AAU Preview: Jersey Gemz 17U- HGSL Truhan

AAU teams across New Jersey are locked & loaded and ready to go! The Gemz are no exception! They are primed for success with a stacked roster that includes some of the best hoopers representing the Class of 2024. Coached by the great John Truhan, this squad looks to put it's best foot forward and assert itself as one of the best in the Tri-State area.   <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Date</td><td>Event</td><td>Location</td></tr><tr><td>April 15-16</td><td>Garden State Showdown</td><td>Manalapan, NJ</td></tr><tr><td>April 21-23 (live period)</td><td>Select Events Live at the Nook!</td><td>Manheim, PA</td></tr><tr><td>April 29-30</td><td>Shoreshots Summer Showdown</td><td>Neptune, NJ</td></tr><tr><td>May 19-21 (live period)</td><td>Select Events AC Showcase</td><td>Atlantic City, NJ</td></tr><tr><td>June 3-4</td><td>Comets Tournament</td><td>King of Prussia, PA</td></tr><tr><td>June 24-25</td><td>HGSL Jam Fest</td><td>Manalapan, NJ</td></tr><tr><td>July 7-10 (live period)</td><td>HGSL Jersey Shore Live</td><td>Manalapan, NJ</td></tr><tr><td>July 21-24 (live period)</td><td>HGSL Championships Live</td><td>Atlantic City, NJ</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">*2023 finalized schedule</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='406943' first='Bella' last='Mazur'] - Mainland (2024)   An electric guard with terrific handles, Bella knows a thing or two about scoring. After all, she did put up 294 points this season for the Mustangs, including 13 games scoring in double-figures. Her speed and crafty handles allow her to maneuver around defenders and float down the court to the basket. She draws multiple defenders at times and is superb at finishing through contact. Additionally, she is a sniper from the arc, proving she can score in a multitude of ways. She is a handful for the defense to contain, that's for certain.   [player_tooltip player_id='588708' first='Ava' last='Mazur'] - Mainland (2024)   Alongside twin sister Bella, Ava's presence on the court can spell double-trouble for opposing teams. With 17 games scored in double-figures this season, Ava lit it up from just about everywhere. She was efficient from the elbow, scorching hot from 3 and delivered a highlight reel layup package. Defensively, she is a nightmare for opponents with excellent footwork and ever-present hands to disrupt passes and deflect shots.   [player_tooltip player_id='437120' first='Gwen' last='Bruen'] - St. John Vianney (2024)   The experience that comes with playing for a nationally ranked team is immeasurable. Gwen saw action in 21 of the Lancers 32 games, competing against elite talent from around the country. It was here on home soil, however, where she had her break-out performance, draining three 3's en route to a 13 point outing against Long Branch. Her spot-up game is tough to guard as she fearlessly lets it fly from deep!   Sam Wade - Germantown Academy (2024)   A stone-faced sniper. A tenacious defender. A team player. Sam has been putting all of Pennsylvania on notice since day one! She's a shifty guard that confidently takes defenders off the dribbles and finishes well through contact. She can light it up with her automatic mid-range game or make it rain from long-range. Her defense is invaluable, as she constantly works the ball-handler to force turnovers and make crucial stops.   [player_tooltip player_id='488689' first='Mackenzie' last='Anderson'] - Rutgers Prep (2024)   Coach Klinger is known for developing players and turning them into bonafide superstars. Under her leadership, Mackenzie has blossomed into a fantastic post presence. At 6'2", she establishes command in the paint and has a soft touch at the rim to put points on the board for her team. Defensively, she crashes the glass and fights for rebounds with the best of them! Playing arguably one of the most difficult schedules in the state season after season has helped grow her game exponentially.   [player_tooltip player_id='325208' first='Siena' last='Shuster'] - Wayne Hills (2024)   Siena puts the "power" in power forward. A walking double-double, she is aggressive under the rim both offensively and defensively. She also shows off her range nicely with the occasional 3-point shot. She uses her near 6'0" frame to set effective screens and see the floor to get the ball to her open teammates and is a rim protector extraordinaire!   [player_tooltip player_id='859164' first='Kayla' last='Oliphant'] - Trenton Catholic (2024)   Kayla was a big part of Trenton Catholic's turnaround this year after a trying 2021-2022 season. In 21 games, she put up 165 points playing fearless basketball. She has a high motor and uses her quickness to wear down and tire out the opponent, meanwhile her energy remains the same throughout. She gets to the basket at will and does a great job of creating contact and getting to the charity stripe. It's all gas, no brakes for Kayla!   [player_tooltip player_id='325204' first='Amanda' last='Baylock'] - Scotch-Plains Fanwood (2024)   She was on just about every post-season awards list and rightfully so. One of the most prolific scorers in the state, Amanda shot the ball at a high clip and unleashed a barrage of offensive firepower game after game. She eclipsed 1,000 career points and 100 career 3's as the defense had no answer for her. Proving herself as an elite two-way player, Amanda used her grit and tenacity to scrap for steals, dive for loose balls and force a slew of turnovers. She is the epitome of a COMPLETE basketball player.   [player_tooltip player_id='789229' first='Ella' last='Inacio'] - Red Bank Catholic (2024)   There is no quit in Ella's game. She isn't afraid of the moment and relishes the opportunity to play "big stage, bright lights" basketball. She has a nice stop-and-pop mid-range game and a fierce competitive spirit. With her knockdown shooting ability, Ella will provide formidable scoring and unlimited range.   [player_tooltip player_id='789225' first='Gabby' last='Langrin'] - Rutgers Prep (2024)   Gabby's game will continue to elevate playing on the circuit, as she will be exposed to elite talent throughout the Spring and Summer. The admirable thing about Gabby is that she plays hard every single minute she's on the court; there is simply no letting up! She's a quick learner and a player with tremendous upside because of her determination and desire to succeed. At 5'8", she has a solid frame playing the 2 and will look to expand her shooting and ultimately establish herself as a legitimate scoring threat for the Gemz. She may just be this team's x-factor!

AAU teams across New Jersey are locked & loaded and ready to go! The Gemz are no exception! They are primed for success with a stacked roster that includes some of the best hoopers representing the Class of 2024. Coached by the great John Truhan, this squad looks to put it's best foot forward and assert itself as one of the best in the Tri-State area.