USJN Fall Finale 2023/2024 Standouts
This weekend the USJN hosted the Midwest Fall finale in Indianapolis. The Southern Illinois area was represented by the Southern Illinois Hawks Elite program with their 17u, 16u and 15u teams. In addition the Indiana Elite Havoc group had their…
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Continue ReadingThis weekend the USJN hosted the Midwest Fall finale in Indianapolis. The Southern Illinois area was represented by the Southern Illinois Hawks Elite program with their 17u, 16u and 15u teams. In addition the Indiana Elite Havoc group had their 16u, 15u and 14u teams in attendance. Here are girls in the 2023 and 2024 classes that stood out over the weekend.
- Olivia Durbin is a 5’8 2023 Forward from Civic Memorial and SI Hawks. Olivia has been known to be a very good shooter to fans and coaches in her local area, but had the opportunity to put this on display to a larger audience at the USJN even this past weekend. When she gets her feet set and is delivered a nice pass, Olivia has proven to be one of those special shooters. Olivia is more than capable of getting hot and beating a zone or helping man to man scheme all by herself. She has good fundamental skills in other parts of the game too but will have to work on becoming a bit more athletic to maximize her potential.
- Sophia Loden Sophia Loden 5'11" | SF Mascoutah | 2023 State IL is a 5’10 2023 Wing from Mascoutah and the SI Hawks. Sophia played the main part of her AAU season with a Phenom team and was playing out the end of the year with the Hawks. Sophia is a versatile player that has transitioned her game from playing inside to being more of a wing player. With this Hawks team she was needed to play more in the post and was able to make that work to help her team. She does a good rebounding because of her desire to box out and her ability to go get the ball. With her increased wing skills Sophia can take off on a break as soon as she secures the ball which adds a nice weapon to a team. Sophia ended the event with a huge 21 point and 12 rebound effort to secure an undefeated weekend for the 16u Gold team.
- Josie Armstrong is a 5’8 2024 Guard from Tri County and Indian Elite Havoc 2024. Jose is a new player to me that I have now seen play 3 times. I really like her instincts and court vision. She makes nice reads and nice passes off the pick and roll game. Most girls her age do not have those skills yet, I am looking forward to watching her progress.
- Grace Nelson is a 5’7 2024 Guard from Altamont and Indiana Elite Havoc 2024. Grace has been the leader of the 2024 squad from day 1 as their point guard. She is very athletic and seems to have more room to grow and also gain alot of strength. Grace is an excellent long jumper and you can see that combination of speed and athletic ability play out on the basketball floor As could be expected she is best in an open floor/full court game game where she can use her speed and quickness to defend and get to the rim.
- Alycia Triplett Alycia Triplett 5'11" | PF Fishers | 2023 State IN is a 5’11 2023 Wing from Charleston and Indiana Elite Havoc 2023. Alycia had a productive freshman campaign getting baskets as a great hustle player and a great athlete.Her long term success and upside will be tied to her improving wing skills. Alycia is showing her ability to take the ball off the bounce from the wing or high post area and beat defenders to the basket. As she improves her jump shot from 15-18 feet she will become a very high level prospect. Her junkyard dog mentality on the boards shows me she has the work ethic, she just needs the time. She will be fun to watch.
- Anna Beyers Anna Beyers 5'8" | CG Pana | 2023 State IL is a 5’8 2023 Guard from Pana and Indiana Elite 2023.Anna was a late season addition to the squad and was fun to watch her blend in with the team. She is a player that has drawn high praise from her high school and AAU coaches for her willingness to compete and never back down. Anna earned varsity minutes as a freshman by showing her ability to walk on the floor with older, more experienced players and act like she belonged. She will fight tooth and nail for a rebound or a loose ball. If you add to it the fact that she has skill too, Anna is a kid that can help any team and everyone likes to have her on their side.
- Avery Trame is a 5’7 2024 Guard from Breese Central and the SI Hawks. Avery is player that knows how to handle the ball and score at a high level. She has put up big numbers in middle school and has been working to try to improve her game preparing for high school. I have seen her in workouts and now in games. What I was impressed with was her ability to create off the bounce and read the defense to pass or shoot. Avery has shown a consistent jump shot along with some high level finishes in the lane. She will be fun to watch as she continues to work and grow.
This was another well done event by the USJN and another great opportunity to watch high level basketball players. With Covid slowing down the start of the season for the SI Hawks it was especially nice to see their kids on the floor.