DIARY OF A FEMALE BALLER: KAYLA BECKFORD 2022 PATERSON, NJ (NEW JERSEY SPARKS) ENTRY #8

KAYLA BECKFORD

Hello, this is Kayla checking in for the final week.

Monday - All I did today was finish packing and did some running around with my mom for the USJN DC trip. We went shopping making sure we had everything we needed. I didn't do any basketball training, I was off for today.

Tuesday - This morning we left the house very early to head to DC. The USJN DC Nationals was held at the Gaylord Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Maryland. We checked into our hotel, relaxed and headed to our only game for today at 4:30. We won by 15 against Philly Triple Threat and I did okay. My family and one of my closest teammates family went out for dinner.

Wednesday- Today our games were at 4:30 and 7:30. I ate breakfast and my teammates and I chilled until it was time for lunch. My mom took me to Chipotle for lunch and then I took a nap before we headed to the games.  We won our first game by 16 against Team Nova, but then lost our second game against Team TakeOver by 4. We played the team before and won, but that past game was back and forth just like this game was. I did okay today but definitely was disappointed in that loss. We went out to dinner with some teammates to a restaurant and then went back to hotel to get a good night sleep.

Thursday- Today our games were 9:00am and 4:00pm. We won both our games today. Our first game was against Team Nova and we won by around 13. The second game was against Germantown Lady Panthers. We were down the entire game and then we came back in fourth quarter to win by 9. We won our pool and had quarter finals in the morning.

Friday- Today was quarterfinals, semi finals and finals. We won quarterfinals against a different tougher Team Nova. I didn't do much all game long until 4th quarter. I got a couple steals, rebounds and buckets to seal the deal. We advanced to the semifinals and played against another different Philly Triple Threat and lost by 4. We were not suppose to lose that game. After the game I headed to the outlets and then headed back home to New Jersey. Even though we lost in the semi's (5-2 finish at USJN DC), we had a GREAT AAU season and got better throughout the year.

Saturday- I worked out today with a new trainer and I would have to say that was the toughest basketball workout I’ve been put through. Just the warm ups had my legs burning. I didn’t quit or give up because I knew it would make me better. I was completely dead after the workout was done. It wore off a little on the ride home and I did a little shooting in my driveway. After that, I went again with my mom and chilled for the rest of the day.

Sunday- I woke up super early just to go back to sleep. I woke back up around 12 and headed to my basketball workout with Tarik. I did that and just chilled with my mom for the remainder of the day. My mom, brother and I went out to dinner at a buffet. That was it for the day. Also, I'm looking forward to Rites Of Passage next weekend and a couple weeks off after that to rest and refocus before I get back in the gym.

DAIRY OF A FEMALE BALLER: KAYLA BECKFORD 2022 PATERSON, NJ (NEW JERSEY SPARKS) ENTRY #7

KAYLA & PEE WEE KIRKLAND

Hello Basketball World, this is Kayla checking in for Week 7.

Monday - I'll be going to The Patrick School basketball camp this whole week. I got there at lunch since my father overslept from his night job. There we only 5 girls including and one of them was my teammate, the rest were boys. After lunch was over, we stretched and did some speed & agility stuff outside with the TPS trainer. We did some work with the long and short resistance bands. It was very challenging being that mostly everything was a first for me. We also did ladder drills push-ups. I really liked it though because it was fun and interesting. We went inside and played 4 on 4. I did very well in front of a lot of coaches and players. It was boys for the most part and I was killing them. Camp was over by the time all the games finished. I went home to eat and nap a little and then it was back to my strength & conditioning/ speed & agility workout. I did some cone work and some resistance drills here too. I had a great day.

Tuesday - Today I got there on time and we started out warming up outside. Then went went inside to do ball handling, layups, three man weave, and 2 on 2. I learned some new moves and did some new drills that I've never seen before. Then it was lunch. After, we stretched out and played 5 on 5. Then, we went outside to do battle ropes, push up jumps, weight ball, and the same resistance and ladder stuff from yesterday. I came home until it was time for my 6 o'clock workout. I did a lot of running compared to other days where there's a balance. Then I went to the gym and made at least 300 shots from close, mid range, and the three. Today was tiring.

