Jazz City Jam: 17U Top Performers

The energy was different at the Jazz City Jam as the 17U division took the floor with urgency, confidence, and something to prove. This wasn't about potential anymore—this was about players stepping into the moment and showing their game is ready right now.   From the opening tip to the final buzzer, the intensity stayed high. Guards controlled the pace, wings made winning plays on both ends, and bigs battled inside with toughness and physicality. Every game felt competitive, and every possession mattered.   What stood out most was the maturity and composure of this group. Players communicated, led their teams, embraced pressure moments, and competed with a different level of focus. The skill was there, but so was the mindset. These athletes understand their window is getting closer, and they played like it.   Jazz City Jam gave the 17U division the perfect stage to make statements—and this group answered the call. The talent is real, the hunger is there, and after a weekend like this, one thing is clear…   Their time isn't coming next—their time is NOW.   Guards controlled the pace, wings made impacts on both ends, and bigs battled inside with physicality and effort. Every game felt competitive, and multiple players stepped into the spotlight with confidence and composure under pressure. Whether it was elite ball-handling, knockdown shooting, defensive pressure, or relentless hustle, this group brought a complete mix of skill and heart all weekend long.   What stood out most was the mindset. Players weren't backing down from the moment—they embraced it. Coaches and scouts saw athletes communicating, diving for loose balls, creating for teammates, and making winning plays possession after possession. The toughness, IQ, and overall feel for the game were impossible to ignore.   Jazz City Jam wasn't just another tournament stop—it was a chance for players to make statements, elevate their stock, and separate themselves from the pack. And after a weekend like this, one thing is clear…   The future of the game is in good hands, and the 15U division absolutely SHOWED OUT.   Scroll down to check out full player evaluations below   Stay Locked In.   Did you miss my most recent article? Tap in using the link below and stay updated on all the latest evaluations and rising prospects.   <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2026/05/jazz-city-jam-15u-top-performers/?_thumbnail_id=1855571">Jazz City Jam: 15U Top Performers | Prep Girls Hoops</a>   <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2026/05/duel-for-the-dynasty-15u-frontcourt-standouts/">Duel For the Dynasty: 15U Frontcourt Standouts | Prep Girls Hoops</a>   <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2026/05/duel-for-the-dynasty-15u-standouts-who-made-noise/">Duel For the Dynasty: 15U Standouts Who Made Noise | Prep Girls Hoops</a>   <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2026/05/duel-for-the-dynasty-15u-hidden-gems-you-need-to-know/">Duel For the Dynasty: 15U Hidden Gems You Need to Know | Prep Girls Hoops</a>   <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2026/05/duel-for-the-dynasty-top-performers-15u/">Duel For the Dynasty: Top Performers (15U) | Prep Girls Hoops</a>   You're welcome to follow me on Instagram and X (@Coachlathan) for additional content, player evaluations, and upcoming announcements. Stay locked in as we continue to highlight talent and grow the game.   — Coach Lathan    Stella Rose Cartwright is a tough, versatile wing/guard who brings grit, IQ, and a winning mindset every time she steps on the floor. Public profiles list her as a 5'9 guard/forward for Cleveland Central and Mississippi Jazz, and Mississippi Jazz has noted her ability to run point and lead her team.   Offensively, Cartwright plays with confidence and control. She sees the floor well, makes smart decisions, and can impact the game as a scorer or facilitator. She has the ability to knock down shots, post up smaller defenders, and find open teammates when the defense shifts.   Defensively, she takes pride in doing the hard work. She battles for position, rebounds, locks down matchups, and brings physical effort every possession. Her mentality stands out—diving for loose balls, crashing boards, and leading by example with toughness and composure.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Coach Lathan Take</h3>   “Stella brings grit, IQ, and toughness. She's the type of player who does the little things that change games.”     [player_tooltip player_id='1227700' first='Kearra' last='Wilson'] is a dynamic lead guard who brings energy, pace, and confidence every time she steps on the floor. She plays with a strong motor and can impact the game quickly with her ability to score, create, and defend.   Offensively, Wilson is dangerous in transition and off the bounce. She can attack the rim, finish through contact, and make plays in the open floor. Her ability to “stop and pop” adds another layer to her scoring game, forcing defenders to respect both her pull-up and downhill attack.   Defensively, Wilson sets the tone with effort and activity. She has the quickness to pressure the ball, jump passing lanes, and create turnovers. Her energy on both ends gives her team a spark and helps shift momentum.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Coach Lathan Take</h3>   “Kearra plays with fire. She brings energy, pushes the pace, and makes things happen on both ends.”     Raylee Jones is a strong interior presence with the size, toughness, and potential to impact the game on both ends. At 6'1, she gives her team valuable length around the rim and can be used as a traditional post or stretch forward depending on the matchup.   Offensively, Jones is effective when she gets touches inside and establishes position early. She can finish around the basket, rebound through traffic, and create second-chance opportunities. Her size also allows her to play through contact and give her team a reliable frontcourt option.   Defensively, Jones brings value as a rim protector and rebounder. She can alter shots, protect space in the paint, and clean up possessions on the glass. Her presence forces opponents to adjust when attacking the lane.   Coach Lathan Take   “Raylee gives you size, toughness, and presence. When she's active around the rim, she changes the game on both ends.”     [player_tooltip player_id='1278409' first='Kennedi' last='Turner'] is a versatile, high-upside wing who brings size, toughness, and skill to the floor. At 5'10, she has the frame and athletic tools to impact the game inside and out, and Prep Girls Hoops lists her as a SF/SG for Prairieville and I.D.E.   Offensively, Turner can create matchup problems with her ability to attack the paint, finish through contact, and step out as a perimeter threat. She has shown guard-like control with the ball, can push in transition, and has the feel to find open teammates when the defense collapses.   Defensively, Turner's versatility stands out. She can guard multiple positions, read passing lanes, and turn defensive plays into transition chances. Her activity around the rim also gives her value as a rebounder and paint presence.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">oach Lathan Take</h3>   “Kennedi has the tools coaches love—size, skill, toughness, and versatility. When she's aggressive, she can impact the game on both ends.”     Madison Grays is a strong, high-impact forward with the size and interior presence to change the game around the rim. At 6'2, she gives her team a true frontcourt option who can finish around the basket, rebound, and provide toughness in the paint.   Offensively, Grays is effective when she establishes position early and plays through contact. She has the ability to finish high-percentage looks, run the floor, and make defenses pay inside with her physicality and size. She continues to show upside as a reliable interior presence capable of impacting the game consistently.   Defensively, her size allows her to protect space, battle on the glass, and make opponents work for clean looks inside. Her value comes from her ability to impact possessions as a true big or forward, giving her team flexibility and strength in the frontcourt.   Coach Lathan Take   “Madison brings size, toughness, and presence around the rim. When she's active inside, she becomes a major problem for opposing teams.”

The energy was different at the Jazz City Jam as the 17U division took the floor with urgency, confidence, and something to prove. This wasn't about potential anymore—this was about players stepping into the moment and showing their game is ready right now.