Gary Blevins Memorial Weekend Classic (Part 2)

The 2015 Gary Blevins Memorial Weekend Classic had some of the best competition ever seen at this annual event, including the 16U Chinese National Team. Some of the “under the radar” players from this event are outlined below:

Ellen Margaret Andrews (Hurricanes Dallas 2017): is a 5’11” sophomore guard from Greenhill Academy in Dallas. Andrews is an advanced combo guard, who possesses unbelievable athletic ability highlighted by speed, quickness, strength and vertical leap. She shoots a very accurate deep shot. Even though her game is a little unorthodox, she is a productive player on both ends. She takes it to the hole with a powerful and explosive first step and is equally strong with her left and right hand. Andrews’s eye-catching vertical allows her to finish at the rim with accuracy. She is a shutdown defender and a leader by example, whose best part of her game is undoubtedly her passing skills. Assuming her game continues to improve over the next few years, she has the potential to play high-level college ball.

Jalah Walton (Dallas Stars): is a 6’1” 2016 post from Lincoln High School with a powerful presence in the paint. Probably best with her back to the basket, she does an excellent job turning left or right. Walton has very long arms, whose wide reach makes her equivalent to a 6’3” player. She has a strong, powerful build and has clearly spent time in the weight room. The work ethic and passion she takes to the court are admirable. She powers it hard to the glass on the offensive end and is a relentless rebounder on both ends of the court. Walton does a good job defending the post and has excellent positioning skills. Her strength and mobility make her tough to cover and her game translates well to the collegiate level.

Kenzie Grill (Higher Goals Elite Max): is a 5’8” 2016 guard from Flower Mound High School, and the floor leader for that powerhouse program; she is one of the most solid point guards in the DFW Metroplex. Grill is extremely advanced in the fundamentals of the game and a tough, hardnosed leader. She has excellent size and a strong, physical body, and possesses great court vision, especially on the left side of the floor. She throws crisp, pinpoint passes and can score in a variety of ways. Her quick penetration and pull up mid-range jumper are impressive. Defensively, she demonstrates a great amount of work ethic and can shut down opponents; her anticipation skills on the defensive end are noteworthy.

Victoria Miller (Texas United 17U Elite): is a 6’0” 2016 highly versatile and talented post from Hebron High School. She can play any position and her fast playmaking ability makes her a big contributor on the floor. Miller is primarily a 3-4 swing, who can slash, shoot the mid-range jumper and excel in the paint. She works constantly without the ball and has the unique skill to defend all five positions. Miller has only begun to tap her potential, so could have a bright future ahead of her.

Makayla Isler (Texas United 17U): is a 5’7” 2016 guard from Sachse High School. She is an elite athlete with a strong skill set, and an impressive offensive weapon with a long shot. Her quickness allows her to blow by defenders and take it to the hole with force. Isler is poised and smart, and is always under control on the court. She can play any of the guard positions, but excels most at the wing. On the defensive end, she is strong and passionate and can overwhelm the competition with her man-to-man coverage.

Jhyrah Cobb (Ft. Worth Lady Hornets-Walker): is a 6’0” 2017 impact player from Ft. Worth Trimble Tech High School, with a dominant post presence and a sure point leader on her team next year. She is strong with her back to the bucket or facing up, and a dependable scoring threat who rarely takes a bad shot. Cobb works very hard and takes great pride in her game. She has a powerful body but does not lack athleticism; she moves well and is constantly active. Off the trailer, she is tough to cover; she can pull up and consistently hit the ten-foot jumper. Cobb rebounds well and is effective in getting the ball to the outlet.