BRONX, NEW YORK - This was by far, the best Middle School Showcase event that I ever attended or had a chance to be a part of. King Of New York (Joe Fenelon) of NYG Hoops / Blue Star Media brought the house down this time with all of the Middle School talent that filled the gymnasium at Hostos Community College in the Boogie Down Bronx home of America's  Major League Baseball team, the New York Yankee's. The Bronx was the first stomping grounds where rap finally broke through at, some famous peo- ple came from this borough in New York, Jennifer Lopez, Phil Spector, Fat Joe, Big Pun, Al Pacino, and Scandal's star Kerry Washington. As far as sports go right now, in I know some true New Yorkers don't want to here this but all of there sports teams are on the down slide, but for girls basket- ball, NYG Hoops will keep things a float with covering and showcasing all the up in coming young talent that's been running around through the Tri-State area. There was live streaming by Cam Media and Blue Star Media and SEC Broadcaster Blake DuDonis, Rich Leary from Ushoops was in attendances to give out some drill work and pointers about Basketball and Life. 

Ava Learn - 6'1 - 2021 - Forward - Hyde Park, NY - Versatile forward who can just about do anything she wants on the court, recognizes mis - matches when smaller defenders are guarding her. Can create off the dribble... Attacks open lanes... Mid-range gamer... Good forum when shooting ball... Long frame.... Handle... Can push in rock in transition... Versatility plays a major roll in her skill set...


Emma Stanton - 6'2 - 2021 - Forward - New York, NY - Can switch from Forward to post position while on the move, knows where to be on the court while in transition or in a halfcourt set. Has very good hands... Soft touch... Plays within herself... Mobile... Good size... Footwork is good...


Zaakyaa Young - 5'7 - 2021 - Guard - Brooklyn, NY - Off guard, who just started playing two years ago. Can get out in push the ball in traffic... Has great athleticism... Long arms for size... Athlete... Handle... Leaper...


Nyema Lindsey - 5'4 - 2021 - Guard - Staten Island, NY - Athletic Guard who plays on the ball, loves to attack while in transition. Live on both sides of the ball... See the floor well... Runs the floor well... Creates in open floor...


Allie McGinn - 5'9 - Wing - 2021 - Wing - Staten Island, NY - Wing player with guard like skills, loves to set up or get her teammates involved in the game. Very active on both ends... Rebounds... See's floor... Defends... Can score... Scores in bunches... High motor...


Tiana Marshall - 5'2 - 2021 - Guard - Bronx, NY - Lead-guard, who has a mindset of pass first, has killer passing ability, but can also score when needed.Gets to lane with ease... Quick off the dribble... Breaks defenders down...


Kayla Perez - 5'7 - 2022 - Guard - Brick Twp, NJ - Lead guard who is explosive off the dribble, likes to fill up the lanes. Quickness... Superior passer... Crafty with ball... Handle... Lateral quickness... 

Rachel Gordon - 5'7 - 2022 - Forward - Teaneck, NJ - Confident small forward who has develop a all around game. Dual - threat attack with mid-range game... Handle... Basketball know how... Strong... Rebounds well on the offensive side of the ball...


Christina Midgette - 5'9 - 2022 - Guard - Princeton, NJ - Off-guard with size and strength, scores and different ways. Interior player also... Strong... Rebounds... Put back points... 


Gabrielle Hemenes - 5'10 - 2022 - Forward - Harlem, NY - Interior athletic performer, with crazy potential. Drives and draws contact... Active on glass... Defends... Rebounds...


Cierra Pearson - 5'7 - 2022 - Guard - Teaneck, NJ - Lefty, smooth guard who can play with or without the ball. Athletic... Scorers mentality... Mid-range gamer... Can drain the 3 ball... Handle...


Madison Johnson - 5'10 - 2021 - Forward - East Orange, NJ - Strong, interior lefty prospect who is starting to develop a guard like skill set. Cleans glass... Good footwork...


Angelica Velez - 5'4 - 2022 - Guard - Bronx, NY - Skilled lead-guard who can score from anywhere, creates on the floor when driving to the basket. Crafty ball handler... Creates on and off the ball... Speed... Athletic... Excels in transition...


