Friday, October 9th

The Girls Middle School Showcase returned to Elizabeth Seton for 2015. Many members of the inaugural 2012 GMSS class are now major contributors at their respective high schools. Based on what we saw, and the feedback we received from the high school coaches, we have reason to expect the same from this group.

This year's DC Showcase featured solid post prosects, several exceptional wings and as usual some excellent guard play. We also had a GMSS first with three sets of sisters participating, including two sets of twins.We had three 6th graders participate and they held their own. We normally do not allow 6th graders to play in this event but we are considering making some changes.

High school coaches from the WCAC and IAAM were in attendance as well as schools like St. Maria Goretti and Riverdale Baptist. The teams were coached by Donita Adams of Watkins Mills, James Douglas of La Plata High, Walt Hagins of Palloti and Angie Nevarez of St. Maria Goretti. Coach and trainer Rob Wilson of Edge Bulldogs prepared the girls with a pre-game work out. 

Let's get right to who did what and how. Here is a look back at the participants...

Isabelle Tanedo, Patuxent Valley Middle School, 2022

We rarely allow 6th graders to play in the GMSS but when we do it usually works out. Isabelle followed in her older sister Caramina's footsteps and acquitted herself nicely. In fact, she was one of the best players in the showcase. She is very skilled and fundamentally sound and played with poise and confidence. She scored 19 points to lead her team to a 62-49 win.

Gia Cooke, Gwynn Park Middle School, 2022

Gia was the second 6th grader in the showcase and she was very impressive. She scored 10 points and drove to the hoop fearlessly. I was very impressed with her ability to finish against bigger and stronger players. She has a great feel for the game and solid ball handling skills. Her development will be fun to watch.

Maikya Simmons, Rodney Thompson Middle School, 2020

This was Maikya's first GMSS and she was very impressive. She is an athletic, slasher who excels in transition. She also showed that she can knock down threes as she scored 18 points in the opening game. She is a solid defender that creates havoc in the passing lanes.

Larri Sydnor, Deer Park Middle, 2020

Larri is an athletic post player with excellent size. She is very active in the paint and knows how to use her size. She scored 11 points and grabbed 10 rebounds and made her presence felt on both ends of the court.

Jamae Berrien, Matthew Henson Middle, 2021

Jamae is a promising 7th grader who is a natural scorer. She gets into the lane and finishes and has three point range as well. She looked comfortable playing both guard spots.

Synia Johnson, Matthew Henson Middle, 2020

 Synia had an excellent outing at the showcase. She is quick and solid in all areas. She can set up teammates but can also take over a game with her scoring. She is a good defender and very efficient in the transition game.

Caramina Tanedo, Patuxent Valley Middle School, 2020

Caramina kept constant pressure on the defense by attacking on offense all night. She is a true scorer with a smooth lefty jumper and some nice slashing moves. She is a point guard but could thrive playing off the ball as well.

Mesa Floyd, James Madison Middle School, 2020

Mesa returned for a second year of GMSS. She has made nice progress in her game during the year. She is super fast withthe ball and solid fundamentally.

Kaniyah Harris, Walker Mill Middle School, 2020

This was another strong performance for Kaniyah. She is an excellent finisher in traffic and has a nice array of moves. She is physical and engages on defense as well. She is being pursued by several high schools



Taylor Gibson, Southern Middle, 2021.

Taylor is an excellent post prospect. She has a soft touch inside and showed off a mid range shot as well. Her size is legit for a 7th grade player. She looked a bit nervous in the warmups but came on strong during the game. She runs the floor well and I am looking forward to seeing more of her. 



Sydney Lewis, The Mclean School, 2020

Sydney had 11 points and 12 rebounds. She usually wins any one on one match up on the block. She tough and plays in control at all times.

Rain Green, Roland Park, 2020

Rain Green is a name you should remember. She is a fierce competitor blessed with speed, agility and basketball IQ. She has excellent ball handling skills and she can make every pass.