BRONX, NEW YORK - The Festival was a two day event, held by NYG HOOPS JOE FENELON in the BRONX aka BX at Mount Saint Vincent College. This was a tune-up for all AAU programs that where trying to get a edge off before they headed Midwest to Chicago and Kentucky to play in one of the biggest months of the AAU Circuit, July is a Live Period month were all the colleges coaches come out to take a look at some of the young recruits or some of the recruits that they seen before or heard about that's either signed or unsigned. NYG HOOPS had some familiar names in the building, at which he done a good job at getting, since putting this thing together on such a short notices. Here are some players, Gthing was able to see, one day out of this two day event.

Precious Cowan - 2019 - Guard - 5'6 - (Bronx, NY) - Harlem USA 15U - Lead Guard with a scorers mentality, likes to get out in transition and push the the rock as much as possible. Most of Cowan's points come from attacking the basket or at the charity strike, very active and has a knack for the Guard game. Lead Guard... Uptempo... Crafty... Fills the lanes...

Jordan Obi - 2020 - Guard - 5'11 - (Simsbury, CT) - New York Lady Gauchos 17U - Big strong power Guard, with a huge upside and should be consider a top prospect in the years to come. Jordan is smooth with her handle can causes her defenders fits because of her size and ability to finish at the rim or dish it off. Strong... Upper body strength... Court vision... Inside moves..

Adia Burrows - 2019 - Forward - 6'0 - (Wilton, NY) - Harlem USA 15U - Interior scorer with a very soft touch, very mobile around the basket. Great offensive threat, calls for ball in mismatch situations in the lane and always looking to find ways to get open.


Asianae Johnson - 2018 - Guard - 5'7 - (Brooklyn, NY) - New Lady Gauchos 17U - Scoring Guard with some bounce to her game, Johnson is very athletic and can to the basket within a few steps. Scorers mentality... Uptempo... Leaper... High motor... Acrobatic moves... Slasher...


Mia Seemadray - 2020 - Forward - 5'11 - (Saint Albans, NY) - New Heights 14U - Long athletic wing who does well when putting the ball on the floor and creating, likes to attack the basket despite being a little thin. Aggressive on the offensive side of the ball... Calls for ball quiet... Coachable... Needs to put on some side...


Moriyah Jordan - 2018 - Post - 6'2 - (Newark, NJ) - Playherz 17U - Interior post player with really good up and down movement, very light on her foot with in the paint. Very surprised with her lateral movement and the way she defends on the baseline. Interior post presence... Rebounds... Scores and finishes in the paint... Mobile... Goods hands...


Alexandra Tarul - 2021 - Guard - 5'10 - (Bronx, NY) - NYC Lady Bulldogs - Very very skilled for a young age, has all the skills necessary to play multiple position. Show some flashes of a good passing game, knows when to break her defender down when going to hoop and creating to get the ball off. High IQ... See's floor well... Makes things happen... Good court vision... Creates... Poise...


Asya Brandon - 2020 - Guard - 5'2 - (Hamden, CT) - New York Gauchos 14U - Explosive scoring point Guard, with a lot of will and determination, plays the 1 but can switch to the 2 Guard. High motor... Scorers mentality... Can play both Guard position... Moves well without the ball... Creates... Explosiveness when attacking... 

Brianna Randolph - 2019 - Guard - 5'3 - ( New York, NY) - Harlem USA 15U - Shooting Guard with a lead Guard mentality, can beat you on the court in different varieties of the game. Plays under control and knows when to set her teammates up. Mid-Range gamer... Crafty... Calm demeanor... Good decision maker... Careful with the ball... Can drain the three ball...

Brazil Harvey - Carr - 2019 - Forward - 6'1 - (Camden, NJ) - New York Lady Gauchos  15U - Strong forward, who can actually play with her back towards the basket. Harvey can put the ball on the floor in traffic and her strength carries her to the rim against contact. High prospect 2019... Strong interior player... Rebounds... Physical... Will be a around complete player when she develops a strong mid-range game... 

Reyna Scott - 2022 - Guard - 5'4 - (New York, NY) - New York Lady Gauchos 13U - True point guard that has a whole lot of leadership for a young age, seems to handle pressure well in very crucial situation. Mature... Handle... Smart... Scores in bunches... Mid-Range gamer... 

Allayah Brown - France - 2020 - Center - 6'2 - (Jamaica, NY) - New Heights - 14U - Showed some flashes of potential at The Festival, Huge upside that should take her to the next level. Strong... College frame... Size and Strength... 

