Spring Club Scene Overview

We are through the spring portion of the club basketball circuit. Two NCAA Viewing Periods, Non-Viewing Events, Various Camps, and U16 USA Basketball Trials have come and gone. During that time we have attended and covered:
 
ShesBallin Showcase (Individual Event)
Yellow Rose of Texas
ShesBallin Extravaganza
Border War (OK Shock event)
WPA Bruins Spring Tip-Off Classic
Exposure Plus + Camps (3) : Australia/New Zealand  (Individual Events)
Next Generation Camps @ Final Four
USA 3x3 U18 Championship
PBR Heart of Texas Showcase
adidas Gauntlet - Dallas
Boo Williams / Nike EYBL
Deep South 
Under Armor - PA
Elite is Earned – Check Me Out : Austin (Individual Event)
PBR Exposure Plus + TEAM Challenge
U16 USA Trials

For the July NCAA Evaluation Period, you will find us at the following events:
 
Exposure Plus+ OPEN RUN (Individual Event)
PBR Super 64 Championship
PBR Top Tier National Showcase
War Games – Midwest : Powered by FBC and Premier Basketball
adidas Gauntlet – Indianapolis
Under Armor – Indianapolis
Nike TOC / EYBL - Chicago
ATL Peach Splash
adidas Summer Championships – Atlanta
Under Armor Championships – Atlanta
Various Events in Atlanta (Brandon Clay, Chris Hansen, etc) 
PBR DC Summer Send Off 

The new May Eval Period brought more opportunities for many teams across the country as they gathered to play in Premier Basketball’s  Exposure Plus+ TEAM Challenge in Mansfield, TX. All 3 major circuits as well as many of the top independents from around the country represented themselves well. A few of the standout teams from the event are listed below.

 
Team Takeover 17U EYBL– The Boo Williams champions and prohibitive favorite to win the EYBL championship at Nike Nationals in July; Even without 2020 super-recruit  Madison Scott (out with injury, will be back in June/July) – 2020’s  Angel Reese,  Mir McLean, and  Liatu King lead the way for the best defensive team in the country. 
 
Wisconsin Flight Elite– One of the top contenders on the Under Armor circuit, Wisconsin Flight is led by 2020  Iowa State commit  Lexi Donarksi and 2021  Chloe Dallas. Donarksi is one of the best guards in the country and as skilled as it gets.


 
Exodus NYC 17U EYBL– Loaded with talent including 2020  Notre Dame commit  Natalija Marshall, 2021’s  Dominique Darius,  Destiny Adams, and  Caroline Ducharme; This team has all the elements to make a very deep run at an EYBL championship in July.
 
Texas Elite Prime– Led by 2020  Rhyle Mckinney and 2021  AJ Marotte, Texas Elite pulled off a fantastic in-state victory over Lady Drive Nation 17U. 2022  Alisa Willams is a name to know.
 
Lady Drive Nation 17U EYBL– 2020 super-recruit  Deja Kelly sat out the weekend on a precautionary note to injury, but looks to be back fully healthy in July. The current #1 team in Texas showed real grit playing without its star player. 2021 Jasmine Shavers is one of the top players in the state. 2020  Zayla Tinner is a skyrocketing prospect and looks to be one of the most hotly recruited players in the state. 2020  Anzhane Hutton is one the most underrated players in the state in the 2020 class. 
 
Hardwood Elite– Hardwood Elite came to Texas from Colorado and made some real noise. Led by skyrocketing duo of 2021  Avery Van Sickle and 2022  Raegan Beers, Hardwood Elite backed down to no one including going head to head with Boo Williams champion & EYBL favorite Team Takeover in the Sunday finale. 


 
Austin Elite RFW 17U– Led by 2021  Zoe Nelson and 2020  Jaaucklyn Moore, AE is an athletic and fast-paced team. AE does a great job of turning defense into offense and will be one of the tougher clubs in Texas throughout the summer.
 
