BallN On The Beach Top Standouts Pt. 1

This past weekend, Venice Beach played host to BallN On The Beach, a 5x5 tournament hosted by the Los Angeles Sparks. The event featured some of the top talent in CA as well as some from out of state as well. The tournament featured a 17U division and a 15U division with the winners of each getting to attend the Sparks game against the Seattle Storm on Sunday night. I was able to attend the event all day and here’s a look at some of the top standouts of the weekend. <strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="204010" first="Demonnie" last="Lagway"] - Palisades 2022</strong> An incoming senior, I’ve watched Lagway play multiple times over the past couple of years and she gets better each time. What really stood out to me this weekend was her improved playmaking. She read the defense well and made the right passes multiple times. She’s become a really potent offensive threat. She’s comfortable with the ball in her hands and she can attack off the dribble. Consistent shooter from three-point range even while playing outside. Definitely has college potential. <strong>2. Tiara Jones - LACES 2024</strong> Jones was playing a little out of position as center in the first game I watched her, but she did a solid job. She has good size with a nice touch around the rim. She can make quick, decisive moves with the ball in her hands going to the rim. She’s a natural forward who can take advantage of being guarded by slower bigs. She constantly got out in transition, running the floor and catching teammates passes. Incoming sophomore who has some solid upside. <strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id="197981" first="Laci" last="Steele"] - Edmond North (OK) 2023</strong> Steele has drawn interest from several D1 programs and it was easy to see why. She’s a versatile player who can play both forward positions. She’s bigger than a lot of small forwards and quicker than most power forwards. Defensively she really stood out to me. She can be a shot blocker in the paint and she can also come out contest jumpers; good with switches. She can handle the ball on the break and knows when to give it up. Good rebounder and good finisher. <strong>4. Dylan Swindle - Chavez (AZ) 2025</strong> An incoming freshman, Swindle showed off her ability to play both guard positions. She pushes the pace well in transition. She attacks off the dribble and can get into the lane. She draws contact and get herself to the line and she can finish around the defense. She’s a tough and gritty defensive player. Sometimes she gets a little too aggressive and picks up fouls, but that’s something that can be worked on; the intensity defensively is something that isn't taught.