AAU Analysis: Philly Rise 16U EYBL

<p>One of the premier AAU programs in the region, Philly Rise has produced quite a number of college prospects in recent years. Plenty that have come through the program have gone on to play at the next level, as is the case for this season's teams. We'll be talking about the New Jersey players playing on the 16U EYBL team in this article, of which there are six.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Addy Nyemchek - 6-0 F, Red Bank Catholic (2026)</h2>   <p>Many of these players are household names in New Jersey already like Nyemchek, a sophomore playing well above her years thus far. You get the size of a big and the agility and finesse of a guard in the forward, a versatile piece that can plug and play just about anywhere on the floor. Her size definitely lends itself better to playing down low, and she definitely took a step forward defensively in the post as a sophomore. However, do not discount her ability to drive into the lane and make a dent in an opponent's defense.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='601413' first='Jahzara' last='Green'] - 6-0 F, Gloucester Catholic (2026)</h2>   <p>Where Nyemchek is a do-it-all kind of forward, a stretch four or stretch five if you will, Green fits into that more traditional forward role...and wow is she an absolute monster on the low post. There might not be a better true forward in New Jersey than her and that's saying something. Really great awareness around the rim to make plays happen and get baskets for her team. She uses her body and size to her advantage, taking up the lane, clogging it up to prevent opponents from getting comfortable. All-around elite-level talent.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='601275' first='Rachel' last='Thatcher'] - 5-9 G, Paul VI (2026)</h2>   <p>Thatcher has all the ability in the world to capitalize on the opportunity in front of her with more playing time and a bigger presence on PVI as a junior. She's been a role player, someone off the bench for the Eagles over the past two seasons, but that's going to drastically change in the winter. Thatcher has the intangibles to be an all-conference talent, starting with her overall scoring ability. Able to score from just about anywhere on the court and in all three phases of the game. High basketball IQ and someone who moves well off-ball. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='651496' first='Ashley' last='Kreiger'] - 6-2 F, Ranney (2027)</h2>   <p>Kreiger is a special talent, easily one of the better players in the Class of 2027 and someone who looked like a bonafide stud out of the gates for Ranney. Yes, size is a big contributor to her success, but not everyone who is 6-2 is able to have the kind of production that she has on the floor. That's due to court awareness, court vision and a great understanding of the game that's allowed her to make that kind of plays that she can, especially in the lane. It looks effortless with her, a great touch and ever better handle with the ball in her hands.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='559039' first='Madison' last='Kocis'] - 5-10 G, St. John Vianney (2026)</h2>   <p>The numbers don't necessarily reflect the impact that Kocis had on SJV as a sophomore and more importantly, it doesn't quite show the growth that she had as a player. We know the three-point shooting is still there with her, but where she didn't take as many threes last season, she chose to focus on different points of her offensive game, quickly becoming a more well-rounded guard. She has that IT factor about her, a player that wants the ball in her hands when the lights shine brightest, and she thrives in those situations.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='559084' first='Sophie' last='Smith'] - 6-1 F, Red Bank Catholic (2026)</h2>   <p>We cannot understate the sheer amount of quality currently on Red Bank Catholic's roster, all of it seemingly coming from the Class of 2026. Whatever system has been put in place to get everyone playing time and help everyone improve, it's a fantastic system because Smith showed great signs of growth on the post. It really stems from better positioning down low and a better understanding of where to position herself. Experience plays a big role in this and she's only going to get better with more experience.</p>

One of the premier AAU programs in the region, Philly Rise has produced quite a number of college prospects in recent years. Plenty that have come through the program have gone on to play at the next level, as is the case for this season's teams. We'll be talking about the New Jersey players playing on the 16U EYBL team in this article, of which there are six.