August 5th, 2017

The Bowie City Gymnasium was the site for this year's Rites of Passage. The ROP has become the hottest ticket in middle school girls basketball and not just in the DMV. While most of the players are from DC, Maryland and Virginia, the percentage of players from outside the area has increased as the event has grown. Year seven featured players from as far as Georgia, Oklahoma and Missouri. The Godmother ain't local.

The format has not changed much but it was tweaked a bit and things ran smootly. I found myself wishing more of the parents had stayed and participated in the discussion but it did take place during the lunch break so I'll give them a pass. The site was an excellent as the gym has two full courts, good seating, air conditioning and the lighting is decent. What more can you ask for in August?

The event attacts some of the best evaluators in the business in Joe Fenelon, Brett McCormick, Prentice Beverly, Mark Lewis and Tink Butler.It's a great way for a prospect to make a name or build on an established repuation.  

Saladin Reese with ROP founder Lisa Bodine. 

 Parents attending the event got a chance to ask questions and pick up some knowledge from some of the pundits who were on hand.

Over 70 participants packed the gym and received instruction from an impressive group of coaches and trainers.

Aziaha James, 2021 Boo Williams SL, 5'9" guard

It was close but this was my favorite player of the day. Ms. James is a smooth lefty with a killer handle and range from way downtown. The game looks easy for some people because it is. She fits into that category. She gets where she wants to go with ease and knows what to do when she gets there. 

 Sherese Pittman, Cap City Ballerz, 2021, 6'0 wing

Sherese's game is skipping high school and going straight to college. Every year she adds something to her already impressive bag of tricks. She dominated smaller players inside and took players her size off the dribble. Her ball handling is tighter than last year and she has improved her passing too.

Paulina Paris, NY Exodus, 2022 5'5" guard

This is who I was looking for when I walked in. I wanted to watch a player who came to strap up somebody and did not take any plays off. Ms. Paris is tough, physical, fiesty and skilled. She got under people's skin.  She fought through every pick, set some good ones herself and several players found themselves tangled up with her. She has a nice handle and finished through contact.

Saniya Rivers, Carolina Flames, 2021, 5'10" 

Ms. Rivers looked like the best athlete in the gym. She's explosive and her vertical is impressive. Combine that with her long arms and foot speed and she is a problem on defense. She made some nice slashing moves to the rim and was able to rise up and shoot over people. 

Kayla Thomas, Havoc City Sol, 2021 6'2" center. 

Kayla has improved tremendously over the past year. She was very active and played with confidence. She moved some people around in the paint and scored inside. There is a lot of potential here. 

Janay Outten, Florida Future Elite, 2021, 5'4" guard

Janay shot the ball well from the perimeter and showed great body control on some drives to the hoop.  

Mila Reynolds, Illinois Xcitement, 2022, 6'1" wing. 

One of the most versatile players in the event. She pulled up and shot deep threes, handled the ball, rebounded and bullied her way inside. Extremely mature game for her age.

Ava Learn, Philadelphia Belles, 2021 6'1" wing.

Ava showed off her 3 point range, knocking down open shots when there. She ran the floor and scored in transition.She's a good shot blocker and I like how she tips the ball and keeps it in play. Nice feel for the game.  

 Jada Walker, Boo Williams, 2021 guard.

Smooth lefty with a nice mid range game. She played at a measured and deliberate pace, but showed some explosive speed too. She made the simple plays and did her job. Tough competitor.  

 Camille Jackson, Illinois Xcitement, 2022 guard

Ms. Jackson is a vocal leader who knows the game. She talks on defense and keeps her teammates engaged. She has an excellent eye for detail for a rising 8th grader. Very versatile player with the ball in her hands.

 Gianna Boone, Havoc City Sol, 2022, wing.

Ms. Boone is expanding her game and looked very comfortable handling the ball and making plays on the perimeter. She's not afraid to lock up on defense either. 

Iyanna Rogers, Cap City Ballerz, 2021, 6'1"

She refreshingly embraces playing in the post. It was fun to watch her post up and demand the ball. Her footwork is solid and she has nice finishing moves at the rim. She'll punch a shot out into the parking lot too.

Gia Cooke, Fairfax Stars, 2022, 5'5" guard

Gia can play either guard spot. She has strong fundamentals and can score. She got better as the day went on. Glad to see her getting a chance to play with kids her age. 

Yonta Vaughn, Havoc City Sol, 2022 guard

Ms. Vaughn was in scoring mode at this year's ROP. She took defenders off the dribble and got to the hoop for strong finishes. Her jumper was on point as well. Impressive outing for her playing mostly off the ball.  

Jayla Oden, Maryland Belles, 2021 point guard

There were plenty of guards in the gym but the real point guards never played off the ball. Jayla came back to bring the ball up every time I saw her. She is playing with much more confidence and her skills have improved. She has a strong IQ and made some nice passes in tight spaces. She stood out.