4 States Represent on 16U Battle in the Big Friendly First Team
Twenty-three teams from seven states gathered at The HIVE Sports Complex in Edmund, Oklahoma, for the 16U event April 15-17. Divided into four pools, for many teams this was their first event of summer club season. A couple only formed…
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Continue ReadingTwenty-three teams from seven states gathered at The HIVE Sports Complex in Edmund, Oklahoma, for the 16U event April 15-17. Divided into four pools, for many teams this was their first event of summer club season. A couple only formed days before the event. Several had not had a single practice. From tip off Friday evening every team was a different, better team by the last whistle was blown Sunday.
With the talent in attendance it was far from easy to create all-event teams. This first team is the first of the all-event teams. A second team and honorable mention list will make up subsequent articles.
Fia Filoialii, 5’7″, 2024, James E. Taylor (TX), Texas Cagers, 2024 – Filoialii was hands down the most creative scorer in attendance and arguably one of the most difficult to defend. With her skills, athleticism, build, strength, and physicality Filoialii can go over, around, and – yes – through defenders. Most games it seemed like she scored 80% of her teams points. Not because she is selfish but because she has the talent, body, strength, and confidence to do so. She played all over the floor, from the point to power forward, and defended those positions as well. What can get lost to observers in her offensive game is how well she passes. She has a terrific ability to pass the ball to where it can be caught. Not just a scorer, Filoialii also will bury the three ball on defenders who do not pick her up well.
Erianna Gooden, 6’0″, 2025, Northside (AR), Below the Rim 2024 – Gooden is all kinds of problems being quick off the bounce, strong, athletic, and able to get into the lane at what seems at will. She also has quick hops to go with a nose for the rebound. What I especially like about Gooden is her ability to make the quick, catchable pass to lane flashers from the elbow as well as from around the perimeter. She can also make the slick sidestep move to quickly score around a defender with extension and athleticism.
Sania Jenkins, 6’0″, 2024, Aurora Central (CO), P.L.U.T.O. Prospects 2024 – The long and fast Jenkins really is a strong stretch four prospect. She has the length, handles, and passing ability to play on the perimeter as well as the height and soft touch around the basket to play inside. Jenkins has good hops and the transition speed to go end-to-end off the rebound.
McKenzie Mathurin, 5’10”, 2025, Broken Arrow (OK), Oklahoma Swift 2024 Mathurin – Mathurin has a very mature, high level game and her confidence in her ability to create and make whatever shot she wants sometimes causes her to take the unnecessary, difficult shot instead of say hitting a trailer. She elevates well, is fast and athletic in the open court, can show the ball first on the finish, and punish defenders in various ways off the high screen. But one thing Mathurin I especially enjoy seeing is her head and shoulder fakes.
Kyla Reed, 5’3″, 2024, Metro Christian Academy (OK), Team Griffin Select 2024 Funderburk – Kyla has the ability to quickly get a step on a defender not just on the perimeter but anywhere on the court she’s challenged. As quick as she is, Reed has the ability to gather herself in transition to shoot. One of the top plays of the weekend was a Reed quick drive that ended with a sick reverse layup off the bounce. Quick, athletic, and a consistent perimeter threat.
Featured image: Oklahoma Swift 2024 Mathurin and Broken Arrow SG McKenzie Mathurin. Photo: Robert Kelly.