Saturday, March 17th

The 7th annual Senior Shoot Out was one of the best yet. Once again the site was the Baltimore City Community College campus in West Baltimore. The line up featured 3 senior all star games and the Girls Middle School All Star game. 

The DMV Showcase is an annual game that features 20-25 players from the Senior class who have been overlooked for some reason, or are looking for some additional options. We keep a healthy database of players so it is usually easy to fill the game with kids we have seen and referrals from coaches we trust. Every year some gems are discovered and connections are made. We usually attract 25-30 coaches (47 is the most we've had) from DI, DII, DIII, NAIA and JUCO schools. This year's showcase game featured quite a few players who will be impact players next year. The game was competitive from start to finish with team Black pulling out a 60-54 win. Jasmine Gholson of Westlake scored 16 and took home the MVP award for the game but Alyssa Sweeney (Stonewall Jackson) was also strong with her own 16 points. Both players are strong shooters, hitting four 3 pointers apiece. Katelyn Canlas of Crossland was one of my favorite point guards in the event. She was able to penetrate effectively, knock down shots and make good decisions. Team White was led by Western guard Makayla Pickens' 12 points. A'janay Nicholson (City) had a strong game as well, aggressively attacking the rim and playing with a lot of energy. Jasmine Franklin of Mercy, a 5'11 wing/power forward, also had some strong moments scoring and rebounding. Destiny Johnson of Western provided strong rebounding and inside presence as she usually does. 

 The Mid Atlantic Challenge is the second game of the day and usually my favorite. I usually have no idea who a quarter of the kids are as we invite players from Central PA, Virginia, Philly, New York or the Carolinas via referrals. The rosters usually feature signed players from all levels of play and  a few who are unsigned which creates a very competitive atmosphere. Last year's game was decided on a jumper with 4 seconds left by Riverdale Baptist guard Tyana Scott. This year's game was decided when Zakiyah Winfield of Wilson High in PA dropped a lay up in at the buzzer. Winfield walked away with the game's MVP award for her team and Unique Meyers (NCA) took the honors for her team. Both players were solid throughout, looking like college ready prospects and both are still available. 

Other standouts were Joppatowne guard Shawkina Mulazim who is solid at both guard spots. NCA guard Tychaun Hubbard, Reservoir's 6'1 shot blocker Nia Powell (4 blocks), 6'1 post Aunbrielle Green of Central Dauphine East, Parkdale power forward Ragan Johnson, Taysha Bender of Spalding and Taylor Clayborne of Elizabeth Seton. Every one of the unsigned players in the event is capable of playing at some level next year. 

 Mid Atlantic Challenge MVP's Unique Meyers of NCA and Zakiyah Winfield of Wilson High (PA). 

 GIRLS MIDDLE SCHOOL ALL STARS 2018 

We used to start the day with the GMSS All Star Game but they started to steal the show so we move them to co-main event status. This year was no different as we assembled some of the finest middle school talent in the area. Both teams competed from the opening tip but the high powered Blue team still managed to ring up 88 points! The Red team was loaded and on most days 62 points would be enough to secure a win. This was not an ordinary day as the Blue team had four players in double figures. Nyceara "Lil Mama" Pryor led everyone with 20 points and also led all players in assists and rebounds at 4'11". Nehku Mitchell added 12 points, Aryss Mactoon had 10 and Jaylen Brown scored 10 as well. The Red team was led by "Showtime" Gabby Johnson with 19 and Cori Barnes added 10, including a 3 from past the NBA line. There were several other talented players worth mentioning so I will. Cassidy Mahaney is a big time shooter. D' Shantae Edwards lived up to her billing. She is the real deal with good size, is skilled and poised. Jaylen Brown is a six foot point guard with exceptional skills already. I'm looking forward to watching these players develop into high school stars. 

Coach Shane Stem (Gerstell) Gabby Johnson, Howard Dorsey, Nyceara Pryor and Jocara Knight. GMSS MVP's.  

 Zakiyah Winfield, Wilson High, provided this year's buzzer beater excitement.

The main event of the day is the Beltway Clash. As usual, this one did not disappoint. The rosters were thin this year with several no shows, but the ones who came balled out. The 695 All Stars jumped out to an early lead 0f 25-11 but 495 made a furious rally behind the heroics of Taleah Washington of Rock Creek Christian Academy. 495 took a 6 point lead in the second half but 695 was able to rally and then hold off 495 in the final minute for a 60-57 win. Jasmine Dickey scored 19 for 695 and Washington had 19 for 495. Both were game MVP's. 

 If you were not able to make it out you can check out the replays via the DYE SPORTING NETWORK'S YouTube Channel.