Zaria Lewis - 6'0 - 2023 - Guard - Staten Island, NY - Strong, interior prospect who bring length and strength to the game. Creates space between herself in defender... Can some what handle ball... Okay in Isolation situations... Physical...
 

 Amanda Latkany - 5'10 - 2021 - Forward - Rye, NY - Versatile perimeter prospect with size and length. Consistent... Draws contact... Defends and alter shots... Wingspan... 

 

Skye Owens - 5'5 - 2022 - Point Guard - Staten Island, NY - Crafty confident floor leader who distributes and deliver in transition. Poised game manager... Handle... executes... High prospect for 2022... High IQ... Superior passer...


Brooke Tatarian - 5'9 - 2021 - Wing - Bronxville, NY - Athletic off-guard with some size, Pushes ball in transition... Handle... Plays' well in open court... Rebounds... Attacks...


Natalie Pence - 5'8 - 2021 - Wing - Mount Kisco, NY - Big lead-guard who has size, quick first step off the dribble. Mid-range gamer... Strong... Attacks rim with force... 


Zaria Lewis - 6'0 - 2023 - Guard - Staten Island, NY - Strong, interior prospect who bring length and strength to the game. Creates space between herself in defender... Can some what handle ball... Okay in Isolation situations... Physical...


Sanna Ferreiras - 5'2 - 2021 - Point Guard - Whites Plains, NY - Confident floor leader with speed, Creator in transition... Uptempo... On ball defender... Tough... Penetrates... Breaks defenses down while attacking... Has to start working on mid-range because of her small frame...

Imani Harris - 5'4 - 2021 - Point Guard - Bronx, NY - Lead-guard with superior handle, Cat like speed. Delivers off the dribble in a halfcourt game... High prospect for 2021... Knows how to finish in traffic... Strong upper body... Handle... Slick... 
 

Kayla Becford - 5'8 - 2022 - Guard - Paterson, NJ - Combo-guard with a scorers mentality, Distributes and pushes tempo... Physical with court awareness... Mid-range gamer... Smooth... 



Janel Moore - 5'5 - 2021 - Point Guard - Spring Valley, NY - Lead-guard with heavy passing ability, good in a halfcourt set. Breaks defenders down with quickness... Reads defenses... Quiet storm... Attacks in transition... 
 

Paris Clark - 5'6 - 2022 - Point-guard - Mount Vernon, NY - Off-guard with quickness, drives in attacks in transition game. Athletic floor leader... Quick leaper... Electrifying moves... Control with attacking the basket... 


Niaisya Ervin - 5'7 - 2021 - Combo-guard - Newark, NJ - Smooth combo-guard, with tons of moves when attacking the basket. Smooth persona... Mid-range game threat... High IQ... Creates off dribble...     

                 

                       

PATERSON, NEW JERSEY - Headed up to the 5th Annual New Year's Resolution Hosted by the New Jersey Sparks this past weekend, let me start off by saying that my normal travel time is usually approximately one hour forty - five minutes. Well not this time, according to the National Weather Associates, New Jersey was only suppose to get 1 - 3 inches. Wrong, the state of New Jersey accumulate 6 - 10 inches in some parts of state, it sure would be nice to have a job like that when you just make predictions on something that if it happens or it doesn't happen your job is safe. 

It made travels a little difficult for some teams that were coming up from the Northeast, 31 out of 32 teams made it to the New Year's Resolution, teams came as far North as Canada and South as Florida. But a little snow storm wasn't going to stop all of this talent from coming to one of the most premier event's on the East Coast. Gthing was able to catch some High School talent one day, in some Middle School talent the following day, in this three day event which was held at three different sites John F Kennedy High School, Eastside High School and International High School.

Andrea Aquino - 6'9 - Post - 2018 - Paterson Eastside HS, (NJ) - Superior length and size complemented by agility, uptempo and mobile. Continues to develop a more consistent offensive game... Good footwork... Shot blocker... Defends... Alters shots... Wingspan and size... Low post performer... Active on glass...

