ShesBallin Extravaganza

Here is a look at some of the top players from the 2015 ShesBallin Extravaganza held on March 28-29, 2015 at the George Gervin Youth Center in San Antonio, Texas:

Alexes Bryant (6’3” – 2016 – Sophia Young Elite Black): Bryant was polished from the post, finishing shots and protecting the bucket on the defensive end. She is efficient in knocking down free throws, which is valuable during the crunch time of games. Bryant was all over the boards on both ends of the floor and did a terrific job of starting the fast break with her outlet passes.

Grayson Bright (5’11” – 2016 – Texas United Nike EYBL): Bright is extremely athletic, knocks down the three consistently and is a fierce competitor. Bright’s feistiness often leads to intense matchups on the floor, and her “never back down” attitude will serve her very well at the next level.

Lauren Cox (6’4” – 2016 – Texas United Nike EYBL): Cox comes with a huge reputation as the #1 national recruit in the class, and she did not disappoint at the ShesBallin Extravaganza. Cox is a double-double and sometimes triple-double—depending on blocked shots—machine. Cox can hit the mid range jumper or post up her opponent. Cox is a tremendous off-the-ball shot blocker with good defensive timing. She is one of the most consistent players I have ever seen, and a sure-fire program maker at the next level.

Natalie Chou (6’0” – 2016 – Texas Elite adidas 17U Simmons): Chou has improved her athleticism and strength to add to her already well-rounded game. Whether it is hitting the three-pointer, creating shots for others or taking smaller defenders to the post, Chou can do it all; there is no clear weakness in her offensive game.

Rodrea Echols (5’9” – 2016 – Sophia Young Elite Black): Echols utilizes her big shouldered frame and terrific athleticism to finish through contact. She complements that with nice handles and a terrific stroke from the three when her feet are set.

Rebekah Hand (5’10” – 2016 – Texas Elite adidas 17U Simmons): Hand is a sniper shooter with phenomenal conditioning. She repeatedly beat defenders down the floor and was ready at the three-point line with a consistent shot. Hand is underrated in finishing around the bucket, especially in transition; she is a must find for defenses at all times when she is on the court.

Joyner Holmes (6’3” – 2016 – Cy Fair Shock Ogumike): I have witnessed Holmes play 20 or more times over the last three years, and she gave one of her best performances to date at the ShesBallin Extravaganza. She was comfortable setting up her teammates early in the game, and then taking over by attacking and scoring when the game was close. She adjusts well to the type of team she is playing and can beat her defender to the basket in a variety of ways. Holmes was outstanding at the point forward position and on the defensive glass.

Ashley Knight (6’5” – 2016 – Texas Elite Christian): Along with Danielle Rainey, I picked Ashley Knight as my most improved player. Knight played very well throughout the tournament and in particular against Nancy Mulkey. She has a huge frame and compliments that with the ability to patrol the paint defensively. She also does a great job of “beating up” the opponents’ posts by fighting for position on both ends of the floor. Knight has terrific hands and is proficient in finishing at the basket.

Nancy Mulkey (6’9” – 2016 Cy Fair Shock Ogumike): Mulkey catches your eye right away because of her 6’9” frame, but as you watch her you really begin to appreciate her as a true basketball player. She is a finisher and has a nice touch out to the mid range. Mulkey does a good job of staying on her feet defensively and waiting until the opponent elevates to go for the blocked shot. She also keeps the ball high and gets the fast break going with her outlet passes after defensive rebounds.

Jessica Munoz (6’1” – 2016 Texas Elite adidas 17U Simmons): Munoz stood out by hitting almost every open shot she was given. As a face-up four guard with a beautiful stroke, she is a challenging matchup. Munoz has gotten stronger and is an all around improved defender and rebounder.

Aaliyah Prince (5’8” – 2016 Sophia Young Elite Black): Prince has a superior shot from the three-pointer and compliments it with her elite athletic ability. She attacks the hole and finishes well, projecting her as a terrific two way guard at the next level.

Danielle Rainey (5’10” – 2016 Texas Elite Christian): Rainey has added a consistent three point shot and become an almost impossible cover for opponents. She can finish, shoot and defend, a great indication of a top flight player at the college level.

Amber Ramirez (5’9” – 2016 SA Finest Blue): Ramirez is an all time gamer with poise, guile and the ability to get extremely hot from the three. She has the utmost belief in herself and loves the big games and big moments. Ramirez must continue to work on shot selection, as much like all gun slingers, she can get trigger happy at times.

Kianna Ray (6’0” – 2016 Texas Elite Christian): Ray is an all around player with an endless motor; she always gives 100%. She will most likely be a huge asset to a college program as a versatile wing defender who can knock down the three at the other end.

Alexia Torres (5’4” – 2016 SA Islanders Black): Torres may be a small package, but is virtually impossible to take the ball away from. A true point guard, she continually puts her teammates in a position to score. Torres must continue to improve in consistency from the three and her floater, pull-up jumper.

Taylor Roberts (5’9” – 2017 – Texas United Nike 16U Byrd Elite): Roberts is an extremely strong wing with the versatility to defend multiple positions. She is a knock down shooter from the three point line when given time to set her feet.

Nehaa Sohail (6’2” – 2017 – Fusion Elect): Sohail is a top notch athlete with nice handles and a delicate touch from the mid range. I would expect her to be a leading defender at the four position in college.

Kayla Wells (6’0” – 2017 – Texas United Nike EYBL): Wells is an adept finisher and wing defender with elite size and extremely long arms. Nonetheless, she must continue to improve on her jump shot.

Desiree Caldwell (5’7” – 2018 – SA Finest Blue): Caldwell has the poise of a seasoned veteran from the point guard position. She was able to handle the pressure of running a top-level team with ease. Caldwell should continue to increase her percentage of made three-pointers to keep defenders honest.

Charlie Collier (6’4” – 2018 – Texas United Nike EYBL): Collier can do it all, from finishing around the bucket to hitting the mid range jumper. She is an excellent defensive rebounder and must improve her timing on off-the-ball blocked shots. Playing beside and practicing with Lauren Cox will bode very well for Collier’s development down the line.

Destiny Johnson (5’10” – 2018 – Fusion Elect): Johnson is a sturdy, versatile wing; she has no problem hitting mid range shots over defenders and can finish in transition. She should continue to develop her shot from the outside.

Nalyssa Smith (6’3” – 2018 – SA Finest Blue): Smith does a great job attacking the glass and protecting the paint by contesting shots. Once Smith improves her consistency out to the mid range, she will be a very tough cover for defenders.

Alexis Worley (6’3” – 2018 – SA Islanders Black): Worley is a hard working post with advanced skills and a bright future; she is a true gamer who works hard on both ends of the floor. She also has a nice touch out to the free throw line. Worley must improve her strength and ability to finish with her left hand to take her game to the next level.