Live Period Weekend 2: EJ’s Hidden Gems
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With so many superstars and big names in action this weekend, some hoopers who don’t always score the most points or fill up the stat sheet with staggering numbers are often overlooked. Whether it’s sinking big buckets, pulling down crucial…
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Continue ReadingWith so many superstars and big names in action this weekend, some hoopers who don’t always score the most points or fill up the stat sheet with staggering numbers are often overlooked. Whether it’s sinking big buckets, pulling down crucial rebounds or playing lock-down defense, the following under-the-radar players had a phenomenal weekend for their respective programs and made waves with college coaches and scouts in attendance.
Synai helped her NJ Rise team achieve a 3-1 weekend, including commanding wins over a loaded MCW Starz in the weekend debut and an impressive LI Lightning Bianco in the finale. She remained aggressive throughout and her two-way game was very efficient. Offensively, she cut to the basket hard with terrific footwork and blistering speed. She showed craftiness in getting to the rim with her ability to evade defenders using a shifty Euro and tremendous body control. Synai’s lock-down defense proved too much for opponents as her on-ball pressure was stifling and forced multiple turnovers, which she converted into electric transition offense. Her name will be on the tip of everyone’s tongue by the next live period.
Highlights
An extremely versatile player who can not only play 1-5, but also guard 1-5, Daniela showed off her bag of tricks in Atlantic City. Her height & length was tough to handle on both ends as it aided in her excellent court vision and was crucial in disrupting passing lanes and swiping the ball from opponent’s hands. Her run-and-gun, dazzling guard play was nearly unstoppable. She was excellent setting up the half-court offense and executing plays to perfection. A dangerous 3-level scorer, Daniela was exceptional from just about anywhere on the floor. She fearlessly crashed the glass, pulled down the offensive boards and created multiple scoring chances for her teammates. Her aggressive and assertive play was instrumental in her team’s successful 3-1 weekend.
Tessa’s energy game in and game out at The Showcase was unmatched! She possesses a supremely high motor and is a lightning bolt in transition! Her high basketball IQ plays a huge role when driving to the basket, as she uses terrific body positioning and footwork to draw contact and earn free throw opportunities. A true point guard, her court vision and ability to dish effective outlet passes is next level. Tessa’s quick and ever-present hands on defense gave ball-handlers fits as she got in their face and in many instances, flat-out ripped the ball away to ignite the fast break. Her tenacious two-way game was pivotal in big wins against I-90 Elite, NJ Shoreshots Sabino and Germantown Lady Panthers.
Ava brought the intensity and offensive firepower this weekend! Her knockdown 3-point shooting was a thing of beauty as she swished them at a rapid pace. Straightway, from the corners, 1-foot+ behind the arc… it didn’t matter because she was firing on all cylinders, even with a defender’s hand pressed up directly in her line of sight! Her quickness and efficiency driving to the hoop was stellar, weaving her way through defenders using strong handles and disciplined footwork. Scrappy, hounding defense and unrelenting ball pressure wreaked havoc on opponents trying to get the ball across half-court. Ava was a big reason why her United NJ squad racked up 3 big wins in Atlantic City. A true menace on both ends of the floor.
Highlights
Dangerous with the rock in her hands, Brooke was a force at The Classic in Kentucky. Her shifty shake-and-bake handles snatched ankles and created highlight-worthy moments all weekend long. She is a speedy, vocal floor general who sets the tone offensively and is both capable of creating for herself and for others. She reads the defense well and uses her quickness to evade defenders for an easy path to the basket or a drive-and-dish kick-out to a teammate lurking on the perimeter. Her aggressiveness and high basketball IQ makes for a very high efficiency rating.
Highlights
A player this electric is hard to miss! Maya had it going on from start to finish and led her BBA program to an impressive 4-0 weekend over elite competition in Atlantic City. Playing in front of a packed audience that included coaches from Maryland, Miami, Richmond, Michigan, etc., Maya was laser-focused and determined. In a contest against one of the event’s best teams, NJ Rise, she played stellar lock-down defense, sparked transition offense & willed her team to a 43-36 victory. In a quick turnaround just a few hours later, Maya scored 6 crucial points in a tight 51-44 win against a stacked Firecrackers White S40 squad. She excelled pushing the ball up court with perfectly timed outlet passes and beautiful dimes on fast breaks. She is wildly crafty and extremely fearless with the rock.
Highlights
In her live period debut of the season, Madison came into Atlantic City focused and ready for game action. Watching her play this weekend, you would’ve never known she’d been out with injury for quite some time! She made her presence felt early on with excellent footwork in the post and strong rebounding. Against Elevate Elite, she poured in 12 points, pulled down aggressive boards and used every bit of her 6’1″ frame to alter shots and protect the rim. In the weekend finale against CT Starters, Madison once again scored in double-figures (12) and imposed herself in the paint, crashing the glass and working defenders in the low block. She is a ferocious front-court weapon for the Soldiers.
Hannah proved to be a legitimate back-court threat at The Showcase with her smart guard play, strong handles and tremendous court vision. A double-figure scoring machine, she poured in 15 points against CJ Hawks Mayo, 10 against Elevate Elite and 14 against CT Starters. She was very effective rolling off screens and cutting to the basket for an easy two. She’s a strong outside shooter with unlimited range who can get hot in a hurry. Her quick release and terrific timing on shots makes for a tough defensive assignment. Sure, there are many guards who can score and light it up like Hannah, but few also have the grit, intensity and IQ she possesses. With a game this impactful, this gem won’t be hidden for long!