HAMPTON, Va. -- If you're looking for indicators that the economy and the stock market are on the upswing you don't have to look much further than the 24th annual Boo Williams Nike Invitational Tournament. This past weekend 230 teams in nine different divisions provided the basketball version of recovery on 29 courts. If the play here was any sign, the outlook is optimistic for upcoming events and ultimately the NCAA summer evaluation period in July.
With a schedule of 755 games, players, coaches, fans and recruiters had the opportunity to enjoy some of club basketball's top teams in arguably the premier spring tournament. For most teams this was their first time out and while some of the play had a ragged edge at times, the potential and talent on display was impressive and deep.
In an event of this magnitude, it's impossible to see all the participants and even more difficult to get a true feel for anyone's game in such limited time constraints. However, some players will stand out anytime they walk on the floor and more than a few left quite an impression in the games we were able to see. In this first look at some of the players who caught our eye we'll share our thoughts on players from teams who made it at least to the semifinals of their respective brackets. Later this week, we'll take a look at some others whose teams didn't fare as well, but still gave us good reason to take notice.
Stefanie Dolson might be wearing a new uniform, but her game still has a familiar look. The Jervis, N.Y., native and Connecticut commit displayed an impressive low-post presence scoring effectively for her new club, the Tennessee Flight. Her deceptively quick feet and ability to spin off defenders created short, open looks that she finished consistently. She also showed the ability to knock down the short jumper on several occasions. The No. 13 player in the ESPN HoopGurlz Super Sixty resembles former Duke standout and current WNBA player Alison Bales. While her 6-foot-5 size may minimize the need for a shot fake, Sunday's final exposed the need for the use of one against some of the athletic leapers she'll see down the road.
Another New Yorker wearing the colors of a new team was 6-3 Ariel Edwards of the Philadelphia Belles. She has a long, lean build combined with exceptional athleticism, which makes her a difficult matchup for any forward. She runs the floor with the guards and cuts aggressively in the halfcourt. Add to that some solid perimeter skills and the idea of her on the wing isn't out of the question on either end of the floor. Her wingspan, speed and lateral mobility give her the ability to defend on the perimeter as well as in the post.
A familiar face in the Belles' uniform was 5-10 guard Maggie Lucas. Already established as one of the premier shooters in the 2010 class, the Penn State-bound guard is beginning to demonstrate an ability to score off the dribble as well as spot up or come off screens. Both in transition and offensive sets she put the ball on the floor to create her own looks and, as always, shot the ball effectively. She had a tendency to take the ball laterally at times allowing the defender to recover, but attacking toward the rim and adding additional scoring opportunities should keep the Nittany Lions' fans on the edge of their seats, once she hits campus.
At 6-3, Philly Belles forward Haley Peters demonstrates guard-like play making skills with her ability to handle the ball in the open floor and excellent passing ability. The New Jersey-native and Peddie School standout has nice range on her shot; she can take her defender off the bounce for a pull-up jumper or score from the high- and low-post area. With her tremendous basketball IQ, she moves very well without the ball and always seems to put herself in a position to make a play. She is a tough defender and uses her body well to rebound and alter shots in the paint.
Khaalidah Miller of both the Georgia Metros to the Georgia Pistols brings her game regardless of which jersey she's wearing. There's a smooth look to her attack, which is deceptive, leaves defenders in their stance and scratching their heads. She was out in front on the break with and without the ball, but showed a willingness to give it up, almost too much. Ranked No. 21 in the ESPN HoopGurlz Super Sixty, Miller is definitely the kind of player you want to have the ball in her hands more often than not.
Tennessee Flight coach Tom Insell didn't need a bailout from Washington, D.C., but he got one anyway in the form of point guard Ronika Ransford. The H.D. Woodson standout, No. 39 in the ESPN HoopGurlz Super Sixty, is a dynamic and explosive threat anytime she steps on the court. Her ability to get by even the best of defenders leads to her own looks or easy pitches to her very talented teammates, once the help rotates. Additionally, when defenders back off, she has a smooth stroke and can light it up on the perimeter. Ransford also has a very effective pull up in her arsenal to go along with one of the few true jump shots out there.
If all coaches truly love a player who defends, then there wouldn't be one out there who wouldn't love Odyssey Sims. The 5-8 point guard from DFW T-Jack is setting new standards when it comes to on-ball pressure and it's made her a more effective offensive threat. Creating transition opportunities off turnovers and rushed shots puts her in the position that she's most effective -- full speed. Her decision making and shot selection have matured as well and the left hander buried several 3 pointers with an impressive soft touch. Her energetic enthusiasm and leadership effort is contagious and effective with her teammates. Currently ranked No. 9 in the ESPN HoopGurlz Super Sixty, she made quite a case for climbing the ladder a rung or two.
