EJ’s Notebook: Prime Event East, Day 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spooky Nook was rocking today in one of the season's biggest non-live period events! New Jersey represented in a major way! I kept my head on a swivel from morning to evening as I set my sights on scouting some emerging talent, especially from the Garden State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='525407' first='Gianna' last='Chuffo'] | United NJ </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her two-way game gets better and better every time I see her. She had her game face on today as she took it to MCW! Her defense was suffocating and she gave the ball-handler fits up near half-court. Her shot selection was fire, as usual.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Anna Chimento | United NJ</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She brings a lot of size to the front court. She plays even bigger than her 6'1" frame. Anna's strong base keeps her grounded through the toughest of contact and doesn't sway when posting up down low. Her fight was undeniable; she never once backed down or cowered to the opponent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='414407' first='Leah' last='Crosby'] | United NJ</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her athleticism was on full display today as she floated around the court effortlessly. Her length was tough for opponents to contain. She showed off her range today hitting a very deep 2 (should've been counted as a 3 but I digress). Leah's ability to change the entire landscape of the game is truly a gift. MCW could not keep up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='414288' first='Emily' last='Cavanaugh'] | United NJ</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Handles for dayssss! She is a master at escaping traps and dribbling her way out of trouble. She is extremely quick in transition and makes smart decisions on the fly; either to facilitate or take it herself. She always seems to be two steps ahead of everyone else.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902235' first='Lily' last='Soller'] | United NJ</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Big, strong frame. She set some really tough, brick wall screens in the high post that opponents had no chance of penetrating or getting around quick enough for the close-out on their man. She was a big rebounding presence today and did a superb job of going up strong on the put-back. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='965057' first='Madelyn' last='Shanley'] | United NJ </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She showed off her 3-point wizardry today against Pesky Ballers; strong from the corners. Very confident shooter who doesn't hesitate to pull the trigger. The thing that stood out to me the most was her decision-making. Very few turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='525411' first='Kayla' last='Brand'] | United NJ</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Excellent today on drives and sharp baseline rips. She kept a steady, controlled dribble and executed some really great passes. She kept her head on a swivel and looked for cutting and open teammates. More than a few assists on the day,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='913943' first='Sophia' last='Feeney'] | NJ Raptors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her two-way game was clicking today against FBC United. Heavy pressure applied on defense converted steals into layups the other way. She earned trips to the line through her aggressive drives; high % FT shooter. Super quick and very headstrong. Puts the "fast" in "fast break."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='913945' first='Annie' last='Gentile'] | NJ Raptors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She was a do-it-all machine today! From running the point, to scoring, to distributing, to defending, Annie was clicking! She showed glimpses of an emerging two-way game with her ability to stay committed on both sides of the ball. Undeniable hustler who plays with a lot of heart.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='914278' first='Kelsey' last='Nitche'] | [program_tooltip program_id='714654' first='NJ' last='Shoreshots']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A quick, explosive guard who held her own today against a very good Melo EYBL squad. Quick-thinking and even quicker reflexes. She dropped in a few 3-point bombs and imposed her will on offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='601279' first='Talia' last='Shumate'] | BBA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Talia continues to elevate her game and develop her skill-set, including strong play in the paint. Versatile game. Her size allows her to get shots off over defenders around the perimeter and do some damage underneath the basket as well. She was rock solid against the Shoreshots today.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='559041' first='Tessa' last='Liggio'] | [program_tooltip program_id='714654' first='NJ' last='Shoreshots']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're the opponentt, a sight you never want to see is Tessa on literal fire! She did damage in all sorts of ways today and made BBA work overtime to try and contain her. She plays with a scorer's mentality and when her shots start falling, they drop in rapid succession. She nailed 3's, dashed to the rim on fast breaks and showed off a very effective leaner off her right foot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='677601' first='Lola' last='McGonigle'] | Comets</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lola's stock has soared over the past two months. This afternoon she exhibited the same things that have taken her game to new heights. Ultra-focused guard play and a pass-first mentality but can also swish in baskets if need be. Her skill-set makes her great, but the intangibles take her to the next level, in my opinion. A very talented point guard with a sharp basketball acumen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->