Jy’Aira made one of the biggest jumps in the latest rankings after an impressive summer that included strong showings at the Prep Girls Hoops Brawl at the Palms and during June summer league with her high school team. She consistently impacted the game on both ends of the floor by anticipating plays defensively, creating opportunities in transition, and getting downhill to attack the basket. Washington also showed the ability to step out and knock down shots from beyond the arc which adds another dimension to her offensive game. There is still plenty of upside in her development, and that potential has continued to draw attention as she has picked up three college offers since June.

Jy’Aira has the physical tools that immediately catch your attention with a nice frame, athleticism, and a quick first step that allows her to create separation. She consistently got downhill and attacked the rim by using long strides and a crafty step-through finish to navigate through traffic. Her offensive package also included a smooth spin move and a euro step that showed she’s comfortable scoring in multiple ways around the basket. Defensively, her athleticism translated as well, highlighted by several impressive interceptions where she jumped passing lanes and snatched passes out of the air. She also displayed good vision by making jump passes to open teammates after collapsing the defense. To top it off, she proved she can stretch the floor by knocking down shots from beyond the arc. With her blend of explosiveness, versatility, and two-way impact, Jy has the foundation to become a difference-maker in her senior campaign.

Washington was another kid I wasn’t familiar coming into the event, but her stellar play throughout was hard to miss. Washington is listed as a wing essentially, but she had the basketball in her hands a lot on the break and in the half court helping to run and facilitate the offense. She was very good handling the ball and her decision making was excellent turning the ball over less than a handful of times combined in the games I watched. When Washington switched gears and was more aggressive trying to score the ball, she made it looking easy knocking down catch and shoot jumpers from the midrange and three point line. She also shot the ball very well from the free throw line. She did a good job keeping the defenses she faced guessing and off-balanced by also attacking the basket with her dribble. Jy just made plays time and time again for herself and her teammates. I hope the college coaches that were there saw as much of her as I did. She could be a good player for the right program on the next level if given the opportunity.