WPA Bruins Tip Off Classic

With two weeks until the 2018 Spring NCAA Evaluation Period, teams across the country started their preparations this past weekend. I had the opportunity attend the Western PA Bruins Spring Tip-Off Classic and this year’s event was loaded with talent from Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, West Virginia, Canada, New York, Michigan, Maryland, New Jersey, and Washington D.C.
 
WPA Bruins Lewandowski
 
Playing with only seven players, WPA Bruins Lewandowski competed hard all weekend. The guard play of 2019 Tai Johnson and 2019 Makenna Marisa sets the tone as they are both prime to have a big summer. 2019 Aniya Walker is a long, athletic forward who impacts the game on both ends. When this team is at full strength, it will give opponents problems.
 
New World Elite
 
New World is a new team to the AAU scene who hangs their hat on scrappy, aggressive defense. 2019 Aliyah Matharu is tough to contain in transition and off the drive.
 
All Ohio Black
 
With Household names like Valencia Myers and Bexley Wallace graduating, All Ohio Black came into this weekend unsure about what the team would look like, but Coach Jaybee Bethea had to like what he saw. 2019 Super Recruit Jordan Horston was dynamite all weekend, highlighted by a 35-point performance in the semifinals. The tempo will definitely pick up for All Ohio Black this season. A name to watch is 2019 Uju Ezeudu.
 
Team Takeover EYBL
 
In an all EYBL final, Team Takeover EYBL took home the Elite Division crown. 2020 Angel Reese’s athleticism is off the charts!!!! It is a difficult task to keep her off the boards and away from the basket on drives. Along with Reese, 2020 Mir McLean and 2019 Jayla James may be one of the most athletic front lines across the country. 2019 Jakia Brown-Turner can stroke it from anywhere.
 
Sports City U
 
2019 Super Recruit Rickea Jackson, who is one of the best iso players in the country, has joined SCU for her last AAU season and has added to their depth. With the likes of 2019 Zia Cooke and 2019 Florida State commit Sammi Puisis, this past weekend it was 2019 Gabbie Marshall that stood out for me with her ability to knock down the three in a variety of ways.
 
Ohio Elite Black
 
Lead by Kent State commit Mali Morgan-Elliott, Ohio Elite Black had a tough weekend losing games by 2, 3, 3, and 6. They are fundamentally sound and can shot the basketball. Once they get it all together and learn to maximize 2020 6’3 Madison Bartley on the inside, they will be a tough out as the season progresses.
 
SMAC PA Intensity
 
The lefty inside-out combination of 2020 6’3 Lexi Jackson and 2019 Tamara Mathis gives SMAC PA Intensity two players to keep track of through the club season.
 
Midwest Takeover
 
2019 Jaydis Gales is an athletic guard who creates into a pull up jumper and 2020 Aliah McWhorter’s athleticism and length allows her to impact the game in a variety of ways.
 
Angels Basketball Club
 
2020 Madeline Westbeld, who gets better every time I see her, leads the way for the Angels BC but by no means is the only reason college coaches should check out the team. 2019 Mya Jackson was out standing all weekend and Makira Cook had some sparks. 2019 Miami-Ohio commit Peyton Scott and 2019 Mikala Morris provides the team with some grit and toughness. 2021 Laila Phelia has a chance to be special.
 
West Virginia Thunder
 
Tennesse commit 2019 Emily Saunders is the inside presence and 2019 Madison Greene runs the show for a West Virginia Thunder team who executes and can shot it. With limited practices they had a good showing, but watch out come July because they will be a hard out.
 
Ohio Future
 
2019 Kent State commit and do-it-all Katie Shumate and 2019 Miami-Ohio commit and sharp shooter Morgan Sharps leads a solid Ohio Future team.
 
 
Due to flight cancelations and delays, I was not able to see everyone I wanted to see but will catch them down the road.
 
**PBR Global and National Subscribers will get the report this week.**