Abbey Lawrence - 5'9 - WING - 2018 - Newark Tech HS - (NJ) - Off - Guard who plays along the wing, has range in length. Spot up shooter... Long arms... Defends... Handle... Mid - Range gamer... On ball defender... Lanky frame... Scrappy...

D'aviyon Magazine - 5'7 - Combo-Guard - 2017 - Queen Of Peace HS - (NJ) - Lead guard with good hands, strong upper body with good size, stocky frame. Strong and physical... Creates for shot... Takes on contact... Can knock down big shot...

Amani Boston - 5'4 - Guard - 2019 - Cathedral HS - (MA) - Lead - guard with crafty ball handling skills, gets out on the breaks in runs. Uptempo... Delivers in transition... Consistent... Handle...

Jariah Paterson - 5'9 - Guard - 2020 - Immaculate Conception HS - (NJ) - Athletic combo - guard, combo - guard with a little range. Solid guard skills... Results in traffic... 

Tatyana Ashmeade - 5'11 - Forward - 2018 - Paterson Eastside HS - (NJ) - Small forward how brings a lot of energy to the game along with good intangibles. Raw... Rebounds... Garbage points around the basket... Tweener...

Caitlin Townes - 5'7 - Guard - 2018 - Newark Tech HS - (NJ) - Lead - Guard with superior passing skills, creates off the dribble while in transition. Active in lanes... Uptempo... Good hands... Handle... Attacks... Smooth... Drives and deliver with body control...

Jabarria Brown - 5'8 - Guard - 2019 - Paterson Eastside HS - (NJ) - Lead - guard who loves to attacks off the dribble, strong and physical. Attacks in transition... Clock manager... Runs offenses well in a halfcourt set...

Nyla Allen - 5'2 - Guard - 2020 - Potter's House Christian Academy HS - (FL) - Cat like speed, lead - guard who breaks defenses down. Distributes and dictates tempo of game... Interior passes... Quick first step... Handle... Crafty... Gets out in transition... 

Onome Akinbode - James - 6'3 - Forward - 2018 - Blair Academy HS - (NJ) - Agile interior performer; great in pick in roll situations. Shot blocker... Rebounds... Defends... Can put the ball on the floor... Creates space in the painted area... Raw... Runs floor... 

Jennifer Davis - 5'5 - Guard - 2018 - TPLS Christian Academy HS - (VA) - Lead - guard with high basketball IQ, good stroke from beyond the arc. Make things look easy in the halfcourt set... Shoots the ball at a high percentages...


Taliyah Countrymon - 6'1 - Forward - 2018 - Cathedral HS - (MA) - Versatile perimeter player with size in the front court, can switch to face up game. Size in length... Consistent on both ends of the court... Rebounds... Athletic... Long arms...

Kelina Menard - 5'7 - Guard - 2019 - Immaculate Conception HS - (NJ) - Smooth floor leader with handle; attacks basket under control. Push tempo in delivers... Passes are money... Energy... Handle... Quick off the bounce...

Forever Toppin - 5'9 - Guard - 2018 - Queen Of Peace HS (NJ) - Confident lead - guard floor leader with speed; Ultra quick... Handle... Uptempo... Handles and dishes in transition...  Strives in open court...

Mariah Perez - 6'3 - Forward - 2019 - Newark Tech HS (NJ) - Versatile interior post prospect with strong power game inside; Starting to show her arsenal of weapons on offense... Shot blocker... Strong... Physical... Skilled in the paint...


Erica Martinsen - 5'11 - Combo-Guard - 2018 - Blair Academy HS (NJ) - Combo with exceptional shooting skills, has good range in a quick release. Uptempo, gets out in run... Handle... Quick release... High arc shoot... Shooters touch... Elevates on jump shot... Can create own shot...


Janeen Camp - 6'5 - Post - 2017 - TPLS Academy HS (VA) - Interior post with a intimidating presence, plays well off pick in roll situation. Passes well for size... Excellent foot work... College frame... Good hands... Shot blocker... Mobility... Clogs lane... Size and strength...


Sierra Swanda - 5'10 - Forward - 2017 - Potter's House Christian Academy HS (FL) - Athletic interior player, with good foot work. Moves well without the ball... Quick on the block.. Creates space... Explodes to basket...


