2016 Southwest Spring Classic Recap
April 15-17, 2016 Southlake, TX- This is a special time of year for Summer AAU basketball for two reasons: 1). The NCAA live period began earlier giving players an extra opportunity to play in front of college coaches and 2).This is the first year for a collaborative event with some of girl's basketball top programs in Texas - the Southwest Sports Alliance. It was refreshing to see organizations come together for the sake of our kids, especially in girls basketball. Texas is loaded with extraordinary, high major talent and this event was a perfect platform for them to compete against eachother. The Southwest Spring Classic took place within the Carroll Independent School District and showcased 80 teams from Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Major college conference representatives filled the sidelines. It was a joy to see improvement and growth in some of the players I hadn't evaluated since last summer. The younger talent pool (2019-2021) exceeded my expectations. Let's not forget the rising new talent that some may be sleeping on. It was Definitely a phenomenal start to summer girl's basketball.
{Below are the players evaluated from the Senior High School Division.}
Let me start with players who are improving and displayed a wealth of growth:
Chasity Patterson : CY Fair ( 2017 PG - Texas)--- was absolutely great at the PG position. Some of the best basketball I have ever witnessed her playing. She exhibited composure, utilized her quickness effectively, distributed the ball creating good ball circulation for execution, shot the ball exceptionally well, used the pick-n-roll generously giving her bigs opportunities to also be in tune offensively. Her ability to beat her defender off the dribble is still draw dropping and I must say that her IQ of the game is improving to a level that allows her to standout more and more. She played with a level of confidence that resonated leadership, and coachable.
Charli Collier: CY Fair (2018 F/C - Texas)--- her post game was off the charts! She superseded her settlement of mid-range game and stepped it up in the paint which was great to watch her use strength getting second shots, drop stepping and finishing strong. She played with a "big man's" mentality and got down and dirty off the block, rebounding, sitting big, using post footwork and her vertical quickness. She ran the floor well as we all know she is capable of doing, but man she went hard in the paint and that's what I wanted to see growth in
Zarielle Green: DFW TJack Elite (2018 G - Texas)--- she continues to get better and better. Her game is elevating at her position like no other. She runs the floor like a gazelle, shoots the ball extraordinarily well, will beat her defender off of her killer cross-over move. She fights for the ball to get second chances, she makes their transition and fast break game look so easy. I really love how she plays on both ends, and plays with such poise. She's extremely athletic and just an overall impressive player.
Chennedy Carter: DFW TJack Elite (2017 G - Texas)--- let me start by saying that if you haven't been in the weight room lately you are guaranteed to get manhandled by her. She is so freakishly stronger now at this level to the point where I can't fathom her abilities at the college and pro level. She is a beast no doubt!! She will kill you with her explosive attack to the basket not only because of her pure strength but also because stays low on the move and once she's gone, she's GONE! her quickness and first steps are unbelievable. She will leave you holding nothing but air with her combo counter moves, her ability to jump is absolutely crazy! If she continues to grow in the game I see nothing but super stardom in her future, and I'm not afraid to say a future top prospect for WNBA (our next Diana Taurasi).
Alexis Morris: DFW TJack Elite (2017 PG - Texas)--- has improved significantly at the PG position. I think its safe to say that one of her favorite players is the now Hall of Famer Allen Iverson because her game play and jersey number resembled his style. She pushed the ball well, used her ball-handling ability to create, she took to the basket at times like a thief in the night and finished with reverse lay-ups and skip to my lou whoopty whoo shots! She's quick and took good shots on the perimeter, play with intensity and confidence as a PG. I enjoyed watching her growth on the hardwood.
Jade Williams: CY Fair (2017 P - Texas)--- appeared to have put on some healthy weight that allowed her to play with a strength that I didn't take note of last year. She played well off the pick-n-roll, fought for rebounds and second shots that didn't come easy. Her presence underneath was important and helped their defense clog up opportunities from the opponents. She is still improving at an accelerated rate which will only become beneficial as the Summer continues.