Sisters Keeper– Out of Canada and led by the 2021 dynamic duo of  Shayeann Day-Wilson and  Latasha Lattimore, Sister’s Keeper is one the most talented independent teams you will see. Day-Wilson is MUST SEE!!


 
Texas Phenoms– Led by 2021 do-it-all guard  Jeriah Warren and the 2020 inside tandem of  Precious Johnson and  Deondra Young– the Phenoms are one of the top independents in the country year in and year out. This year is no different.


 
Maryland’s Finest – Caldwell– Led by 2020’s  Tara Cousins,  Elze Motekaityte and  Raevyn Harris, Maryland’s Finest has a complete roster. Look for them to finish July as one of the best independent teams in the country. Head Coach Sam Caldwell of New Hope (GEICO Champions) is rounding them into form. 


 
Texas Elite Lady Terps– 2021’s  Sanaa Baker &  Xyllize Harrison are one of the better frontcourt duos in the state and showed that throughout the weekend.
 
Exodus NYC 16U EYBL– Led by 2022  Paris Clark and 2022  Gabriella Hemenes, Exodus was the best 16U team throughout the weekend. Clark, 2022 Breauna Ware and 2021  Nyema Lindsay form one of the better 16U backcourts in the country. Exodus will be one of the favorites to win the EYBL 16U championship at Nike Nationals in July. 
 
Team Lex Gold– Led by 2022’s  Michayla Gatewood,  Myka Perry,  Tionna Herron, and  Sa’Myah Smith, this team is LOADED with future D1’s; One of the deepest 16U rosters in the country.
 
Lady Drive Nation 16U EYBL– Deep and talented roster; 2022  Breanna Davis is a real stockriser. This team is loaded on the wing with 2022’s  Laila McCleod &  Ayanna Thompsonand 2022 forward  Kierston Johnson. LDN will be in in the mix for the EYBL 16U championship at Nike Nationals in July. Coach Chris Davis does a fantastic job with this group. 
 
Team Lex Nation– One of the best collections of 2023’s in the country.  Kylie Marshall,  Addyson Brown, and  Tatum Boettjer (’22) will form one of the better trios you will see for years to come. Watch PG  Tristen Taylor grow over the summer.. Coach Joey Simmons and Bill Franey are at it again. Their game vs Team Takeover Jr EYBL was one of the more memorable games of the entire event. 


 
Team Takeover Jr EYBL– LOADED with young ones led by 2023’s Dabria Clark and  Sahnya Jah, Team Takeover will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. 2024  Madisen McDaniel is a name everyone will know. 
 
Houston Skyrise 15U– Led by 2023  Rikeyah Gant, Skyrise is one of the most athletically talented young teams around. Watch for this young group to make real noise in the years to come.
  The 2019 USA Trials for the U16 National Team were held May 23-26 at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. 152 players from the classes of 2021-2023 were either selected or chosen through an application process to participate (I believe the count to start on day 1 was 146 total). Throughout the process, that list was cut to 98, to 68, to 42, and then to 18. 
 
Post Trials, there was a 4 day Training Camp with 18 Finalists. The Final Roster (12) was announced last Thursday evening. 
 
The USA Trials were led by U16 Head Coach  Mark Campbell (Union University). This was the most energetic USA Trials I have been able to witness. I thought there was particular attention paid to the coaches connecting to the players well before cuts were even made. The deliberate focus paid dividends as athletes were more responsive and picked up actions and teaching points seemingly faster than previous years. Each skill drill and breakdown had purpose – they were building blocks for the system and scheme that Coach Campbell was going to put in place for the Final Team. Shout-Out to Coach Campbell and his staff -  Ruth Sinnof St. Thomas University [MN] and  Kelly Caruthers of Arlington Bowie HS [TX] as well as the Court Coaches  G.P. Gromacki of Amherst College,  Hilda Hankerson of Westlake HS [GA],  Andrea Robinson of DeSoto HS [TX] and  Adrienne Shibles of Bowdoin College - for doing an incredible job. 
   