Jordan McLemore - 5'7 - Guard - 2018 - Immaculate Conception HS (NJ) - Smooth lead-guard with good awareness, poise and calm. Penetrates and dishes rock while in lane... Plays under control... Mid-Range gamer... Starting to play with confidence...


Jasmine Gaines - 5'6 - Guard - 2017 - Potter's House Christian Academy HS (FL) - Explosive lead-guard who shines in the uptempo game, creates off the dribble. Body control when attacking the basket... Strong upper body... Scorers mentality... Great in pressure situation... Elevates on pull up...

Diary Of A Female Baller: Jordan Nixon ( Harlem, NY ) Entry # 8 & 9

Jordan Nixon & Friends

Hey guys, I hope you enjoyed your couple weeks as much as I did. There were days with a few more tribulations than others, but I got through it. I will tell you all about them in Weeks 9 and 10 of Diary of a Female Baller.

Monday: Today was a shortened school day because we had Christmas Liturgy that afternoon. Immediately after, we had practice. We continued with the drills we used the last week that keyed in on our weak areas. I was a little down at first after reflecting on the game; I didn't feel like I contributed to the win since I sat for a large portion of the game due to foul trouble. 

Tuesday: Today was a regular school day, but still a little more exciting than the rest. It was our last day before Christmas  Break. The day dragged a little, but I was looking forward to practice at Elmcor, a community center gym in queens. The court is much larger, which allows for more realistic spacing when scrimmaging or doing live drills. It wasn't an easy practice. Many struggled to bring the energy, so a couple of my teammates and I encouraged the others to pick it up. We had an off day the next day, so we wanted people to push through and give it all they had left. Needless to say, we got through it and Christmas Break had officially begun. 

Wednesday: Today was my first TMLA Christmas. All students are able to dress down and walk around the school for two and half hours or so. My seven closest friends and I decided to do secret santa, so after the day's festivities, we gathered in the auditorium and exchanged gifts; I'd never done secret santa before this year. There were a lot of smiles and hugs. Once the teachers kicked all of the students out of the building to start their faculty party,  we went to KP's house before heading to Dallas BBQ later that afternoon. There, we blasted the radio and ate candy to our heart's content until we became sick of the sugar and decided to head out. Once we arrived at the restaurant, in routine fashion, I kindly told my friends to put their phones in the middle of the table to force conversation. Of course, at least one had to refuse, but everyone else complied. We had a great time, so great that no one wanted to go home. Luckily for a few of us, our parents gave us permission to go to the mall for a couple more hours. The hardest thing was saying goodbye, but we did eventually; today was one for the books. 

Thursday: Today we had practice in the early afternoon, which allowed me to get a little more sleep than usual. Overall, practice went well. We were able to cover a lot of ground in our two hours together. After practice, I stayed around to put up a variety of shots; I think it's really important to have an assortment of shots for different spots on the court. After shooting, I headed home and spent the remainder of the day in the house besides the couple of walks with my dog. 

Friday: Today was my last practice before Christmas Break. It went well overall. We all brought a lot of energy and worked hard for two hours, with the occasional lapses. I didn't have to get home the late afternoon, so KP, Vee and I hitched a ride with our coach to Green Acres Mall. I mean, Queens is great and I love spending time with my friends, but I don't think I'll be taking that hour bus ride from Green Acres to an hour train ride home again anytime soon. Later, my mom and I headed to the Poconos to help my aunt prepare for the impending holiday. There'd been a lot going on within my family, so several Christmas traditions such as, going to the Poconos and decorating the tree about two weeks prior to Christmas, dissolved on this particular year. However, everyone's spirits seemed to still be high. We did a little bit of cleaning and prepping for cooking the next day before hitting the bed. 

Saturday: Christmas Eve! I love the Poconos all year round, but especially during the winter. Usually, we don't have the opportunity to stay for more than a day and a half, so I was really excited. The day was both productive and fun; I tried to savor every moment with my family because once the season kicks into full gear and AAU begins, it gets very difficult to make the trip up there for a gathering. I was upset that I had to miss practice given the competition we'd have to face at Title IX, but spending the day in the Poconos made it worth it. 

