LV Summer Showdown – Team Recaps Part 1

PrepGirlsHoops Arizona traveled to Las Vegas to cover the Arizona teams that were participating in the Summer Showdown.  The current pandemic has caused havoc on the AAU season with tournament cancellations and gym closures this spring and summer so we took this opportunity to evaluate some of Arizona’s top prospects. This was our first time catching up with some of these players in several months. The Arizona Select program made it’s tournament debut in Vegas with it’s top two 17U teams going 4-0 along with it’s 15U squad. First up is the ultra talented 17U Arizona Select - Karre. [caption id="attachment_188004" align="alignright" width="150"]<img class="wp-image-188004 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/07/Resized_20200712_153342-150x150.jpeg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /> Added strength has enhanced Finney's game[/caption] <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="136240" first="Jess" last="Finney"]</strong> (2021) Finney has added to her game each year and is now as polished an offensive player as you will find. She is already considered one of the elite shooters in the country but there were some other facets of her game that caught our eye. Finney is mentally and physically stronger and she has no issues with playing through contact. The weight room has taken her game to the next level. Finney’s ball handling is now at at elite level as well. [caption id="attachment_188010" align="alignright" width="150"]<img class="wp-image-188010 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/07/Resized_20200710_193040-150x150.jpeg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /> Stedman has developed into one of the top combo guards on the West Coast[/caption] <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="136241" first="Ally" last="Stedman"]</strong> (2021) Stedman is the ultimate combo guard and she transitions effortlessly between the roles.  Stedman who recently committed to Pepperdine can can score on all 3 levels as her jumper is smooth and efficient. She was a terror in transition due to her handle, speed and athleticism for the position. Stedman finished at a high percentage around the rim with a variety of creative moves with multiple defenders in the area, She also showed that she can run the team and keep everyone involved when she was running the point, [caption id="attachment_188002" align="alignright" width="150"]<img class="wp-image-188002 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/07/Resized_20200712_153322-150x150.jpeg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /> O'Neil performed well over the weekend[/caption] <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="136247" first="Shayla" last="O’Neil"]</strong> (2021) O’Neil was simply outstanding all weekend. I can’t think of a 2021 player who stock has risen as much as this prospect. O’Neil is a versatile pass first player who was intent on getting others good shots with her passing and dribble drive penetration. It’s obvious that O’Neil has put in the work in the gym and weight room and through this hard work she has become a legitimate D1 prospect. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="113510" first="Tatyanna" last="Clayburne"]  (</strong>2021) Clayburne was intent on giving this loaded team anything they needed depending on the game situation.  She defended well, she played multiple positions on offensive and she supplied high energy every game,  Physically, Clabourne looked solid which enabled her to have some impressive moments throughout the weekend on both ends of the court. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="136242" first="Bridget" last="Mullings"]</strong> (2021) Mullings battled all weekend in the paint as the only true big on the team and she was truly a warrior. In a tournament with some really good bigs, Mullings was probably the best rebounder at the event. She was also excellent in both offensive and defensive transition as she ran hard whenever she was on the court. Mullings had some nice offensive moments as well and she is showing us more at each viewing. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="136249" first="Daeja" last="Johnson"]</strong> (2021) - Johnson’s performance pricked up at the tournament progressed. She made some good decisions on the court and Johnson demonstrated that she can play multiple positions. Johnson was particularly impressive with her on the ball defense. Her recruitment is picking up steam. [caption id="attachment_188006" align="alignright" width="150"]<img class="wp-image-188006 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/07/Resized_20200712_153302-150x150.jpeg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /> Nascimento is the perfect fit for this high octane team[/caption] <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="183814" first="Bella" last="Nascimento"]</strong> (2021) Nascimento recently moved to Arizona to attend the PHH Fire Prep School. Nascimento started off the first couple games being a knockdown shooter from both corners and she was definitely one of the better catch and shoot players at the event. In her last two games, Nascimento showed that she is much more than a designated shooter by demonstrating that she a capable distributor and she has next level court awareness. Looking forward to following this prospect during the prep season. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;