USJN Showcase – Nike TOC: Day 1: Statement Makers (Teams)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the biggest events of the year brings a lot of eyes and attention. Below are the first 4 games I saw today and my take on them. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"> Game 1: [program_tooltip program_id='712576' first='Iowa' last='Intensity'] 17U - VS - West Coast Premier 17U</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game started off my day at Nike TOC and it was a good one. The [program_tooltip program_id='712576' first='Iowa' last='Intensity'], who were once down almost 20 points in the contest, brought it all the way back to fall by just a handful of points in the end. [player_tooltip player_id='311368' first='Breckyn' last='Schilling'] was her usual self for the Intensity with her superior athleticism and skill. While the guard play for WCP Basketball was fantastic, as this team ran some really good sets and motions in their offenses, once slowed down in the half court. I'll be looking out for both of these teams tomorrow and the rest of the weekend, to see what else they can do. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game 2: WI Blizzard 2026 Hawley - VS - Utah Storm 15U</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game was another one that had a fantastic finish and great overall tempo to it. In the end, the Utah Storm team ended up wining by 1 but it was not due to lack of effort by any means. The Storm played an efficient, physical game and in the end, it was the deciding factor wether they were going to win or lose. On the Blizzard side, it's the usual suspects of [player_tooltip player_id='636528' first='Lilly' last='Kejo'], [player_tooltip player_id='636285' first='Rayanna' last='Jenkins'], and company. They play hard, with intent, and don't give up on plays. They may of fallen short in this first contest but I think they are going to have a solid weekend here at TOC. No matter the elite competition. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game 3: [program_tooltip program_id='715980' first='Team' last='Iowa'] 2027 BlueStar - VS - Washington Magic 2027 BlueStar</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The third game of the day was eye opening to myself. Being the lead scout of Iowa, it's my business to know the upcoming grades. Maybe it was just this game I sat down for but most, if not all, of the roster of [program_tooltip program_id='715980' first='Team' last='Iowa'] 2027 Blue Star will be producers at the high school level. Maybe not everyone, right away, but the ceiling and athleticism is there for almost everyone on this team. Some specific players that stood out to me in this contest from the TI side were #16 [player_tooltip player_id='641993' first='Kymara' last='Atwood-Mayes'], #5 Mya Contreras, #6 Ameena Zubai, and #11 Elysionna Westfield. The Washington Magic were a group that showed they understand the strategic part of the game, they just couldn't hit enough shots in the end. They played fundamental defense and showed how to cut off the ball on offense while running their motion. The hustle by both teams was there every possession, but in the end, someone has to win and someone has to lose. This time, it was [program_tooltip program_id='715980' first='Team' last='Iowa'] coming out with the dub. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game 4: State 38 Bball (17u) - VS - EOSC 2024 AAU </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State 38 bball traveled out to the Midwest one more time for this event and they started off day 1 playing really well. Like the last time I saw them compete, they thrive on defense and let that flow into their offense. They all move unselfishly and play with a chip on their shoulders, not to mention that they all have a college skill level in some category or another on the court. EOSC 2024 on the other hand stuck with State 38 for a good amount of time in the first half. They are a program that brings energy and a lot of positive vibes onto the floor, no matter when or where they are playing. They have a good amount of shifty guards who like to shoot from three, when given the opportunity. If not, they are looking to drive it and get something at the basket. I'll be seeing both of these teams again this weekend and I can't wait. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->