously quick but with work and strength training she can be a solid small forward because she has solid fundamentals and skills. Emily is probably also the best passer out of the bunch.  Both her high school and club team have good perimeter shooters and she has learned to find them.  Emily's biggest turnaround is going to be her getting stronger, faster and quicker.  She can probably use some tightening up on her dribbling since she is going to be a player that can play out on the perimeter as well as inside.  She doesn't seem to be very physical inside yet and is maybe more apt to place a face up game so possessing those skills are going to be key. Will be playing with AZ Rhythm at Boo.
• JeZhe Newton, 6'4 P, (AZ12): JeZheJeZhe doesn't particularly like to bang inside and struggles against feistier smaller posts that will get physical and hustle more. She tends to lose her legs and struggle finishing in hard battled games. So what I think is really important for her preparation to play at the next level is to learn to be more physical, work on her conditioning and work on her drive to attack the basket. Will be playing with GSB at Boo 4/15-17.
• Simone Westbrook, 5'9 G, (AZ12): Verbal commit to ASU is a crafty guard, very physical with good size. Shows some athleticism on takes and finishes at the basket. Likes to get out in the open court and is a great 1/1 player in those confines. She gets a lot of steels, knows how to anticipate in the passing lanes and when playing ball.  Can be a good rebounding guard. Doesn't have the most orthodox or pretty shot but will connect if left too wide open.  She prefers to drive and get to the rim.  Doesn't really possess a shot off the dribble. Might be too late but does need some work on her jump shot. She anticipates well but does seem a little slow at times.  Maybe doesn't always give all her effort on every possession.  She will be playing for GSB at Boo 4/15-17. **This just in- Simone will not be traveling to Boo, per personal reasons.**
• Arnecia Hawkins, 5'8 G,(AZ12): Early Verbal commit to ASU, very smooth poised player, very sound, disciplined.  Arnecia is very good at getting to the line, knows how to get to the rim and draw contact. She has a great mid-range game. Arnecia's game is getting that first step and pulling up for short jumper.  She is very good and consistent from the 10-17ft area. She is very light on her feet and get down the floor in a hurry.  Her shot can tend to be a little flat which is a bigger factor for her shooting beyond the arc. She is good with the dribble but not exceptionally quick or strong which seems to be a factor against ball pressure.  She looks more comfortable in the off guard roll as opposed to a point guard position.  I would like to see Arnecia getting stronger physically and make her dribble stronger and quicker.
• Cassidy Ranger, 5'10 SG, (AZ12): Cassidy is AZ's most improved player over all.  She didn't even make her varsity squad last year.  She has put in a lot of work with a great shooting coach her in AZ. and continues to make strides in her game.  She has solid shooting mechanics and is getting more and more consistent every time I see her. She has a solid 5'10 frame.  Her biggest adjustments have been catching up with the speed of games, defense, experience and she has made huge leaps since the first time i watched her.  She is still a subpar defender but I have notice improvements in this area and I believe she is committed to the end to continue her growth.
• Lauren Evans, 5'11 SG, (AZ12): Lauren is an athletic long lock down defender. She is highly competitive and brings it every night. Known for her defense, but Lauren is going to give you 15pts & 5-7 rebounds, 5stls a night on top of locking down opponents best perimeter player. Lauren does a great job of getting inside an opponents defense, whether off the drive or cut to knock down that 10-15ft jumper.  She can handle the ball in the back court.  Not a great 3 point shooter but still needs to be guarded outside the arc.  She does tend to over gamble on the defensive side and will have to learn to play more straight up against better ball handlers that will make her pay.  She can learn to become a stronger dribbler and more consistent shooter beyond the arc.