Deauzya Richards: CY Fair (2017 G/F - Texas)--- athleticism is definitely very noticeable. She fought through a slow start but she cranked up the fire she performed at a high level. she sees the court absolutely with perfection sometimes making good long passes off the break. She did well with her off the dribble moves and pull up jumpers. She has ligthning speed and will beat you up the court if you get caught up picking your nose for a quick second. Her perimeter shot is still developing and if she makes it a priority to improve it, she will become even more of a threat.
Kiana Williams: SA Fnest (2017 PG - Texas)--- continues to grow at the PG at a steady rising pace. She is absolutely a great floor general comprised with poise, skills, and intelligence. Her abilities as a PG is endless, her capability to involve her teammates for big plays shows her unselfishness and team mindset. She's a coach's player that makes her a valuable asset on many levels.
Lexi Gordon: SA Finest (2017 F - Texas)--- with her 6'1" body frame she continues to be a threat on the floor partly because its a bit confusing on how to box in her true position. She can excel with her strength and with her agility. She has a good skill set and shows versatility. She can get points inside at the rim with body contact and traffic as well as out on the perimeter. She plays hard with efficiency and you can't beat that with a stick.
Ariana Whitfield: AD Elite (2017 G - Texas)--- played efficiently at the guard position. She is still shooting the ball well, she does a really good job in reading the pick-n-roll. She can penetrate hard to the basket, plays uptempo and does well off the break. The Summer season has only began but its with no reservation on my part to say that she is only going to get better and better. Keep her on the Texas radar
Jasmine Smith: AD Elite (2017 G - Texas)--- never fails to bring intensity on the court. She continues to exhibit an uptempo game, she pushes the ball up to a fine science and makes good reads off the defense. She has standout scoring ability and will finish with runner floaters all day long if you give it to her. Oh she's gonna finish it no doubt! I love her game and how well she uses her speed and quickness.
Joanne Allen - Taylor: (2018 G - Texas )--- she continues to explode up the ladder of potential with her skill set. She impresses me with her ability to finish underneath, she is perfecting her floaters releasing it up quicker and high. she can drive and dish out (to the correct open person mind you), possesses a natural ability to make smart off the dribble passes. She's physical, strong, can handle the ball, and beat you with her aggressiveness or catch you slipping, and defensively ripping you to pieces.
Eden Crow: Arkansas Mystic (2017 G - Arkansas)--- is a down home country girl who will beat you if don't respect her game. She plays extremely hard, no fear, thrives off of body contact. She will work hard to get rebounds and find ways to get second chances. A hard nose tough physical player.
Nyah Green: SA Finest (2019 G - Texas)--- I must applaud Nyah for her obvious growth as a player. Last year I watched her do more dribbling and East-West movement without executing consistently. The player I watched this past weekend has a definite elite future ahead of her if she continues to develop. She shot exceptionally well on the perimeter. she put the ball on the floor with purpose, did more North-South movement causing defense to make decisions. She is also growing physically which aides in her strength, agility, and quickness. I loved watching her play allowing the game to come and not trying to create the spectacular.
Nalyssa Smith: SA Finest (2018 G - Texas)---- has an athletic body to die for. Her ability to position herself allotted her ample opportunities to block shots and she did it effectively. She's long and moves well laterally. Good chemistry, loads of talent, and elite capability. This is only my second viewing opportunity of her but in that time span I have grown to really like her skill set and I'm looking forward to watching more.
Sophia Ramos: SA Finest (2018 G - Texas) --- plays with intensity on the court. She's fearless and will attack pushing the ball like its nothing. She is still aggressive, makes good passes. She thrives off of an uptempo game. She plays with heart and it shows on defense when she's diving for balls, going for steals, digging into her man causing excessive pressure. Great defense will get you further than most players realize!!!!
Desiree Caldwell: SA Finest (2018 PG - Texas)--- is continually developing and defining her game. She has a good skill set, she does a great job at changing speeds as a guard, I love her studder or hesitation dribble to get through traffic creating open opportunities. She can also deliver on the perimeter which makes her a triple threat.
