Select Events Spring Tip-Off: 16U Standouts

This past weekend, I attended an AAU tournament at the Pacers Athletic Center in Westfield, Indiana, featuring a strong collection of talent across the 16U division. The event brought together high-level players, competitive programs, and well-coached teams from Indiana and surrounding states.   It was a great opportunity to evaluate players in a different setting, especially those I've previously seen compete at the high school level. Seeing them adjust, build chemistry with new teammates, and perform in the AAU environment added another layer to their evaluation.   Some of the top 16U programs in attendance included West Virginia Thunder 16U S40 Perry, [program_tooltip program_id='1002297' first='IGB' last=''] 15U GUAA, [program_tooltip program_id='715952' first='Havoc' last='Basketball'] NE2K, and Team Rush, among others. These teams featured some of the top talent in the region and provided a highly competitive atmosphere throughout the weekend.   Below are some standout performers from the event. Please note that multiple players from the same team may be highlighted based on their impact and performance.    [player_tooltip player_id='992360' first='Kendra' last='Ash'] made an immediate impact the moment she stepped on the floor, proving to be effective on both ends at a high level. Since her freshman year, she has shown significant development, and her time at Mt. Vernon has clearly contributed to her growth as a player and overall impact within the program.   Ash does a strong job of seeing the floor, making the right reads, and playing within the flow of the game. She shot the ball well throughout the event and consistently showcased her perimeter skill set, demonstrating confidence and versatility.   With her continued progression, Kendra is a player who will draw considerable Division I attention throughout the spring and summer. Her upward trajectory makes her an exciting prospect to continue tracking.     Chami was one of the most consistent performers throughout the weekend, making a strong impression with her overall impact on the game. Regardless of the flow or pace, she stayed composed and continued to play her game, which translated directly to her team's success.   She has a smooth, controlled style of play and does a great job getting to her spots offensively to score the basketball. Her ability to operate within the offense while still being a reliable scoring option makes her a key piece on the floor.   Chami's presence and performance set the tone, and when she is playing at a high level, her team tends to follow. She is definitely a player who is enjoyable to watch and worth continued attention moving forward.     [player_tooltip player_id='1263945' first='Kristina' last='Hollowell'] brings great size and the ability to compete at a high level, making her an impactful presence on both ends of the floor. She runs the floor well and consistently defends both the ball and the paint, establishing herself as a strong and reliable defender.   Hollowell did a solid job of playing her game with confidence and aggression, and her growth was noticeable as the tournament progressed. She continued to settle in and make positive contributions, showing her ability to adjust and improve in real time.   With her physical tools and defensive presence, Kristina is a player that college coaches should have on their radar moving forward.     Ellie Jenkins did a great job rising to the level of competition throughout the weekend, playing a key role in helping her team go 3-0. She consistently made an impact each time she stepped on the floor.   One of her biggest strengths was her ability to shoot the basketball. Jenkins knocked down shots with confidence and provided a reliable scoring option for her team, stretching the floor and keeping defenses honest.   Her performance and consistency made her an important contributor to her team's success and a player worth keeping an eye on moving forward.     Lorigrace “LG” plays with a high level of confidence and physicality, consistently bringing toughness to the floor. She embraces doing the little things that impact winning and provides steady contributions on both ends.   LG does a great job attacking the rim, using her strength and physical style of play to finish through contact and put pressure on the defense. Her willingness to play physical and stay aggressive makes her a valuable presence for her team.   Her approach and energy stand out, and she is a player who continues to make an impact in multiple ways.     [player_tooltip player_id='990047' first='Maddy' last='Wallace'] plays with great poise whenever she steps on the court, showing a strong understanding of her game and how to control the tempo. What makes her especially effective at the point guard position is her awareness of her teammates' strengths and her ability to communicate and lead on the floor.   She makes running the offense look effortless, consistently leading by example and keeping her team organized. Wallace does a great job pushing the pace, getting ahead of the defense to finish at the rim or putting her teammates in the right positions to score.   Her leadership, feel for the game, and ability to facilitate make her a standout floor general and a key piece for her team's success.

This past weekend, I attended an AAU tournament at the Pacers Athletic Center in Westfield, Indiana, featuring a strong collection of talent across the 16U division. The event brought together high-level players, competitive programs, and well-coached teams from Indiana and surrounding states.