2013's

• Lindsay Leikem, 6'2 F, (AZ13): A very sound fundamental forward.  Lindsay has the best shooting mechanics of any AZ big.  She is solid with her mid-range game.  She has decent ball handling ability, not extremely athletic or quick.  She is a safe player, not very dynamic but doesn't make a lot of mistakes. She plays within her self and fill it up if you can get her open in the right spots.
• Sydney Wiese, 5'6 G, (AZ13): Syd's M.O. is she has massive range, a lefty that is a deadly 3 point shooter. Syd is not afraid to launch it from anywhere on the court in any situation.  She is very offensively minded.  Syd is a great free throw shooter.  In the past year she has learned to set her feet better, quicker and quickened her release.  She seems to demonstrate moxy and poise in big games.  Syd has a very lean frame and is bumped off her dribble to easy. She struggles against stronger, quicker guards and is a sub-par defender.  She just doesn't have the strength or speed to stop elite guards.  She easily gets coerced into dribbling too much and into traps. Problem she has playing good guards is she dribbles with her head down, too much and doesn't have good economy of motion.  Just as her positive M.O. is she has range, her negative M.O. is whe turns the ball over too much and takes too many of her own shots. She is much better off the ball but is primary point guard for high school.  She does also tend to take ill-advised shots in the course of a game but that can be interpreted as what she is being asked to do.  Will be present at Boo with her club team GSB.
• Jasmine Hotchkins, 5'4 PG, (AZ13):  Super quick guard with superb ball skills. Jas is a great defender that can pressure the ball the length of the floor, she is very disruptive defensively and pesky.  She is getting much better off the ball anticipating passing lanes and coming up with steals.  Jas is a great shooting point guard that can score as well as distribute.  She has range, a very quick step and super quick pull-up off the dribble. Although she is becoming more proficient getting to and finishing around the basket amongst the bigs she can probably look to penetrate more with her skills and create for her team.  She can tend to put her head down on the take and miss open teammates.  Needs to learn to be more assertive, better communicator and leader on the floor.  Jas has played with many good players and still tends to pass and hide when she can help her team by being more assertive. Jas will be in Tempe at the AZ Elite Classic with her new club team AZ Rebels
• Britta Nordstrom, 5'11 F, (AZ13): Very athletic, powerful and strong on the take.  possesses good speed in the open court, can finish strong around the basket.  Britta has improved her outside shot but maybe not real consistent yet, much better driver and slasher right now.  She can work on her first step and developing a more consistent shot outside will drastically help that.  Is just an average defender and learn to improve her defensive game.  Will be at Boo playing for GSB.
• Kenna McDavis, 6'1 W,(AZ13): Kenna has good size at the wing and is long.  She has one of the smoothest strokes and can flat out shoot it from outside in transition.  She is athletic.  She can block shots and even play some offense down low or from the pinch/high post. Her size and length helps her on the take but she still tends to drive to upright, doesn't necessarily beat her defender, gets them low and makes a move on them.  Kenna is a great shot blocker but can sometimes be over anxious and find her self in foul trouble. She loves to play the game but sometimes might show too much frustration on the court. Although it is something she has gotten better with. Kenna will be playing with AZ Rebels at the AZ Elite Classic in Tempe, AZ.
• Kyndall Adams, 5'10 G, (AZ13): Athletic, great rebounding guard who knows how to get to the line.  Kyndall has played out of position a lot for her teams, truly a guard that has played a lot of forward.  That is the reason why she probably plays so strong when she drives or goes back up on offensive boards. She has learned to play bigger than she really is.  She has an outside game and the more she gets to exercise it, the more proficient she will become.  Tends to drive a lot when I would like to see her pull-up or shoot the open outside shot more when it presents it self. Confidence to shoot from outside and extending her range will be key to her success. Continually improving her ball skills is a must as I see her as a combo guard at the next level. She will be playing with her club AZ Rhythm in Virginia at Boo.
• Katie Werner, 6'1 W, (AZ13): Great size out on the wing.  She hustles, plays hard, rebounds and knocks down outside shots.  She does a sound job containing her opponent and keeping players off the boards.  She still tends to drive up-right.  Her ball skills have improved much over the past year and can possibly even help bring the ball up against pressure. I see strength training playing a key role in her development, learning how to get low on her drive. I would like to see her set her feet a little quicker and quicken her shot and realease. She will be playing for her club team GSB at Boo.
• Olivia Lucero, 5'9 PG, (AZ13): Is a great system point.  She has shown her ability to set her team up and consistantly run a teams offense.  She is not necessarily a scorer but possesses tools to score if she has the opportunity.  She takes care of the ball and is heading in the right direction. Has good size at the pg position but can possibly be a more prolific ball handler and stronger. Plays for AZ Elite. They will be competing in their own tournament in Tempe this weekend.
• Alexa Jacobs, 5'8 G, (AZ13): Solid defender, fierce competitor, plays with a lot of energy.  She is pesky and can make plays on the defensive end.  She can knock down the open shot. Shot tends to be a little flat and can improve consistency with a little better arc. Decision making, making reads, and floor leadership are going to be key in her development. Playing for AZ Rebels in Tempe, Az this weekend.
• Chantel Osahor, 6'3 P, (AZ13): Great hands, vision and passing ability.  Probably the best passing post in the nation.  Chantel is very deceptive in everything she does, looks off defenders and can make no-look passes.  She sets up her drive well and can take to the basket.  She blocks shots and rebounds very well.  She can also help bring the ball up against pressure.  She also has to be guarded out on the perimeter because she can hit the three.  Key for Chantel is going to be her commitment to getting in shape.  She tends to get winded easily and she has had issues with injuries that can be drastically reduced with better conditioning. Her durability is a big question.  She will be playing with her club AZ Warriors in Boo Williams.
• Lyndsey Leikam, 6'2 F, (AZ13): Solid fundamentals, great shooting mechanics, solid frame and size for her position.  Lyndsey is a hard match-up because of her versatility with her size.  She can handle the ball, shoot, post, rebound, defend. I would like to see her work on her speed and extend her range.  If she can play more on the perimeter she will truly be a gem. Playing for AZ Warriors at Boo Williams.
• Dominique Williams, 5'9 G, (AZ13): Solid build, strong, tenacious defender. Dom is a bully on ball handlers.  With her build and energy she expends on the defensive end is frightening to other guards. She sees the floor well and knows how to push the ball and create tempo for her team.  Offensive perimeter skills are a little lacking and she might have trouble scoring if she needs to.  She will make her self better with better change of direction moves and working on her ability to shoot from outside. Playing with AZ Warriors at Boo.
• Danielle Williams, 5'9 G, (AZ13): Maybe not as strong as her twin sister but quicker. She also is tenacious on the ball, really knows how to play defense. She has great court vision and makes great reads with the ball. A little better offensively than her sister but can also vastly improve her ability to change directions off the dribble and develop a more consistent shot. Both sisters struggle to find their own offense or create their own shot.  Playing with AZ Warriors at Boo Williams.
• Chloe Johnson 5'6 G, (AZ13): Extremely athletic, fast and strong. She makes strong moves to the basket.  She is very vocal and shows leadership schools.  Not exceptionally quick handles but powerful explosiveness.  Needs some fundamental work on her shot.  Doesn't have great finger tip action, small hands. Ball comes off the side of the hand too much, tends to miss east/west more than north/south. Doesn't know quite how to get her legs in her shot yet. Doesn't have a mid-range game either.  Game is mostly predicated on athleticism and getting to the rim. Traveling with GSB to Boo.
• Aliyah Dickson 5'9 F, (AZ13): Strong, powerful athlete in the small forward/guard position.  Aliyah caries a strong wide frame with guard like athleticism.  She really knows how to use her body and is best at finishing against contact.  Game can be similar to a Bri Smith if she dedicated her self to the game, her team, and conditioning.  Aliyah is not a strong outside shooter.  She can learn to become more consistent outside and improve perimeter skills.  She relies on cutting slashing right now. Traveling with GSB to Boo