Deja Kelly: South Texas Hoyas (2020 G - Texas)--- with having to play some tough back-to-back games in this tournament I commend the commitment and heart of Deja. She continues to display her growth at the Guard position. She is developing her skill set and it shows the dedication she will have long-term. She is getting stronger, ball-handling ability is improving. I enjoyed watching her play against older elite caliber players because it gave me a better tier range to evaluate from for myself. She's able to get to the basket, utilizes the draw-n-kick very effectively most times which establishes her IQ among players in her class. She's a fighter and her game will continue to elevate.
McKinzie Green: Texas United Nike EYBL (2019 G - Texas)--- can you say "FLASH LIGTHNING" speed?!?! I have watched McKinzie play frequently but this was the first time I picked up on just how fast she really is. Her game has come a very long way. She plays smarter offensively, and can score at will. She has the ability to steal the ball without thought, loves fast beak opportunities. When she decides to dig in and pressure the ball you don't have a chance at all. Her perimeter shot has improved significantly and will only get better as she continues to develop.
Myra Gordon: Texas United Nike EYBL (2020 G - Texas)--- I love her basketball skill ability. She has in her tool-kit the tenacity to use the quickness she encompasses to get to the basket for lay-ups gaining consistency for high-percentage two point plays. Her athletic body build is also a great contribution to her skill set. I can see her knowledge of the game growing and with that comes opportunity to be a stand-out gaining even more visibility within girls basketball.
Payton Hicks: Texas United Nike EYBL (2019 G - Texas)--- is another young player who I see improving on the court. She's a smaller guard but don't let her size fool you. She has tremendous speed and quickness, she's able to shoot the ball, and does a good job at distributing the ball. She isn't afraid to attack the paint, and pushes the ball up on the break allowing giving way to open easy lay-ups.
Jordyn Oliver: Texas United Nike EYBL (2019 G - Texas)--- she is from Prosper, Texas and I see nothing but "prosperity" in her future! She is everywhere on the court. Good ball-handling skill ability, she can shoot the ball with nice technique, and can give you some pretty decent footwork for post moves. The thing I love most is her will to play hard nose defense. I enjoy the fact that she gives 100% on both ends of the court.
Jordyn Merritt: Texas PRO Skills Elite(2020 F - Texas)--- I last saw her back in September and she is continuing to grow and develop. I like her athletic size, she's long and quick. She moves excellent laterally, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of her.
Next lets take a quick glimpse at some of the talent with promising potential that stood out to me:
* note This is my first time viewing this tier of talent.
Monet Jones: AD Elite (2018 PF - Texas)--- I love this kid!! she has a good athletic body and isn't afraid to use it. She gets rebounds, seconds shots, post moves off the block. she also used her floater jumpers off the dribble and positioned herself correctly in pick-n-roll options. I see great potential in her.
Daisha Bradford: AD Elite (2018 G - Alabama)--- let me just say Bama Bama Bama. She impressed me tremendously with her skill set. She is jet quick, with an uptempo game and a definite stand out at the guard position. Good guard ball-handling ability, sees the court, IQ on point, a scorer at will. She is new to her AD Elite team but once they finish putting all the pieces together they will be an undeniably team of warriors looking for blood.
D'Asia Collins: AD Elite (2018 PG - Texas)--- she displayed good ball-handling and man she will rip you blind on defense with her quick hands.
Alyce Fields: AD Elite (2018 C - Texas)--- remember Charles Barkley everyone? Well Alyce has a strong body that reminded me of him. She's strong! she will work underneath, working all the second effort plays. She's a fierce presence in the paint and as she continues to develop her game she's gonna tear the paint up. Better have insurance people!!!!! I absolutely love love love this kid.
Kayleigh Truong: Blue Star Houston Skyrise (2019 G - Texas)--- is a good ball distributor, plays poised at the PG position, good ball-handling, has a high IQ of the game. She isn't super quick but she will make smart moves off of penetration and under control. Very intelligent player with a definite skill set.
