Music City Showdown: Top Performers from Day One
With the Music City Showdown from the Nashville suburb of Franklin, Tennessee having tipped off, it means that the Triumph Region of the Prep Girls Hoops Circuit is roughly halfway complete. This weekend’s event emanated from the TOA Performance Center…
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Continue ReadingWith the Music City Showdown from the Nashville suburb of Franklin, Tennessee having tipped off, it means that the Triumph Region of the Prep Girls Hoops Circuit is roughly halfway complete.
This weekend’s event emanated from the TOA Performance Center and welcomed a number of teams from a number of states. In addition to the Volunteer State, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina and South Carolina were among the states that were represented.
The first day of the latest Circuit get-together was filled with standout performances from the first games in the morning to the final ones in the evening. Here is a look at who caught our eye.
Anu Richards – 2024 – Station Camp HS – Music City Jammers 2023 – Any team with Richards sporting its colors will experience a fair share of basketball riches. Dealing with Richards and how tough she is as a defender is a problem for many an opposing offense. While she can make plays near the rim, she can drain 3-pointers and also absorb contact which can place her at the free throw line. Richards also bolsters a team’s rebounding efforts. Richards contributed 10 points to her Music City Jammers 2023 team as they began the Music City Showdown with an emphatic victory over Arkansas Lady Diamonds 2023.
Maggie Hale – 2023 – Gallatin HS – Music City Jammers 2023 – The green on Hale’s Music City Jammers uniform may be lighter than the shade of green on her Green Wave uniform, but she leaves opposing teams green with envy. Hale is not one a defender wants to leave behind the 3-point line because that is three more points added to a team’s tally if that happens. She also takes care of the basketball, displays impressive handles and knows when to pass. Hale can also come up with big plays on defense – such as blocks. Hale also finished with 10 points in Music City Jammers’ victory over Arkansas Lady Diamonds 2023.
Savannah Kirby – 2023 – Green Hill HS – Music City Jammers 2023 – Kirby proved to be big in a late-season surge that the Hawks embarked on. Green Hill finished the 2021-22 campaign having won seven of its final nine matchups. Kirby will find herself at the right place at the right time on the court with regularity. Often, that right place can be behind the 3-point line as accurate as she is from deep. Kirby also has displayed prowess as a ball distributor. She too finished with 10 points when Music City Jammers 2023 defeated Arkansas Lady Diamonds to open Saturday’s schedule for the weekend tournament.
Annyka Hellendrung – 2023 – Waukesha West HS – Wisconsin Blaze 2023 Inferno – Hellendrung previously ran on the grassroots circuit with Wisconsin Lady Shooters. It was fitting that she once played travel ball on a team with that name given Hellendrung is one of the premier high school shooters in the Badger State. Leave her open on the perimeter with the ball in her hands and she is likely to put it through the hoop. She is also willing to draw contact and corral in rebounds as well. Hellendrung is a proficient passer as well. She was a major reason why the Wolverines finished the 2021-22 season with a 15-6 record and a berth in the Division 2 state tournament.
Alana Zarneke – 2023 – Kaukauna HS – Wisconsin Blaze 2023 Inferno – This 2023 star knows the game of basketball from A to Z. Zarneke is listed at an even six feet – one of two on the Wisconsin Blaze 2023 Inferno roster standing at least at that height – on a team with a 5-foot-10 player and one who is 5-foot-11. Zarneke had the first points of a matchup with Georgia Dominance 2024 and also hauled in rebounds and was fearless in attacking the rim. In addition to Zarneke’s ability to dribble with the left hand, she will also finish at the rack with her same left hand. She has received offers from St. Cloud State, Bemidji State and Florida Southern.
Mia Walker – 2022 – Archer HS – Georgia Dominance 2023 – Walker’s noteworthy career at the high school and travel level will soon come to a close once this AAU season concludes. Her time in travel ball included a stint with Shecago Bulls. Coaches admire talents like Walker who have an attitude of putting a team on her back in case said team is going through a rough patch. She is not afraid of contact and will find her way to the free throw line. Walker, with her veteran experience, is also a vocal leader and plays the game with an overall fearless attitude. Walker has previously received offers from Wooster, Bryant and Stratton-Albany, Notre Dame of Maryland, North Park and Cedar Crest.
Indigo Brown – 2025 – Eagle’s Landing HS – Bounce Nation FBC 2024 Jay – Indigo Brown is one who will leave opposing teams and coaches feeling blue. Brown was integral in why the Eagles finished the 2021-22 season with an 18-7 mark. She will put plenty of points on the board and can score from anywhere on the court – including behind the 3-point line and at the free throw line. Brown has no problems finishing on tough shot opportunities and is one of many youngsters in the Peach State with plenty of upside. She tallied 10 points – all in the first half of her team’s hard-fought 51-49 victory over Stars Basketball Club 2024 Kaye.