2014's coming





• Courtney Ekmark, 6' G, (AZ14): Displays arguably the best shooting mechanics of guards in Arizona.  She knows how to set her feet, spot up in teams offense.  As good as a shooter Ekmark is she also possesses great patience withing her teams offense.  She will keep working the ball within her teams offense until they get a lay-up or well open, uncontested shot. She is a pure shooter but also has the ability to handle the ball in the full court and has great court vision.  Courtney is not overly quick or strong and can struggle against quicker more athletic guards both on the defensive and offensive end. Courtney has a very lean frame and her lack of strength might be the biggest factor in her inability to explode off the dribble, get open or stay low and move her feet on defense. Having said that her opportunity to gain more mass is important.  She has the basketball tools tot do things maybe her body can't allow her to do right now.  Her 1st step can see improvement, her ability to create her own shot, get open, and play better defense can all improve. She has a superb shot but can possibly quicken her release a little as long as it doesn't take away from her efficiency. Traveling to Boo with her club team AZ Warriors coached by her dad Curtis, who also coaches her high school team.
• Casey Rarrick, 5'9 G, (AZ14): Fearless shooting guard who can attack the basket and connect from outside.  Casey has a certain moxy about her and caries her self with lots of confidence.  She plays big minutes for her high school and club team. Her club team possesses a lot of shooters that help spread the floor and have great ball movement.  My concern with Casey will be how she can handle pressure and how she will be effective against teams that play tighter defense. Her dribble isn't real quick and strong and she plays up-right, as do many young players. Needs to improve her point guard skills. Plays for AZ Rhythm who will be at Boo.
• Emily Wolph, 5'4 PG, (AZ14) Small quick guard, good handles that can shoot from outside. Great game at mid level.  Not sure she has the frame to get that much stronger to be an impact player at the next level.  She will definitely need to get stronger, especially in the legs and clean up her shot mechanics. AZ Rhythm will be at Boo.
• Ceclily Wilson, 5'9 G, (AZ14) Has displayed a lot of athleticism in attacking the basket. Elite athleticism right now.  Needs to continue to work on game and develop an outside shot.
2015's
• Armani Hawkins, 5'6, (AZ15): Showing the beginnings of a budding star.  She possesses strong fundamentals and has a great feel for the game. Playing for AZ Elite in Tempe.
• Sabrina Haines 5'8, (AZ15): Very good rebounding guard, strong with major game experience for her age. She is a hard worker on the floor and seems to find ways to impact the game, mostly through her hustle and work. Playing for AZ Elite in Tempe.
• Kendall Perry 5'7 G, (AZ15): Kendall is shaping up into a nice leader, capable of running a team. She has sound skills and looks to keep on flourishing.
• 