Kaylynne Truong: Blue Star Houston Skyrise (2019 G - Texas)--- is also a smart player, positions herself to get open perimeter shots, is more of 2 guard than anything. She shoots the ball exceptionally well off the catch with good technique, quickness, and confidence. She and her sister are triple threats to be reckon with.
JaMiya Braxton: CY-Fair Nationals (2018 G - Texas)--- came out blazing. She is jet quick, strong ball-handling ability and does a good job at attacking North-South, she'll use her penetration because its a strength but she also shoots out on the perimeter. She makes good reads and will dish out off draw-n-kick.
Ashia Pool: Cy-Fair Nationals (2018 G - Texas)--- is a true hustler, with great guard speed. She pushes the ball up court . Impressed me with her combo counter moves to score. It's no question that she can handle the rock and makes good decisions.
Skyla Kelly: CY-Fair Nationals (2018 F - Texas)--- uses her size to get rebounds, she's strong, boxes out and fights for loose rebounds and second play options.
Camryn Brown: CY-Fair Nationals (2019 G - Texas)--- is a uprising player. She was effective at everything she did on the court. She will attack the paint with the intent of scoring but does it with ease and control. She's a beast with her athleticism and size. Has a nice pull up jumper. A stand out player.
BriAnna Mitchell: DFW Elite Gold (2018 G - Texas)--- a small guard who doesn't mind attacking the paint and causing much havoc on the defense. She handles the ball well and will beat you with her small frame and quick step. she can also get up good shots on the perimeter and isn't afraid behind the arc.
Endyla Rogers: DFW Elite Gold (2019 G - Texas)--- another small framed guard standing about 5'4". she is a shooter and will blow by you off her penetration to score in traffic. An inteligent player. Absolutely a great guard skill set, she can shoot the lights out. I Really like her .
N'yah Boyd: DFW Elite Gold (2019 G - Texas)--- did an impressive job using the draw-n-kick within their offense. She is capable of effectively allowing her guard ball-handling ability get inside deep enough to make defense choose, she reads the defense well and makes smart decisions with the pass.
Jamie Means: DFW Elite Gold(2018 F - Texas)--- has a nice body for the forward/post position. She will box out using her bottom half and pull down rebounds. I like her size and if she can develop in that position, she wil be a threat in the paint.
Micaela Wilson: DFW TJack EYBL (2017 F - Louisiana)--- isn't new to the recruiting scene at all. She is an athletic versatile player that stretches the defense. she has a pretty consistent mid-range shot, she's left handed which gives her a bit of an edge on the release of her sshot because most are use to closing out right handed players. She Will beat you off her jab step or work you with her back to the basket. She has good anticipation, finishes at the rim in traffic. I really like this kid, a very talented player.
Sarah Andrews: Lady PROSkills Elite (2020 PG - Texas)--- is absolutely an impressive guard. She is a dynamic player with good ball-handling skills, she has speed and quickness which helps their transition and creates opportunities for her to blow by defenders with her explosive foot work. she can deliver in traffic as well as knocking down perimeter shots. She is intelligent and makes good decisions. Great great potential no doubt in my mind.
Hailee Walls: Lady PROSkills Elite (2017 PG - Texas)--- ball-handling ability and she does a good job at seeing the court making smart passes.
Abbie Winchester: Oklahoma Swarm Elite (2017 F/C - Oklahoma)--- has a strong body and uses it effectively, she is a rebounder and does a great job at outlet passes off the dribble . Her strength is remarkable, she's a bull who will get after it at all costs, she'll work her tail off for second play options, good full court vision.
Corina Carter: SA Finest (2019 PG - Texas)--- is a left handed threat on the court. She plays an uptempo game, lots of intensity, she is a passer, she can shoot and consistently knock em down, she also reads the defense well off of draw-n-kick. she and Ta'Niya Jackson are a great duo and work really well together.