Sunday: Christmas Day! I love the holidays especially Christmas morning. Not for the conventional reason of getting gifts, but over the past few years, my family and I have inadvertently started traditions. Such as, my aunt getting up and making coffee for all of the adults in the house, me getting up and tapping my mom right before I walk the dog or listening to Christmas music ALL DAY, amongst others. The day was everything I hoped it'd be and then some because my uncle, who had recently gotten his foot amputated, came home for the day. He was in such high spirits and just for a little bit, it felt like old times. We laughed, snacked, and sang a lot throughout the day. I enjoyed every minute before my mom, brother and I had to head back to the city. 

Week 10: 

Monday: Today we had a 9 am practice which I was unable to attend because of problems with public transportation. I was extremely bothered. For one, I hadn't shot a basketball in two days, which isn't a good thing, but what could I do. 

Tuesday: Today we packed up on the Mary Louis bus and headed to Title IX in Washington, D.C. Since my mom wasn't able to attend this trip, I was a little uneasy at first. I'm accustomed to her being in the stands screaming at the top of her lungs, but this was an opportunity for maturation.  After all, my mom won't be able to attend all of my games in college, so its best that I experienced uneasiness now rather than later. Although our game was scheduled for the next day, the tournament coordinators hosted a banquet for all teams to discuss Title IX as well as to educate us on the gender gap and measures being taken to close that gap, amongst a list of other topics. Overall, it was a successful event. I enjoyed it because I was able to dress up, eat and learn a little bit. We arrived at the hotel fairly early in the evening, so we talked and laughed a lot before hitting the bed. 

Wednesday: Today was our first game of the tournament. We were placed in the highest division and our first opponent was Ribault, the number 3 ranked team in the country. I knew that I'd struggle to get into a rhythm, which happened, because I hadn't touched a ball in four days (I'm never doing that again). The team as a whole struggled on the offensive end, but we also allowed them to have their way with us on the offensive and defensive glass. It was a learning experience and we were looking forward to playing better in the game the next day. 

Thursday: Today was game day again, so we followed the same routine. I wasn't content with my play the day before, so I made the necessary adjustments in the stretches as well as in the little things like consuming water based fruits and not drinking too many liquids pre-game. 

After all, we came out with the win. Again, I wasn't happy with my play on the offensive end, but I made sure to contribute in other ways. Later that night, while reflecting on the games, not only in D.C., but over the course of the beginning stages of our season, I had not been doing the things that had kept me sharp during pre-season. I had started wasting precious time. I had started making excuses as to why I shouldn't push myself. I became content. That night, I vowed that I would develop those good habits that'd benefitted me in the past. 

Friday:  Today was the last day of the tournament, so I had one more game to give my all. We played well overall, especially my teammate Danielle Patterson who had a whopping 30 points that day, even though we didn't come out on top. I was disappointed in myself, but I was more concerned on the near future; I was ready to develop my good habits again. I arrived back in the city later that night. It was a tough week, but I learned several things and decided to move forward with the newly attained information. 

Saturday: We didn't have practice today, so I spent some time at home cleaning and such. 

Sunday: Today felt like a new start for me. I wasn't satisfied with way I finished 2016, so January 1st marked the first day of another long, hard siege to achieving my goals. My mom, god sister decided to head out to get breakfast after which, my god sister and I were able to head home and watch movies and play uno. I didn't have practice today, so it seemed in my best interest to enjoy other things like my family. Later that evening, my mom, god sister and I attended a huge family gathering at my cousin's house. It was a lot of fun chopping it up with my other cousins and of course, grubbing; it was a great start to the New Year. 

It's been a long ten weeks, and I both learned and grew from all of my experiences. Thank you to GThing Basketball for this opportunity to share a little bit of my life with the Basketball World.

GTHING BASKETBALL WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE FOR THE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION JAN 6 - 8 IN PATERSON NEW JERSEY, HOSTED BY EYBL OWN NEW JERSEY SPARKS.