Natalie Kaye Natalie Kaye 5'9" | SG Grace Christian Academy | 2024 State TN – 2024 – Grace Christian Academy – Stars Basketball Club-2024 Kaye – Basketball is not the only sport that Kaye has partaken in throughout her basketball career as she has also ran in the track and field realm. There are elements of track and field – such as speed – that translate well to basketball. Kaye displays versatility with an ability to play as a three while primarily operating as either a one or a two. She also possesses a highly effective 3-point shot and can put a number of points on the scoreboard. She put 11 on said scoreboard when Stars Basketball Club 2024 Kaye took on Bounce Nation FBC 2024 Jay on Saturday.
Emily Hunter – 2024 – Nolensville HS – Stars Basketball Club-2024 Kaye – Being a 6-foot-6 big gives one an advantage without even having to play a single play. Pass her the ball near the basket and she is likely to convert on that high-percentage shot opportunity. Her offensive rebounding is another element to her game that is likely to lead to putbacks – and she will contribute work on the glass on either end of the floor. Scoring on her is difficult with her ability to reject shots. Hunter tallied 10 points in a matchup with Bounce Nation FBC 2024 Jay as part of Saturday’s schedule of matchups.
Chloe Evans – 2025 – Mays HS – Vision Chasers Elite 2025 – Evans presents the height of a frontcourt forward or center while playing primarily in the backcourt as a guard. She certainly uses that to her advantage as much as she can. Along with putting a number of points on the board, Evans makes efficient passes to her teammates and does a great deal of work on the glass. She is also a ball hawk who can take advantage of an opponent’s ball handling miscues. Evans led her team with 14 points in a 59-36 victory over Tennessee Sol 2025 on Saturday.
Jocelyn Faison – 2025 – Douglas County HS – Vision Chasers Elite 2025 – Faison season is in full effect in Douglas County. She was one of several freshmen on the 2021-22 rendition of the Tigers. Faison brings versatility to any team she is on as she will play as either a point guard or a small forward. Her skills also translate well as a wing. Faison will drain 3-pointers and haul in a good number of rebounds, making her a consistent double-double possibility on a game-by-game basis. Ball distribution and defense are other elements to her overall game. Faison finished with 11 points in a 59-36 win on Saturday over Tennessee Sol.
Alexis Taylor – 2025 – Todd County Central HS – Tennessee Sol 2025 – Taylor may play for a Tennessee-based AAU squad, but it is in Kentucky with the Rebels where she receives the lion’s share of her attention. A frontcourt stalwart for Todd County Central, she scored 14 points in a matchup on Saturday with Georgia-based Vision Chasers Elite. In addition to what she does as a scorer, she is an efficient distributor of the ball and also has excelled as a rebounder. Defensively, opposing ball carriers have to be on the look out for what she can accomplish as a ball hawk and a shot blocker.
Caitlin Bowling Caitlin Bowling 5'5" | PG JL Mann | 2024 State SC – 2024 – J.L. Mann HS – FCA Eagles 2024 – A good bit of why J.L. Mann finished as one of the top 5A teams in SCHSL play this past season is owed to the stellar play Bowling contributed wearing Patriots colors. Bowling not only can sink her attempts from behind the 3-point arc, she can also drain her tries after absorbing contact and getting to the free throw line. She is a consistent threat to go the other way with the basketball and knows how to make the right passes. She went fore 15 points in a FCA Eagles 2024 victory on Saturday as they defeated Tennessee Sol 2024 Black by a score of 61-44.
Jenna Cothran Jenna Cothran 5'6" | SG Dorman | 2024 State SC – 2024 – Dorman HS – FCA Eagles 2024 – In South Carolina high school basketball circles, Cothran has earned a reputation for being one of the premier long distance shooters in the Palmetto State. She brought that effective 3-point shot with her to the TOA Sports Performance Center in Tennessee as she knocked down three triples in a matchup with Tennessee Sol 2024 Black. Her shooting is complimented by what she can get done as a passer. In FCA Eagles 2024’s win in that game, she led all scorers with 19 points – 15 of which occurred in the second half when her team embarked on a second half surge.
Timmerian Miller – 2024 – Byrnes HS – FCA Eagles 2024 – Another of the Upstate’s most noteworthy athletes, she has not only excelled as a basketball player but also in the track and field realm. She too has proven her skills as a passer and as someone who will take advantage of an opponent’s ball handling miscues. Prior to wearing the purple of FCA Eagles, she ran on the grassroots circuit with Carolina A.C.E.S. (now Upward Stars). She was part of her team’s second-half surge against Tennessee Sol 2024 Black as she dropped six of her 11 points in her team’s 61-44 win.
Nevaeh Brooks – 2025 – Clarksville Academy – Tennessee Sol 2024 Black – Brooks is one of several on the Tennessee Sol 2024 Black roster that is playing up a year or two class-wise. In fact, only three on this year’s rendition are 2024s. She is one who is anything but scared of contact that can put her at the free throw line. Brooks is a reliable rebounder, gets her teammates opportunities to score and can go the other way with the rock off a steal. Brooks went for 10 points in her team’s matchup with South Carolina-based FCA Eagles 2024 as part of Saturday’s lineup of matchups.
