Foreverland Invitational – Session 2: 2023 Standouts
I got to see a ton of talented Texas prospects this weekend at the Foreverland Invitational – Session 2 powered by Premier Basketball in Mansfield. Now that the grassroots season is in full swing, teams and individuals are really beginning…
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Continue ReadingI got to see a ton of talented Texas prospects this weekend at the Foreverland Invitational – Session 2 powered by Premier Basketball in Mansfield. Now that the grassroots season is in full swing, teams and individuals are really beginning to hit their stride and show what they are capable of.
With that in mind, here are five standout 2023 prospects from the tournament:
Connie Hughes | 2023 | 5’6” Point Guard | True Texas Hoops 2022 | Bland HS – Hughes was terrific as a playmaker on Saturday, constantly finding her teammates in their spots and setting them up for good looks from the field. She was productive as a scorer when attacking the basket too, understanding when to defer to others and when to call her own number. The Bland guard displayed good agility when driving, slipping past opponents with some crafty Euro step moves. Furthermore, she was an opportunistic defender throughout the event.
Idara Udo | 2023 | 6’1” Center | DC Queens (White) | Plano East HS – Udo continued her excellent summer with a good showing this weekend. She utilized her size and strength very well, keeping the ball high and away from opponents when operating down low on offense or after pulling down a defensive rebound. Her shooting was good as well, proving that she can stretch out to the free-throw line and knock down jump shots. The Plano East center realized that she can shoot over the top of most defenders and had success doing so. This is an already solid prospect with high upside.
Alexandria Jefferson | 2023 | 5’7” Shooting Guard | Team Lex Supreme | Atlanta HS – Jefferson looked very smooth on the opening day of the tournament. She was a generous passer, swinging the ball on the perimeter and setting up her teammates for open shots in drive-and-kick scenarios. The 2023 prospect also had some pretty finishes when slashing through defenses. All that said, it was her defense that stood out the most to me. She was active and engaged from start to finish, made smart gambles when going for steals, and deflected a ton of passes.
Kadia Ward Kadia Ward 5'7" | CG Midlothian | 2023 State TX | 2023 | 5’8” Combo Guard | Team Lex Loaded | Midlothian HS – Ward played with an edge at both ends on Saturday. The Midlothian guard was aggressive and gritty without being reckless. She was great in transition, making some difficult layups from tough angles while also dishing out some dimes. Her decision making was on point. She displayed the ability to hit mid-range jumpers too. On defense, Ward had quick hands when guarding perimeter players and hustled back to emphatically block a fast break layup.
Rachel Wang | 2023 | 5’5” Combo Guard | Flight 9 Elite Gravely | Plano East HS – Wang is an effortless shooter from the outside. She showed that she is capable of draining threes off the dribble as well as from the catch, getting her shots off comfortably and in rhythm. The 2023 combo guard lets the game come to her on offense, but is ready to make something happen whenever she receives a touch on the perimeter. Additionally, Wang looked fluid when handling the ball. She is one of the many underrated Plano East prospects I’ve come across this summer. That team is deep and ready to make another run when the high school season rolls back around.