  For those that were not able to attend the USA Trials, here is a glimpse into our evaluation methods. These are obviously all high-level players in the ’21 and ’22 classes, so notes are in terms of them reaching their personal level of truly  ELITE.
 

Londynn Jones (2022 – CA) Santiago HS/Cal Sparks : Dynamic lefty; Elite quickness 
and speed; creates well off the dribble and drops dimes in traffic; Showed the ability to finish well with contact – showed acrobatic finishes both right and left. 3-ball showed nice consistency – improved even as Trials went on. Fearless. | Areas of improvement: Decisions off of ball screen, occasional shot 
selection in terms of over penetration and early shot clock 3-ball vs initiation of offense. 

 

Olivia Miles (2021 – NJ) – Blair Academy/Philly Belles : As creative as they come 
with the ball in her hands; very good in transition – both pushing the ball
and with the advance pass to a wing or a rim running post; Sees things others
don’t see on the floor. Confident shooter from 3. | Areas of improvement: 
Would like to see more assertiveness (talk) defensively; Can try to make the 
“home run” play sometimes a bit too much (instinct is good). Expanding her
finishing skills from mid (pull up / floater) to the rim would make her 
almost impossible to guard. 

 

KK Bransford (2022 – OH) – Mount Notre Dame HS/Cinci Angels : Very poised big 
guard. Has a really nice pull up J and is so patient in the ball screen offense 
with her reads and change of pace – lives in the paint. Gets a lot of tips 
defensively. | Areas of improvement: When she adds a consistent 3-ball, she 
she is going to be really hard to guard. Defensive activity level on ball with 
her size would be an easy addition.

 

Payton Verhulst (2021 – KS) – Bishop Miege HS/Next Level Eclipse : Smooth stroke 
to compliment a very solid offensive game; Better athlete (bounce and rise) 
than people realize. Showed the ability to create off the dribble for the 
jumper and change of pace to keep the D off balance. 3 ball is nice. Showed  post entry awareness and ability. | Areas of improvement: Overall strength for consistency of jumper and range; handling ball pressure; activity level defensively

 

KiKi Rice (2022 – MD) – Sidwell Friends School/Fairfax Stars : Smooth and skilled..
potential combo guard type; Finishes well with nice athleticism. Distributes   the ball well up the floor and also into the post. Good athlete. | Areas of improvement: Add strength for overall durability on both ends; Release on the J could rise just a bit (she has nice elevation on the jumper – would increase it as a weapon); Defensively, can be more active in the passing lanes and on the ball. 

 

Saylor Poffenbarger (2021 – MD) – Middletown HS/Fairfax Stars : Big guard with 
the frame and fundamentals to play multiple perimeter positions. Natural 
knack for long range 3-ball; Has the ability to post up a smaller guard.. Solid 
decision maker/Bball IQ. | Areas of improvement: Occasional shot selection, 
base strength for shot consistency, change of direction handle. 

 

Sonia Citron (2021 – NY) – The Ursuline School/Hoopers NY : Big guard with the 
ability to shoot the long range 3 ball; has nice mid-range game and finishes
well with either hand. Handle is respectable. Nice fundamental base of skills
with the occasional mix of flair. | Areas of improvement: Strength in base for 
shooting consistency and durability. Defensively, can be a better rebounder 
and more disruptive with length and hands while in stance. 

 

Janiah Barker (2022 – FL) – Tampa Bay Tech/Essence : Elite combination of size,
skill, and athleticism. Has range out to 18 feet pretty consistently – and it
comes out of her hand really nicely with a snap of the follow through; She
showed the ability to creatively put the ball on the deck and drive/counter/
finish. Her back-to-basket game has versatility – power finishes to turn-around jumpers. She does a good job on the glass. | Areas of improvement: Defensive effort is variable and a bit inconsistent – but has all the physical tools to be dominant on that end. Can rely a bit too much on the long 2 – shot selection sometimes can be better. 

