695HOOPS WHERE IT'S ALWAYS ALL ABOUT THE GIRLS
Friday, September 25th.
We returned to the U-Turn Sports Performance Academy for the second annual ALL BALL U College Exposure Showcase in Richmond, Virginia. Organizer Star Willis put 50 players in position to showcase themselves in front of college scouts from schools like Navy, George Washington University, UMASS Lowell, North Carolina A&T, Old Dominion, Richmond, Virginia Wesleyan, Howard and several more in a more intimate setting than your average team event. There are many events for media outlets and bloggers to choose from, but we will always find a way to support good people who treat you right when you show up. The ALL Ball U staff are always friendly and organized and they feed you well.
This year's showcase followed the same format as last year. The participants went through some drill stations which were coordinated by the enthusiastic coaches of the event. The college coaches I spoke to enjoyed this part of the event because it allowed them to get a look at how the prospects moved and interacted before they started playing. The players then joined their teams and played rotating 20 minutes halves. There were a number of players who did not seem to realize that there were college scouts watching who could change the course of their young lives. A couple of coaches noted that some of the play was a bit uninspired. I wanted to point that out because I think sometimes the kids take things for granted and we need to remind them that they are being watched. After all, that is the purpose of a showcase. I did not write down the names of those players but I most certainly did take note of a few who came to show off their skills and compete at a high level. A special thank you goes out to Nate Logan of Girls Hoops Media for contributing the action photos.
Morgan Batie, 5'7"guard, Richmond Christian, 2017
Morgan is point guard that looks comfortable playing off the ball as well. She has good size and is a very active on both ends of the court. She is constantly in attack mode and is a threat to score from anywhere. She made a good impression on me over the summer and she did nothing to change that. Excellent showcase for Morgan.
Aneka Yelverton, 5'9" guard, Nansemond River High School, 2016
Aneka is a big guard that uses her size to her advantage. She knows how to post up smaller guards and she has a nice turn around jumper that she uses to shoot over them. She is a good offensive rebounder
Jaelyn Harris-Caple, 5'5"guard, Trinity Episcopal High School, 2018
I always enjoy watching Jaelyn play. She is a slick and crafty play maker with a nice jumper. She is not afraid to attack the rim and has a knack for making momentum changing plays for her team.
Madison Nimmo, 5'0" point guard, Baltimore Starz, 2022
Madison was the smallest and youngest player in the showcase but that is not why she stood out. She was totally unfazed by playing with and against older players. She has a high basketball IQ for such a young player and she is very skilled. She made good decisions and shot the ball well. By the end of the event her older teammates trusted her completely.
Cierra Cook, 5'7" point guard, Western Branch High School, 2017
Cierra is a solid point guard prospect that displayed the leadership skills you want in that position. She can run a team in the half court setting, and she is really dangerous in the open court. She made good decisions and finished nicely with a variety of soft floaters.
Autumn Hopson, 5'8" guard/forward, Patriot High School 2017
Autumn caught my eye because she was rocking the freshest hair at the showcase. She brought her game as well. She made some plays that highlighted her athletic ability and showed her skills by knocking down some 3 pointers. Autumn is a two way player with some versatility.
Madison Baum, 5'2" point guard, LC Bird High School, 2017
Madison has improved a lot since last year. She is a tough competitor with some nice ball handling and defensive skills. She is turning into a nice floor general.
Tierra Morris, 5'1" point guard, The Collegiate School, 2018
Tierra is a small, but deft point guard will wicked ball handling skills. She is strong in transition, but can also break down defenders in a half court situation. She can make all the necessary passes including post entry.
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