Shilpa Tummala shares her secrets to excelling on the court, in the classroom

As reported  By Whitney Holtzman of ESPN RISE GIRL: Captain's Corner, our local prep star Shilpa Tummala not only excels on the court but in the classroom.  

Junior at St. Mary's (Phoenix, Ariz.) says time management is a skill you have to master

Shilpa Tummala (back row, second from right) is not only captain of the girls basketball team at St. Mary's (Phoenix, Ariz.), she's also No. 1 in her junior class.	Photo By: Courtesy of Shilpa Tummala

Shilpa Tummala isn’t just a leader on the basketball court for St. Mary’s (Phoenix, Ariz.). She also happens to be the leader of her entire class.

Tummala, a 5-foot-11 guard/forward, is No. 1 in her junior class of approximately 150 students.

So how does Tummala find time to rule on the court and in the classroom?

“It is tough to balance everything,” she said. “But it is possible. It’s all about time management, and sometimes I had to make sacrifices, such as not being able to go hang out with my friends when I have homework or not being able to watch TV during the week.

“The rule around my house was no grades, no basketball. … Maintaining my grades was mandatory because that is what would help me make a living later in life.”

Tummala has some advice for girls who are struggling to find a balance.

“The advice I would give is if you get your assignment ahead of time, don’t procrastinate and wait until the last minute,” she said.

She also has different techniques for how to handle homework on practice days vs. game days.

“If you have a late practice, go to the library and do homework rather than hanging out with your friends after school,” she said. “On game days, go to the library during your break period or lunch hour and finish whatever you can. The more you do during the day, the less you have to do after.”

She also points out that getting homework out of the way helps to clear the mind.

“Some days, you may actually finish all of it, and therefore you will be relieved and can be completely focused on the game,” she said.

Tummala also emphasizes that school work can actually be a great form of team bonding, since every team member has work that needs to be done (or at least that they should be doing).

It certainly serves as a way to bring the St. Mary’s girls together.

“Usually, the whole team is in the library studying or doing homework,” she said.

And while Tummala would like to play basketball in college, she hopes to eventually go into biomedical engineering.
But her most pressing advice?

“Be confident in your game at all times and keep working hard,” she said. “Reach for your goals and don’t let anyone get in the way of that. Enjoy playing the sport you love and embrace every minute of it.”

Where Is Lexy Kresl?

With all the hype around Nike sponsored Saint Mary's, who was ranked as high as #7 in Powerade/ESPN Fab 50, Pinnacle's run at a state title in 5AII with arguably the most offensively talented team assembled this year, Chandler's talent and new transfer Simone Westbrook, the MLK match-ups - Mesa Mt. View v Highland, & Hamilton v Chandler, and Xavier's young talent and senior leadership, one might pose the question, "where is Lexy Kresl?".  Since Lexy signed her NLI to play for the Univesity of Colorado Buffs, one might think that last year's Arizona scoring leader fell off into relative obscurity.  Nothing could be further from the truth. She is currently averaging 25 ppg, 14 rpg, 7 apg, & 7 spg.  With the departure of Michelle Spray and Kayla Robinson no one knew what to expect from last years 4AI state champions.  Well, Kresl has led another group of young ladies to a 25-3 record, one loss coming to 5AII state hopeful, Horizon Huskies.  They split their series with region opponents Apollo and Prescott, and might still be considered a favorite to repeat. 