 

Timea Gardiner (2022 – UT) – Fremont HS/NWBA : Very skilled young forward;
She has some serious rise on her J with an effective high release already..
overall good offensive instincts. She gets down in a defensive stance and really moves her feet not matter who she is guarding. | Areas of improvement: Strength for durability vs more naturally physical forwards; Offensively, can occasionally try to do too much – she has the foundation of skill to keep things simple and get to her spots – when she does, it is a problem for the defense. 
 
 

Aaliyah Moore (2021 – OK) – Moore HS/Cy Fair : Strong forward with true 
Stretch-4 potential – showed the ability to knock down 3-ball with smooth
stroke; HP drives with athleticism and ability to put the ball on the floor. 
Carves out space to rebound. | Areas of improvement: Finishing in traffic, 
adding face up attack from mid and low post, lateral movement defensively 
especially in ball screen defense. 

 

Lauren Betts (2022 – CO) – Grandview HS/Colorado Premier : Elite size and length
with mobility; Immediate defensive presence; changes all shots in the paint. Good hands, and a soft touch. Tremendous upside – has shown physical improvement over the last year. | Areas of improvement: overall strength (base and core), back to basket consistent scoring, focus on glass. 

 

Amari DeBerry (2021 – NY) – Williamsville South HS/Philly Belles : Elite size, 
length, and mobility. Has a very nice high release stroke and has gotten 
stronger in her back to basket game. Defensively, her activity level has 
improved – she is an active shot blocker/challenger. | Areas of improvement: Overall strength for physicality in the paint; patience in the post catch to clear space and get to her spot – keep it simple for J hooks and counters. Can be an elite rim runner with added conditioning and strength. 
  As with every year, we see new trends in the game across the country as well as emerging players from every class.  Some interesting topics of conversation have been the “Under Armor” effect, as well as the number of NCAA Evaluation Events that were run, particularly in May. 
 
Under Armor hit the girls circuit this year and has undeniably gotten everyone’s attention. Their teams boast some of the best individual players in the country in various classes. Right now, arguably the “top” team in the country is FBC United Hunt, who is a first year UAA program. So, as we can see, the circuit has made its initial splash. This is NOT a comparison point to other circuits as the Nike EYBL is obviously strong and clearly the adidas Gauntlet brand is established as well. 
 
The point is that adding another major stop to the shoe circuit NCAA Evaluation periods brings an added variable to the recruiting game. More stops and more players spread out means more travel for college coaches and that means more decisions on WHO to see and WHEN.
 
I think this adds a layer of transparency to the recruitment of student-athletes. Coaches almost have to show their hand in regards to which are their priority recruits. There is a balance between “evaluation” of recruits and new players on their lists and then the “appearance” value of watching their top targets. 
 
I am not a fan of the “cast a wide net and offer TOO MANY players” in each class. Do I think this practice will go away? No. But, I do think that the relevance of such practice will be shorter lived now that coaches have to basically declare by their actions and choices in travel and attendance who they are really after. 
 
Which brings me to a couple of other points of concern:

1. Choosing Eval Period Events
2. Recruiting Philosophy from the Club Coaches/Parents/Etc 

 
Something to consider when choosing where to potentially travel during an NCAA Evaluation Period is the geography – not just in proximity to your club, but in regards to the ease in which people (college coaches in particular) can travel to said event. Example: The 3 Day NCAA Evaluation Periods of the spring (April/May). I think it is safe to say the majority of college coaches had to make at least 2 stops during this time. It serves to reason that if an event is in an area relatively close to an airport that provides enough flights to get in and out, it is easier on the college coaches to see more of the events they need to see. It also tends to be cheaper to travel to these places; from flights to hotel options (helps both clubs and coaches). The May weekend saw some weather in the south and I heard from many coaches who had travel issues because of flight delays and cancellations even. The ones in the more remote areas with smaller airports, etc had a harder time making adjustments. Time spent travelling means less time in the gym. Again, this is just something to consider when thinking about playing different clubs, travelling, and exposure to more out there on the basketball scene. 
 