               THE FESTIVAL OF THE PHOENIX

MATAWAN, NJ - This was my first Festival Of The Phoenix tournament and it definitely wont be my last, they had a team come up from the Northeast (MA) to heading South as far as Maryland. They brought in all the top level competition from New Jersey, Such as St, John's Vianney, Life Center Academy, Patrick School, and Blair Academy. National Christian Academy who is and always loaded came to Jersey to get a little bump before they got ready for Title IX where all the big dogs was to compete over the Christmas and New Year Holiday. 



Elizabeth Martino - 5'10 - 2020 - Guard - National Christian Academy (MD) - Has the athletic ability to almost do want she's wants especially when in the open court, quick first step to the basket. Bounce off the dribble... scorer's mentality... Athletic... Elevates on jump shot... 


Qadashah Hoppie - 5'9 - 2017 - Guard - Patrick School (NJ) - St. Johns signee  Explosive combo-guard who likes to penetrate in dish while in the lane, gets up in down the court with superb speed. High IQ... Passes well through defenders... Consistent Mid - Range gamer...



Natalie Stralkus - 5'10 - 2018 - Combo - Guard - Peddie School (NJ) - High motor combo - guard who is very aggressive when attacking the rim, plays with a chip on her shoulder and shows as the game go's on. Strong upper body... Handles and protect the ball... Streaky shooter...


Aliyah Powell - 5'2 - 2017 - Guard - Patrick School (NJ) - On the ball defender, who stays consistent on both sides of the ball; knows when to attack the basket. Good hands... Moves well without the ball... Handles the ball... Shoots the three well... Spot up shooter... Small...



Tahniyyah Johnson - 5'7 - Combo - Guard - 2017 - Mastery North Charter (PA) - Excellent combo - guard who loves to get out in run and beat you in different ways. Hesitation dribble... Ball handler... Rebounds well for size... Explosive off the dribble... Mid - Range gamer...


Angel Reese - 6'3 - 2020 - Forward - St. Frances Academy (MD) - Lean and Athletic; tough with good fundamentals, mature for her age. Can play the 2 - 4 positions... Patient... Long and agile... High prospect for 2020... Needs to build muscles... Problem for defenders...


Katie Kinum - 5'10 - 2017 - Forward - New Providence (NJ) - Penn signee... Very high IQ and knowledge for the game, Strong and physical. Passes threw the seam... Attacks... Good shot selection... Great forum... Talks to teammates... Boxes out...


Mykea Gray - 5'6 - 2017 - Guard - National Christian Academy (MD) - Miami signee; Small crafty back court leader, who takes control of the game. Pushes the ball in uptempo game; Penetrates and finds rim... Athletic... Strives in the open court... Handles... 


Zaria Dorsey - 6'2 - 2018 - Forward - Patrick School (NJ) - Explosively athletic, versatile face up performer. Creates and draws contact... Crafty... Handles... Mix match problem on wing... Great foot work... Excellent around perimeter...


Sydney Brown - 6'0 - 2018 - Forward - Blair Academy (NJ) - Long athletic; quick leaper. Knows how to draw contact when attacking the rim, Poise... Plays under control... Length...
Long arms... Defends... Quick leaper... Body control... Rebounds...


Jaala Henry - 6'4 - 2017 - Post - National Christian Academy (MD) - Pittsburgh signee; has definitely improved since going over to National Christian, knows how to use her size and strength... Defends well in painted area... Shot blocker... Clogs lanes... Can score with ease on the box... Has to get more aggressive at the next level...


Calimah Singletary - 6'2 - 2017 - Forward - Patrick School (NJ) - Strong low - post performer with good hands; Active on glass... Hard worker... Physical on the block... Interior player...


Akinbode - James Onome - 6'4 - 2018 - Post - Blair Academy (NJ) - Agile interior prospect with potential; shot blocker. Defends... Makes defenders change direction when entering the lane... Long arms... Wingspan... Mobile...




Nia Clouden - 5'9 - 2018 - Guard - St. Frances (MD) - Explosive combo - guard with a hole lot of game, finishes plays in traffic with body control. Finds the basket on consistent bases... Creates off dribble... Quick first step... Explosive off the dribble... Uptempo... Mid - Range gamer... Quickness... Handles...