Kresl's stats are solid.  She gives you everything in every aspect of the game.  I've been fortunate to know Kresl since before she ever played a game of varsity high school basketball.  What I can tell you is that she is arguably, if the not, the hardest working female basketball player in the state of Arizona.  Where this work-ethic stems from is a strong desire and extreme dedication to goals she has long set for herself in her youth.  It's this vision that has moved her, kept her focused, making countless sacrifices and spending numerous hours in the gym.  She made up her mind to set out and accomplish the things she has on the basketball court.  When most young kids her age are hanging out to be seen in the hottest spots, sheltered in their homes with the latest gaming console, or internet socializing, Lexy is somewhere getting it done.  Besides the mandatory time she puts in with either her high school or club team, she runs on her own for extra conditioning.  She trains with her club coach Gregory Strickling on days off, or gets to a nearby sports club to put up additional shots.  She might not be the most orthodox of players but she has been handed unique situations that have forced her to conform to a certain skill set that allows her to be an impact for her teams.  She has conformed while learning on the go, on the floor, being made a leader early in her career.  When I think of Lexi and her ability, in my mind I relate it to being a chameleon of a player.  She has adapted her game and style to her goals, her team, and the most direct objective of any competitor, to win.  She never wavered or compromised her dreams to that of her skill level or ability but rather the other way around.  So with that in mind I set out to ask her a few questions to get her perspective on matters. 

• TRIFECTABASKETBALL:  "What sets you apart from the pack?"
• LK: "Well, I don't follow the pack, so I guess that's a good start. I don't care if someone trys to hold me back or thinks it odd how determined I am to succeed. I don't try to blend in and I believe that has helped me not only in basketball but in general."
• TRIFECTABASKETBALL:" What are your goals for the spring and summer to prepare yourself for a successful college career?"
• LK: "This spring and summer I plan to work harder than I ever have before. I know that is the biggest mistake many make after signing to a program, they think they already have it made. I want to be conditioned, both physically and mentally, before going to Colorado and I plan to work on scoring in multiple ways, more effectively, as my main job will be just that. I want to prepare myself so that when I arrive no one questions if I should be there, and I don't want to be surprised by the workload or effort I will have to endure."
• TRIFECTABASKETBALL:  "How do you see yourself as a leader not just on the basketball court but in the community and as a mentor for younger athletes?"
• LK: "I've never really taken to being a verbal leader but instead I lead more by example. Typically, if I set the tone I can get others to follow, and have really improved my ability to push my teammates in the past year. Also, if you perform well you gain respect. When you have that respect your teammates willingly comply. Although I don't have much time outside of basketball, I try to help. I am involved with my church, multiple clubs at school, and various organizations that benefit others. My goal in life is to inspire people, which I assume will derive from my leadership and basketball abilities. If anything I do influences younger athletes in a positive way, I consider that a success."
• TRIFECTABASKETBALL:  "What three things would you demand young players that want to follow in your footsteps of playing DI basketball?"
• LK:  

1. "determination to succeed, absolutely nothing can stop you"
2. "sacrifice,  you have to give up many "fun" opportunities to make it"
3. "desire to win (love for the game), if you don't enjoy it you'll never make it"

Schedule for the 4AI state playoffs

Lexy Kresl Blogspot

Vote Lexy Gatorade Player of the year

High School:  Shadow Mountain HS, Phoenix, AZ
Position:  shooting guard
Coach:  Gerrard Carmichael, 602-300-8506, carmicge1@aol.com

Player accomplishments:(you can put your own info also):  Freshman: 2nd team all region, hon mention all state, 13 ppg, sophomore:  1st team all region, hon mention all state, 16 ppg, Junior:  1st team all region, Metro player of year, 1st team all state, All Arizona, ESPN Rise all american, 4A1 state champs/MVP, 27.6ppg, Senior year: Wendy's Heisman Arizona winner, McDonald's All American nominee, as of 1/1/11 24ppg, 12 reb pg, 4A1 3pt champion.

What about this individual warrants......(this is solely your opinion or gives you a chance to add any additional information that you think should be known)

Community involvement: National Honor Society(3 yrs), Society of Women Scholars(4 yrs), Club impact (3 years), Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research(7 yrs), Principles Advisory Committee(1 yr), Key Club(3 years), Volunteer at church with youth groups/vacation bible school and arts camp(4 yrs), Pep Assembly MC/coordinator(Sr. year), Youth basketball camp volunteer(4 yrs)