Ta'Niya Jackson: SA Finest (2019 G - Texas)--- is an arsenal player loaded with ammunition. She is a dynamic quick player, she can get to the basket at will, plays aggressive, she's gonna push the rock up court and she will take open shots. She can see the court and passes the ball well.
Gabrielle Connally: Team Xpress Black (2017 G - Texas)--- plays an uptempo game, aggressive, she is explosive to the rim, she has somewhat of an awkward shot but will knock down perimeter opportunities with her quick release, she has a crazy first step and will dig in on defense causing turnovers getting steals.
Nicole Cardano Hillary: Team Xpress Black (2017 G - Texas)--- she moves well on the perimeter, she's a shooter. What caught my eye immediately is how well she uses the crab dribble under control reading defense and breaking it down either off of her attack or from a pick...
Stephanie Soares: Team Xpress Black (2018 C - Texas)--- has a long 6'6" body with a good wingspan which allows her to block shots like she's swatting flies. Good size in the paint clogging up easy lay-ups at times.
Jennifer Parker: Team Xpress Black (2017 F - Texas)--- has nice size, she plays aggressive basketball, works extremely hard, she will rebound and get second shots.
Taelour Pruitt: Texas United Nike 15U EYBL (2018 G - Texas)--- does a good job getting to the basket off of head fakes, pivots, and reverse spin moves, she will penetrate under control and finish.
Jordyn Oliver: Texas United Nike 15U EYBL (2019 G - Texas)--- is everywhere on the court. She exhibits good ball-handling, can shoot the rock, uses good footwork for post moves, she reads the defense and offense making smart plays on both ends.
Jasmine Franklin: Texas United Nike 15U EYBL (2018 F/C - Texas)--- is going to get you rebounds, she has good strong frame and will possess her space in the paint. I love kids who rebound and fight for em.
Madison Williams: Texas United Nike EYBL (2018 G - Texas)--- has awesome explosion and leaping ability. She can score off the drive and can finish in traffic, plays aggressive and will kill you on defense if you're the least bit timid. she's still developing and defining her skill set but her ability to sky up off of one leg is remarkable. Love her.
Finally lets now look at some hidden talent that if they continue to grow and develop will be able to move up the tier ladder.
Barbara Benson: Waco Lady Panthers (2017 G - Texas)--- an athletic left handed player, she's decisive and quick to the basket. High IQ, makes good reads, she can score. She still needs to develop her right hand, she has a tendency to always attack on the left side and won't change directions very often. If she can do that she'll have a much better skill set to work with.
Chelsea Harris: Waco Impact Elite (2017 G - Texas)--- is a good shooter off the catch, has nice release and gets the shot off quick, she digs in on defense applying good hard pressure. She needs to find what's really special about her and refine it. She's athletic, nice talent, average skill set but a consistent shooter.
Dynehsa Bailey: Waco Impact Elite (2017 PG - Texas)--- is a good ball-handler, she will attack the basket, she uses good combo counter moves and knows how to finish with Euro step footwork. she competes, and I love that about guards.
Abby Feickert: Texas Preps Elite (2017 PG - Texas)--- she is jet quick, a good ball-handler and a shooter.
Sydney Hannah: Texas Preps Elite (2018 PG - Texas)--- is another jet quick guard on this team, she can handle the rock, plays aggressively and will give 100% effort.
Anna Jackson: Texas Preps Elite (2018 G - Texas)--- she is a shooter no doubt and will put up good shots. She boxes out for rebounds, she closes out on the perimeter absolutely better than most using the stick position.
The Elite Lady All Stars went up against a pretty stacked talented team so it was difficult to breakdown individual stand outs but I will say that a few players did catch my attention with their strength,shooting ability, size, aggressiveness and heart.
Alexus Brigham (2017), MaKayla Johnson (2017), keslyn King (2019), Tiara Malone (2017), Alexus Seaton (2017)
Arkansas Mystic had some role players that have potential. They play hard, push the ball in transition, attack the basket, digs in on defense getting deflections with hands in the passing lanes.
Jayana Sanders (2017 G)--- sees the floor, pushes the ball and will attack the paint.