Lexy Moore – 2025 – Tellico Plains HS – The Basketball Factory 2024 – There is plenty more basketball in store for Moore. She contributed to the recent string of winning basketball that has taken place with the Bears as they finished 2021-22 with a 16-8 record. Listed at 5-foot-4, she is one of two Tellico Plains representatives on the team. Moore can drain her attempts from long range but she particularly is effective from the free throw line. She finished with 26 points – including her last six coming via the free throw to lead The Basketball Factory 2024 to a 58-48 win over Mobile Lady Hornets 2024.
Tyra Caves – 2024 – Jackson HS – Mobile Lady Hornets 2024 – One would have to be living in a cave to believe that her stock is anything but up. Caves plays active away from the ball and gets herself into position to either make plays or set up one for her teammates. She is not shy about attempting 3-point shots and can also draw contact which can put her at the free throw line. Caves possesses a lot of court vision which enables her to make efficient passes either in the halfcourt offense or in full court transition. She scored 21 points in a matchup with The Basketball Factory 2024 on Saturday.
Erica Walton – 2024 – Jackson HS – Mobile Lady Hornets 2024 – Listed at 5-foot-9, Walton stands as the tallest member of the Mobile Lady Hornets 2024 roster. One typically thinks playing the three when they see “small forward” attached to someone’s name, but Walton proved in Saturday’s matchups that she can flourish as much playing the five. Walton will give a team a number of rebounds, a number of high-percentage shot opportunities and a number of opportunities to make things happen at the free throw line after drawing contact. She scored 12 points in her team’s contest that afternoon with The Basketball Factory 2024.
Jaida Cameron Jaida Cameron 5'7" | PG Legacy Early College | 2024 State SC – 2024 – Trinity Collegiate School – Bounce Nation FBC 2023 Jay – Cameron is listed at 5-foot-6 and is one of many names as part of hoops scene in the talent-rich state of South Carolina. Cameron has a knack for attacking the rim and placing crooked numbers on the scoreboard. She makes the right passes to her teammates and has the potential to embark on scoring streaks. Cameron will also get a team a number of rebounds. She tallied 12 points (six per half) when her team defeated ABC Lightning Performance 2023 by a final of 60-54.
Camryn Berry – 2023 – Luella HS – Bounce Nation FBC 2023 Jay – Berry has been very good to Luella’s hoops fortunes. This past season, Berry was a major piece in the Lions’ deep playoff run that got the team to the 4A GHSA state championship game. Berry stands at a tall 5-foot-10 and plays primarily as a one or two despite her four or five-esque height. She gets a team plenty of production from behind the 3-point line and with her ball movement. Defensively, she can steal the ball and make things difficult for an opposing team’s offense. She scored 16 points in her team’s victory over ABC Lightning Performance 2023 – a 60-54 decision.
India McIntosh – 2023 – Lovejoy HS – Bounce Nation FBC 2023 Jay – Speaking of star veterans representing the Wildcats on the travel circuit, McIntosh is another one of those. The Wildcats are one of the most respected teams in Georgia girls basketball circles, constantly being in the championship discussion and winning the 6A crown this past season. McIntosh is as much a defensive star as she is an offensive one with her ability to get her hands on the ball and affect an opposing team’s passing lanes. Shot blocking and corralling steals are two areas of her defensive game that she excels in. While defense may be where she gets plenty of attention, she showcased what she can do offensively in a matchup on Saturday against ABC Lightning Performance 2023 with a 10-point effort.
Staci Williams Staci Williams 5'7" | PG Holly Springs | 2023 State NC – 2023 – Holly Springs HS – ABC Lightning Performance 2023 – When thinking about Williams and her travel team, the number five comes to mind – as in the number of Golden Hawks represented on the team coached by her father Gary Williams. She gives a team a 3-point shooting dimension to an offense. Williams will receive plenty of playing time and a good reason for that is the court vision she possesses. She is not afraid to absorb contact and take her attempts at the free throw line. Williams finished with 17 points in a Saturday matchup with Bounce Nation FBC 2023 Jay.
Destinee Barnes Destinee Barnes 6'0" | CG Winston Salem Christian National | 2023 State NC – 2023 – Winston Salem Christian – ABC Lightning Performance 2023 – When thinking about at-will scorers, Barnes has to be a name that enters the brains. Her team began the Music City Showdown with a matchup against Bounce Nation FBC 2023 Jay – one where she went for 23 points which led all scorers. One way she managed to do so was drawing contact and getting to the free throw line. As potent as she is as a scorer, she will absorb plenty of attention from opposing defenses and that can place her in double-team scenarios. Barnes knows how to split those defenses and get to the rim. Other elements of her overall game include rebounding, assists and steals.