USJN Nationals: Day 2 Standouts (15U /16U)

<!-- wp:heading {"textAlign":"center","level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">This year, The McCormick place in Chicago hosted a 4 day event with 75+ teams from the EYBL Circuit and BlueStar National. 3 different locations full of talent from all over the country. Below are my 15U and 16U stand outs from Day 2 </h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>‘25 [player_tooltip player_id='644116' first='Brooklyn' last='Murphy'] ([program_tooltip program_id='712563' first='Illinois' last='Rockets'] 16u Red) </strong>- A majority of the plays seem to be designed to showcase Murphy sniping skills, and she constantly comes through. Wether the shots fall or not, her form is consistent and she lets it go with confidence when she takes them. Her long frame allows her to be impactful on the defensive end as well</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>‘25 [player_tooltip player_id='515492' first='Alaina' last='Vargas'] (<strong>[program_tooltip program_id='712563' first='Illinois' last='Rockets'] 16u Red</strong>) </strong>- Tough, aggressive and a smooth shot. Vargas simply plays basketball. She does all the little things, finds open spaces, cuts hard and makes it a point to stay in constant motion even when the ball isnt in her hand. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>‘25 [player_tooltip player_id='663970' first='Emily' last='Troia'] (<strong>[program_tooltip program_id='712563' first='Illinois' last='Rockets'] 16u Red</strong>) </strong>- Troia's ball security and ability to make plays on the move stuck out in each of her games. One hand shovel passes, skip passes and pinpoint bounce passes, you name it she can do it. Emily consistently sets her teammates up for easy looks.. and seems to look for herself last. A true floor general. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>‘26 Mazzy O'Brien (MidPro 16u)</strong> - Defensively.. Mazzy covers every angle of the court and causes an insane amount of havoc on that side as well. Multiple deflections, stays alert and aware, and just seems to be in the right spot at the right time. Offensively, she sets up her teammates flawlessly.. patient and accurate. Can knockdown the three ball too. Easily one of the hardest working kids on the floor. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>‘25 [player_tooltip player_id='886652' first='Emily' last='Schmidt'] (IL Rockets 16u White)</strong> - Schmidt excels in a strong amount of areas on the court. Solid shooter behind the arc, aggressive on the drive, secure with the ball and a menace on the defensive side. She can finish off the attack, off a cut and in the open floor. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>‘26 Meredith Gray (SI Hawks 15u) -</strong> Gray plays the 4/5 position (6'1 with size), but has shown the ability to do much more than just be a force on the block or in the paint. She can control the ball in the open floor, finish with craftiness around the rim, and can knock down the short corner jumper. She can also make plays from the elbow and as well. Looking forward to seeing her progression. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->