As a point guard Chloe Wells of Boo Williams Summer League is as fundamentally sound as they come. She is a model of efficiency when it comes to creating scoring opportunities for her teammates or herself. The methodical way that she dissects an opponent is clinical. If they play too far off of her, she will drop a long range 3-pointer, but if they guard her too closely she can easily get into the paint and create. She is also an excellent defender, who understands the importance of keeping the opposing point guard out of the paint. Many young guards in high school are style over substance, with Wells her substance is her style.
Mississippi-commit Valencia McFarland is a solid point guard, with all the necessary tools to play the position at the next level. She's a pesky defender with great lateral movement who makes it difficult for opposing point guards to get comfortable running their offenses. She is great in transition because she doesn't hesitate to get the ball up the court to start the fast break. McFarland understands how to run a team, keeping her teammates involved while looking to create her own scoring opportunities. The energy that she brings to the court is infectious and it is obvious that her teammates benefit from it. She is also fearless going to the basket; even at 5-6 she doesn't shy away from contact.
Samisha Powell, another BWSL product, is a combo guard who never seems to take a possession off on either end of the floor. At 5-8 she has the ability to penetrate to the basket in traffic and finish with ease. Her ability to work the two-man post-wing game created some nice scoring opportunities for both her and her teammates. She has good range on her shot and continues to show that she has an understanding of shot selection in flow of the offense. On defense, she understands how to defend opponents, both moving and stationary. Some may be surprised that this was her first elite circuit spring event because she played a seasoned veteran this weekend.
Kelsi Baker of DFW Elite-TJack is a physical presence on the court and force to be reckoned with in the paint. The Texan is a tenuous, relentless defender who is not afraid to mix it up. At 6-1, she can step away from the paint and make plays off the dribble. She always seems to be around the ball and her strong build allows her to rebound in traffic, which usually results in her getting to the foul line. Baker plays with an enforcer-like mentality -- the harder you come at her, the tougher she plays.
Syessence Davis has that cut, athletic look that tells you something exciting is about to happen. The Jersey Shore Diamonds point guard is strong, quick, aggressive and makes things happen. She penetrates again and again and, despite standing only 5-6, has an uncanny ability to finish in traffic. Her ballhandling is sharp and her passing skills have a snap that takes advantage of defensive lapses from opponents. A consistent outside touch will be important to keep defenders closing out tight and allowing her to attack.
It's not often that one player dominates a game from the defensive end, but Elizabeth Williams seems to make a habit of it. Don't mistake that as meaning that she's not an offensive threat -- she is. However, her presence in the paint changes the thought process of opposing coaches and the shots of many of the best players. The 6-3 forward has a long, lean build, but it's her anticipation and timing that gets her hands on the ball. Named the tournament MVP, while leading her Boo Williams Summer League teammates to the tournament title, she already can have her choice of schools. The best thing for someone having options at her age is that she can take her time, find the right fit and avoid that transfer bug that seems to be going around these days.
This weekend, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis showed why she may be one of the purest shooters in the high school game today. The quick, smooth release on the California native's jump shot is picture perfect from the time it leaves her hand. Most impressive is the confidence that she possess in herself as a shooter, which is a rare commodity in a young player. With the game on the line in the championship game against Boo Williams, she knocked down a 3-pointer to tie the game like it was just another day in the gym. Her ability to shoot off the dribble -- sometimes with two defenders in her face -- is a college level skill. Watching the way she gelled with her brand new Tennessee Flight teammates and the leadership she displayed on the court, showed maturity way beyond her 15 years.
For those opposing coaches looking forward to DFW T-Jack's Odyssey Sims graduating after this year, here's a pleasant thought. Her MacArthur high-school teammate is already on board and looks to have all the same potential and maybe even more. Alexis Jones has talent and athleticism like you ordered it off a room service menu. Aggressive and explosive at 5-9, she creates and gets into the paint almost at will. Just to keep you honest, she also has the range to force you to come out on her. She anticipates well defensively and has the foot speed to stay in front of almost any player on the perimeter. Recruiters need to go ahead and take a number.
2013 Checklist
Kaela Davis, 6-2 player for the GA Ice, is the big guard that every coach dreams about. With wide shoulders, a sturdy frame and huge wingspan she reminds you of a young Nikki Teasley. A great ballhandler in traffic, she doesn't rush, she keeps her head up and sees the floor; for smaller guards it is almost impossible to get a defensive attack angle on her. On the defensive end she is very active, anticipates, plays the passing lane and can get steals at will because of her length. Obviously, with any young player, focus on fundamentals is important and she will need to develop a consistent outside shot to round out her already-impressive skill set.
Watching Diamond DeShields, also of the GA Ice, play basketball can only whet ones appetite for what is to come from this superbly talented 8th grader. At 6-2 she has a great athletic build that allows her make plays that many high school players cannot. She displays nice shooting fundamentals and excellent ballhandling skills. DeShields can get to the basket with one dribble from the foul line and her hand is at the rim when she releases the ball for a layup. As she matures and develops she will have to understand how to stay focused on every possession. With consistent focus, she has the potential to be one of the top players in the 2013 class.
