LBI Spring Invitational Day 1: All-Around Talent
In this article:
One takes a look at how some players perform from the opening whistle to when the clock hits the triple-zeroes and thinks that they are simply straight up ballers. Many of them from South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia descended…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOne takes a look at how some players perform from the opening whistle to when the clock hits the triple-zeroes and thinks that they are simply straight up ballers.
Many of them from South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia descended upon the Palmetto State’s upstate the weekend of May 1-2 for the LBI Spring Invitational. The games took place at two venues – the Easley Recreation Center as well as the Potential Academy in Greenville.
Prep Girls Hoops was delighted to be on site for the festivities and see first-hand some incredible basketball from many of these premier players. Here is a look at some players who brought their complete A-games with them to the South Carolina upstate.
Lilly Rudsill – 2023 – Lady Team South Carolina – Eastside HS – Consider Rudsill one of the many well-kept secrets within South Carolina basketball circles since not much has been told of her up to this point. If she continues to perform like she did in Easley, she may not be a secret for much longer. Rudsill knows how to get in position to grab rebounds. She is not afraid to draw contact and find her way to the free throw line (and make those freebies as well). She is a threat to force teams into turnovers and go the other way with the ball. If Rudsill gets an offensive rebound, she has no problem getting a two-point put-back. She will also dribble herself out of precarious spots on offense with ball handling and passing and will hustle back on defense once an offensive possession concludes.
Dianna Blake Dianna Blake 6'1" | PF Ashley Ridge | 2024 State SC – 2024 – Team USC Cross – Ashley Ridge HS – The Swamp Foxes were just on the outside looking in of the 5A tournament, but if Blake continues to break out like she did last season, a return to the February frenzy may be in the cards. Blake managed to win the opening tip of USC Cross’s contest with NC Lady Gems and drew plenty of contact throughout the game. Blake will collect plenty of rebounds and block plenty of shots. Listed as a forward, she possesses plenty of guard skills – a testament to her versatility. Some of those boards she gets are tough to come by but she has proven she is up for the task. Blake will also, on occasion try her hand at her 3-point shot.
Jordan Mintz Jordan Mintz 5'3" | PG Gray Collegiate | 2024 State SC – 2024 – SC 76ers 15U – Westwood HS – In some games, the tone can be set in the first few minutes of play. Mintz was another one of the SC 76ers 15U starters in its game with Team Carolina Williams and got the offense going as she made a 3-pointer for the first score of the game for either team. She and her teammates displayed stellar ball movement which proves to be a boost for any offense. Mintz also managed to get in position for rebounds. She understands when an offense may be struggling to figure out a defense in the half court, so she will reset to try another play and calm the nerves of her teammates. Mintz is also one who will fight for 50-50 balls. She scored six points in SC 76ers 15U’s 49-44 victory over Team Carolina Williams with both of her scores coming via the three.
Skyler Ellison Skyler Ellison 5'9" | SG Palmetto | 2025 State SC – 2025 – Hope Basketball Academy – Palmetto HS – Her Hope Basketball Academy jersey has two zeroes on it instead of one. Do not let the low number fool you because she plays at a high level. Ellison knows how to put herself in good position to retrieve the ball in case of a mishandle. She will also take her share of tries from behind the arc as well. Look out if she has the ball in her hand. Ellison may be listed as a power forward/small forward but she will put her guard skills to good use as she can weave her way through traffic en route to lay the ball up and in for two more points.