Being in the position I am in now, I hear quite a bit about a lot of people’s recruiting experience. I also hear a lot about the various philosophies that club coaches have when guiding their respective players. I also hear the other side from college coaches. There is no one way to do it, and it truly is an individual experience type of process when you strip it down to what really matters. A few things to remember: 
 

• Be careful whom you let into your “decision” circle. The world is filled with unsolicited opinions. See: Social Media. I saw a recent commitment to a TOP 40 Academic University in the country (and relatively close to home for the player) and the comments from STRANGERS were unreal. They literally know NOTHING about the player, her goals both on and off the court, or her plans during or after college.. Are you kidding me? No one asked..   See what I mean? 

 

• There is no ONE way for schools to recruit. There are so many programs out there and they are going to have different philosophies. I hear a lot of “If they really wanted [so and so] they would be [here or there] or doing [this or that].” There is some truth to that, but remember this can all be solved by direct communication. Ask the right questions, declare what is important to you, don’t be afraid to communicate your intentions – and then pay attention to the actions once some truth has been shared. Ask the tough questions and hold programs to your standards and you’ll find some answers a little easier than you thought you would. 

 

• Be honest about WHO you are as a player and at what level you can play. STOP comparing! The offer chasing just to add to some graphic for social media is a one-way trip to … THE TRANSFER PORTAL. You’ll save a lot of stress by avoiding trying to impress those that will not experience college and beyond with you. You’ve worked hard and dreamed about this opportunity for a long time, are you really going to mess it up because of some curb appeal that lasts for about a 24 hour cycle? 

 

• FIT is overused and misunderstood, but is so important. FIT means what is best for you and your goals for school, basketball, and then beyond college. What is best for you may not be what is best for a teammate. That’s ok and perfectly normal. And remember the men’s game is different than the women’s game – and that means on the floor and off. In a conversation with Elbert Kinnebrew, long time Cal Sparks Director and voice of reason and experience on the club scene and beyond, he made a great point: “Some of these girls’ parents act like they have sons who are gonna be lottery picks in the NBA.” This comment has nothing to do with aspirations or equality of opportunity – that is a different topic. It is about the truth of the environment and the intelligent navigation of the actual opportunities that are out there. Making the college decision for the RIGHT reason will make things smoother for all. And remember when you get there, it will never be EXACTLY what you expected and there is no “perfect fit”. Your experience will rely largely upon what you make it (hard life lesson). The #1 quality that can help you once you get on campus? RESILIENCE. 

There is always talk about THE MATCHUPS!! Once we have gotten through roughly half of the club season, it is easy to form semi-educated opinions on who is the “best of the best”. There are a handful of clubs every year (from all circuits as well as independents) that are rightfully in this argument. We have spent considerable time over the last month talking with clubs all over the country as well as college coaches and one thing is CLEAR: there is demand for an event that gets cross-circuit and independents playing for keeps! We are bringing a solution to the market:
  Teams all invited to play in a 32-Team bracket for a CHAMPIONSHIP. We have not just relied on our eyes for the invites to this event. We have consulted with basketball minds, media, coaches, event operators, and shoe circuit directors to get a fair assessment. The calls have been made and initial invites are out. We have commitments from all four categories of teams, coast to coast. Announcements of teams will be made when it is appropriate. 
 
Date:  August 23 – 25
 
Location:  Fieldhouse USA – Mansfield
 
Live-Streamed:  Athlete Vision [film banked for player and coach access] 
 
Attendees:  Prominent media members will be invited as well as  Naismithand  McDonald’s All-American Committee Memberswill be present 
 
  Everyone always wants to see the outstanding and up and coming players. Here are some notables from all of us from the spring:
 
 
Jason’s FIVES: (Had to get in a +1 of course)
 
OUTSTANDING:
Timea Gardiner – 2023 - NWBA
Shayeann Day-Wilson – 2021 – Sister’s Keeper
Olivia Miles – 2021 – Philly Belles
Kayla McPherson – 2021 – Team Elite
Ysabella Fontleroy – 2022 – Mo Phenom
Bree Hall – 2021 – Sports City U
+ Angel Reese – 2020 – Team Takeover 
 
