Smile for Mitch Girls Basketball Tournament (Jacksonville, FL)

I must tip my hat off to Terry Parker high school on a well hosted 4th annual Smile for Mitch Memorial Basketball Event. The 4 game event started at 10 a.m. and the final game tipping off was at 4 p.m. Teams from Duval County area came in and competed at a high level, and left it all on the floor. The 4 game 8 team event matched up Lee vs Paxon, First Coast vs Mandarin, Ribault vs Jackson, and the host team Terry Parker vs Sandalwood. The games had a lot of diamonds in the rough, but I’m going to focus on the All-Tournament team from the event, based on the observers. Each team had one player that was recognized for their on the court efforts. (Lee High School) <strong>Shanyia Winn</strong>, 2020 This guard shot lights out the entire game. She had powered Lee to a commanding league that they never relinquished. Paxon never was able to recoup from the hot shooting of Shanyia Winn and she unloaded her shot from everywhere on the floor. While she wasn’t utilizing her hot shooting, she was finding a way to keep her team involved in other ways. (Paxon High School) <strong>Irene Kabassubabo</strong>, 2022 Although the Eagles struggled mightily to the Generals, Irene was a shining star in the dark. Irene was gritty and kept her foot on the gas, although the team was never able to gain any ground on the Generals. The Eagles were overmatched but Irene wasn’t going down without a fight. (First Coast High) <strong>M. McWhite</strong>, 2021 During this defensive struggle ball game, M. McWhite was engaged the entire game. McWhite did all the things that you can ask of a basketball player she rebounded, blocked shots, got tip-ins, ran the floor and played hard. Although her play didn't result in a Buccanneers win, McWhite was a sight to watch. (Mandarin High) <strong>Ellie Jackson</strong>, 2022 This was a hard-fought defensive game but Ellie found a way to score buckets in multiple ways she was able to use her size and wit to rebound the ball and get buckets. She has a knack for the game in the post. She positions herself well and has a very nice touch around the basket this is a sophomore I want to see more of. (Andrew Jackson) <strong>X. Jackson</strong>, 2023 One of two freshmen to make the All-tournament team, and it's well-deserved, despite the Tiger's efforts to keep up with the Trojans. X. Jackson is a player to keep your eyes and ears open for. She has a soft touch from the free-throw line in. She plays with her back to the basket, but once she learns the game to its entirety she will be a force in the Duval County area. (Ribault High) <strong>Asiana Britt</strong>, 2023 Asiana was a sight to see. Asiana is a little beyond her years when it comes to knowing the game. She makes the right plays and has a natural ability. She is considered young in class but her consistent motor separates her from the average. She lets the game come to her and she plays at her own pace. This freshman will make noise this upcoming season. (Sandalwood High) <strong>Amari Wright</strong>, 2020 Amari Wright impresses every time I see her. Amari, a Seton Hall signee, was exciting and in tuned the entire game. She never lets her opponents see her sweat. She does the right things on the court all the time. Amari plays the game at her own pace, she doesn’t get rattled or sped up, unless she wants to hit the gas. Seton Hall has a player that can flat out hoop. (Terry Parker) <strong>Janell Johnson</strong>, 2022 Janell is a Baller with a capital B. The Saints were a little too much for the host team the Braves, but Janell single-handedly kept the Braves in the match. Janell is a leader on the court and gets the job done. She got to the basket and shot deep range threes, but the Saints weren’t letting the Braves steal this one. &nbsp; Once again shout out to Terry Parker for being gracious hosts, and a major shout out to these girls who got game.