Abbie Pesansky, Robert Frost, 2020

Abbie had a very good showcase. She has a very efficient inside game and she rebounds well. She showed off a nice touch around the hoop.

Satori Valentine, Lake Elkhorn, 2020

Satori played a big part in her team's win. She made several hustle plays on defense, played aggressively and set the tone. She scored most of her points on free throws because she was out in transition attacking the rim.

Jalen Douglas, King's Christian Academy, 2020

Jalen is a guard that can score from anywhere and she can finish with both hands. She has exceptional speed and a nice handle.

Kaiya Creek, James Dawson, 2020

Kaiya is a good scoring power forward who boxes out well and knows how to get low post position.



Kelis Corley, Hardy Middle School, 2020

Kelis is long and athletic and she has a versatile game. She has good timing on her shot blocks and she showed off some scoring ability with 10 points. She is a true two way player. 

Nyah Green, Matthew Henson, 2021

This was Nyah's first GMSS.She is competitive and not afraid to mix it up.

 Katie White, Milton Somers, 2020

Katie is a guard with good size and she threw some nice passes. Has a nice feel for the game.

Kylie Morris, St. Mathias, 2020

Kylie missed last year's GMSS due to injury. She came back strong this year. 

Amiya Spencer, CMIT South, 2021

This was Amiya's first GMSS. She has good footwork on defense and defended well. She steps into her jumper off transition really well.

Bianca Pendleton, Grace Brethren, 2020

Bianca sets up on the block and calls for the ball like she means business. She has some nice post moves and she finishes with power. She is a legit 6 footer. Excellent prospect.

Angelois Duncan, Drew Freeman Middle, 2020

This is a quick guard who is dangerous in transition. Showed some scoring ability.

Anujin Dashdorj, Julius West, 2020

This was Anujin's second GMSS this fall. She is an excellent ball handler and shooter. She has the physical talent and the IQ to contribute next year in high school.

Courtney Staggs, Samuel Massie, 2020

Courtney is a physical combo guard with good court vision. She made good decisions with the ball.

Sheril Duncan, Drew Freeman, 2020

Like her sister Angelois, Sheril can get up the court quickly. She showed off her range by draining a 3 pointer.

Randi Baldwin, Matthew Henson, 2020

Randi is an exceptional athlete with some bounce in her game. She plays aggressively on offense and at 5'11" she's a problem in the paint. I heard her singing outside after the event. She has talent.

Taylor Ball, James Madison, 2021

Taylor is a tough forward who crashes the boards. Her rebounding efforts got her to the foul line a couple of times.

 Karley Alston, The Mclean School, 2020

Karley is an active player with an explosive first step. She beat defenders off the dribble several times, scoring 6 points.

Zaiha Minnis, IBA, 2022

Zaiha is a crafty guard who looks to push the tempo at every opportunity. Solid GMSS debut for the 3rd 6th grader who participated.

Nhaikyia Smith, St. Peter's of Waldorf, 2020

This was another strong showcase for Ms. Smith who played in two this fall. She gets after it on both ends of the court.

Nia Thweat, Mayfield Woods, 2020

Nia is a smooth player, a slasher who gets to the line. Looking forward to seeing more of her this winter.

Kalani Corkeron, Wilde Lake Middle, 2020

Kalani had an excellent showcase. She was all over the court making hustle plays and grabbing rebounds. She made a sweet pull up jumper and scored 5 points in the game.

Aija James, Shirley C. Heim, 2020

Aija is a match up problem for defenders. She is 6 feet tall and has some quickness. Solid prospect for a high school program.

Lindsay Thweat, Mayfield Woods, 2020

Lindsay is athletic and versatile. She made plays on both ends of the court. I enjoyed seeing her matched up with her twin Nia.

Brenae Ford, Gwynn Park, 2020

Brenae had a good outing at the GMSS DC. She showed off a nice outside shot and knocked down her free throws. Brenae's game day photo was not available.