Amani Byrd - 2022 - Guard - 5'7 - New York Lady Bulldogs - Combo Guard with lead Guard expectations, Young but likes to take control of the game. Strong upper body that allows her to take on contact with she is attacking. Crafty... Strong... Can score off the dribble... High Prospect for 2022... Flare in her game... Swagger...

DIARY OF A FEMALE BALLER: KAYLA BECKFORD 2022 PATERSON, NJ (NEW JERSEY SPARKS) ENTRY #6

KAYLA BECKFORD & KIM HAMPTON

Hello Basketball World, this is Kayla checking in for Week 6.

Monday - Today I woke up early to get to my first game in USJN Kean. We had the first game of the day, so I was able to get a good warm up before the game. We started off the game slow, which caused us to be losing all until we got it together. One of my teammates got hurt in the very beginning of the game and had to leave, which we had to adjust to. For some reason, this is a bad habit of my team that we need to work on. We ended up beating the team by 36 points, the score was 61 to 25. I would say I had a good game. After, my father took me to go check up on my teammate that got hurt during the game. She couldn't put pressure on the knee so she was on crutches. She got an MRI and tomorrow they will get the results. I was going to do strength & conditioning today, but I didn't want to be sore for the two games we have tomorrow.

Tuesday - If I didn't mention it before, we were playing up in this tournament just like we do in all others. Our first game was against Philly Belles. They were bigger, stronger and faster than us, but we knew we had a chance since we play up all the time. We started off the game with a lead of 6-0 and everything just went downhill after that. They started moving the ball and moving without the ball really well and we just couldn't stop it. We tried different defenses, but they were just getting whatever they wanted either way. They were pressing us and we struggled from time to time on that part as well. They ended up beating us by 15. There was quite a bit a time before the next game. We ate and made our way to next gym. There were no games going on there so we were able to use the gym to our advantage. We started off slow again despite our good warm up. This time though, we were down all first half, it was all tied up at halftime. This team was overly aggressive on offense and defense, so for the second half we had to match their intensity. We did just that and came out with the win. I trained at 6 today because there is only one game tomorrow. The training went well and I got loosen up my tight muscles. After this, I went out to eat with some of my family at Applebee's being they were in town for a while. I enjoyed myself reuniting with my cousins who I haven't seen in a long while.

DIARY OF A FEMALE BALLER: KAYLA BECKFORD 2022 PATERSON, NJ (NEW JERSEY SPARKS) ENTRY #5

KAYLA & FRIENDS

Hello Basketball World, this is Kayla checking in for Week 5.

Monday - I woke up at 8 a.m. for my early basketball workout with Tarik. It took me a while to adjust, being that I’m not anything close to being a morning person. After the workout, I played a couple of games of 1 on 1 with my strength & conditioning trainer. I beat him 3 games to 1, he got lucky that one game he won. I came home for a little while until the city pool opened, since it was hot. My brother and I did basketball warmups in the water and then we swam for like an hour. I got home, took a shower and got ready to go the NJ State Fair with my brother, dad and 3 friends. I had a real great time at the fair with one of my former teammates and best friends. We were there from like 4 to 10:30, and by the time I got home I was tired. When I got home, I took a shower and went right to sleep.

Tuesday - Fourth of July! I woke up pretty late today being that I was out late last night. I put up some shots at an outside basketball court. I was home for a while until I went to the same friend as yesterday's house. We were outside playing basketball for majority of the time I was there. The unfortunate part about it though is that I got a lot of mosquito bites from being outside all day. I came home at an early time so my mom could wash and do my hair. I enjoyed my day.

DIARY OF A FEMALE BALLER: KAYLA BECKFORD 2022 (NEW JERSEY SPARKS) ENTRY #4

Kayla Beckford & Justine Pissott

Hello Basketball World, this is Kayla checking in for Week 4.

Monday - This week I will be going the Nothing But Skills Camp at Hoop Group in Neptune, New Jersey. This camp focused on game situation and competitive drills. We started by doing a regular warm up routine and then we went straight into competitive drills. It started with 1 on 1 and it went up from there from 2 on 2, 3 on 3 so on and so forth. I like the fast pace of everything. They have something called a working lunch where after lunch, we went into small groups and worked on either shooting or ball handling. They also had a group of post players to work on moves with former University of Maryland player, A’Lexus Harrison. We finished the day with a continuous 5 on 5 scrimmage. I have strength & conditioning training later today at the park with my brother. I like when my brother is able to work out with me because we work harder to beat each other.