STOCK RISER:
Zayla Tinner – 2020 – Drive Nation
Mya Petticord – 2022 – Michigan Storm
DeDe Hagemann – 2021 – Michigan Crossover
Raven Johnson – 2021 – FBC United Hunt 
Sonia Citron – 2021 – Hoopers NY
+ Jaaucklyn Moore – 2020 – Austin Elite RFW
 
YOUNG ONES:
Imbie Jones – 2023 – Tree of Hope
Paris Clark – 2022 – Exodus NYC
Ashlon Jackson – 2022 – HTX Fire
Sydney Bowles – 2022 – GA Pearls 
Jada Wynn – 2022 – NW Blazers 
+ KK Bransford – 2022 – Cinci Angels 
 
NEW TO THE RADAR:
Aaliyah Gayles – 2022 – Vegas Elite
Sydni Scott – 2022 – Philly Belles
Isuneh Brady – 2022 – Cal Sparks
Judea “JuJu” Watkins – 2023 – Vegas Elite
S’mya Nichols – 2023 – Mo Phenom
+ Nyema Lindsay – 2021 – Exodus NYC
 
 
Shane’s FIVES: (Had to sneak in a couple extra.. Can you blame me?)
 
OUTSTANDING
Sania Feagin – 2021 – GA Pearls
Janiah Barker – 2022 – Essence 
Payton Verhulst – 2021 – Next Level Eclipse
Raegan Beers – 2022 – Hardwood Elite 
Mir McLean – 2020 – Team Takeover  /  Lexi Donarski – 2020 – WI Flight 
 
STOCK RISER
Destiny Adams – 2021 – Exodus NYC
Teonni Key – 2021 - Carolina Flames  / Saniya Rivers – 2021 – Carolina Flames
Nyla Harris – 2022 – Central Florida Elite
KiKi Rice – 2022 – Fairfax Stars 
Saylor Poffenbarger – 2021 – Fairfax Stars
 
 
NEW TO RADAR
Londynn Jones – 2022 – Cal Sparks 
Imani Lester – 2022 – Carolina Flames
Lashae Dwyer – 2021 – Exodus
Isuneh Brady – 2022 – Cal Sparks
Ysabella Fontleroy – 2022 – MO Phenom  / Grace VanSlooten – 2022 – Sports City U 
 
 
YOUNG ONES
JuJu Watkins – 2023 – Las Vegas Elite  / Aaliyah Gayles – 2022 Las Vegas Elite 
Rylie Theuerkauf – 2023 – Exodus NYC Elite
Kylie Marshall – 2023 – Team Lex Nation
Sammie Wagner – 2023 – SA Finest
Addy Brown – 2023 – Team Lex Nation
** Madisen McDaniel – 2024 - Takeover
 
 
 
Mark’s FIVES:
 

OUTSTANDING
Lexi Donarski - 2020 - Wisconsin Flight
Mir McLean - 2020 - Team Takeover
Hailey Van Lith – 2020 – Tree of Hope
Treasure Hunt – 2020 – FBC United Hunt
Olivia Cochran – 2020 – FBC United Hunt 

STOCK RISER
Olivia Miles – 2021 – Philly Belles
Kayla McPherson – 2021 – Team Elite
Destiny Adams – 2021 – Exodus NYC
Lashae Dwyer – 2021 – Exodus NYC
Raegan Beers - 2022 - Hardwood Elite

NEW TO RADAR
Adlee Blacklock – 2022 - WT Breeze
Jeriah Warren – 2021 - Texas Phenom
Zoe Nelson – 2021 -Austin Elite RFW
Ysabella Fontleroy – 2022 – MO Phenom
Maya Nnaji – 2022 – North Tartan 

YOUNG ONES
Madison McDaniel – 2024 - Team Takeover Jr. EYBL
Kylie Marshall – 2023 - Team Lex Nation
Nyla Harris – 2022 – Central Florida Elite
Judea Watkins – 2023 – Vegas Elite
Grace VanSlooten – 2022 – Sports City U