Tuesday - For the rest of the week they're having early bird sessions an hour before camp actually starts. I tried my best to wake up early enough and get there for everyday’s session. We did full court ball handling drills and shooting drills. We did similar, but different drills today than we did yesterday. What we did differently today was that we did a regular 5 on 5 game instead of a continuous street ball type scrimmage. Strength & conditioning training today felt good. I did some agility drills with cones, working on my footwork and I worked on the sled to be more explosive.

NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY - This was the first New Jersey Belles tournament held by the Jersey part of the organization, this was a one day event with two games guaranteed. Let me start off by saying it was well but together despite the heavy down pours throughout most of the day, there was a lot of young talent in this tournament that I was able to catch a glimpse of.

Aleah Snead - 2023 - Mid Atlantic Magic - 5'7 - Forward - The lefty is a match-up problem with or without the ball in her hands. Plays on the wing were she can create more in the open court. Athletic... Long arms... High motor... Lanky... Attacks the rim... Defends... Recognizes mismatches...


Taylor Forlenza - 2023 - Jersey Shore Elite - 5'8 - Combo Guard - Strong Guard, with good range in her shot. Elevates when shooting the ball either over bigger or smaller defenders. Very aggressive on the offensive side of the ball... Scores mentality... Strong upper body... Takes on contact when attacking the basket... Handle isn't not that great can and will get by...


Olivia Smelas - 2022 - End Of Zone - 6'1 - Forward - Very skilled Forward with a heck of a passing game, Smelas has great hand and eye coordination. Soft touch... Exceptional passer for size... Creates space at top of key... Well coached... See's floor...


Gabby Ross - 2023 - New Jersey Belles - 5'8 - Guard - Physical lead guard with a huge upside, playing up is starting show how Ross has been working to develop her game. High prospect for 2023 Class... Plays pace of the game... Strong dribbler... Skilled... Patient... Executes... Time to separate from the rest of the pack in same class...


Jacklyn Capasso - 2023 - Jersey Shore Elite - 5'3 - Shooting Guard - Came up big that weekend knocking down a couple of big time shots that put her team with a win over a tough NYC Heat. Pure shooter... Knows how to get open... Mid-Range gamer... Can shoot the three ball...

Mya Rosario - 2023 - Jersey Shore Elite - 5'0 - Point Guard - Crafty little smart Guard who can play with some of the top point guards on the circuit. Plays a uptempo type game and Rosario protects the ball when doing so, but can switch  to half court game. Crafty... Poise... High IQ... Can score... 


Julianne Esmenda - 2023 - NYC Heat - 5'8 - Combo Guard - Physical strong Guard, who score's in bunches at times. Strives in the open court. Handle... Strong... Adores taking on contact... Attacks rim... Moves well without ball... Has to recognize mismatch...


Dorothy Loffrado - 2022 - New Jersey Belles - 5'10 - Forward - Loffrado does all the little things you can ask for to fill up the stat sheet. Interior physical presents on the inside. Can score from anywhere in the painted area. Aggressive... Defends... Size and strength... Great foot work... Hustles... Rebounds...


Jalisa Smith - 2023 - NYC Heat - 5'10 - Forward - A Forward who showed good skills and promising potential and this One Day Shootout. Showed a little ball handling skills while in transition, not quite there yet but very close. Soft touch... Rough Rugged and Raw... Strong... Good frame... Can shoot mid-range... 


Sanayaa Garrett - 2023 - Mid-Atlantic Magic - 4'9 - Point Guard - Lead Guard with super quickness, small on the other hand but gets it done on both sides of the ball. Garrett is small but crafty enough with the ball to hold her own on the court. Crafty... Handle... Explosive... Speedster... Knows how to utilize her speed... Can get to the cup with easy when attacking... 


Brea Burchett - 2023 - Mid-Atlantic Magic - 5'9 - Wing - A good wing who has just not develop a consistent jump shot yet, but can make it if left wide open, been when she does, watch out for this name in the Philadelphia area. Athletic wing with a huge upside. Mid-range shot... Athleticism... Leaper... Creates of dribble... Blocks shots... High motor... Finishes plays... Finish around basket...