April Eval Period

April Eval Period Recap – Girl’s UAA & The Clash

Cincinnati, Ohio

The first of four NCAA live viewing periods was this past weekend. We had teams and players from across the state scattered throughout the country showcasing how great the basketball is in Tennessee. Unfortunately, with the format of the evaluation period, it is hard to watch all of the talent with the events being scattered throughout the country.

In the year’s past, I have typically made the long journey out to Boo Williams for the first Nike EYBL stop, however, this year I decided to make a more convenient trip – still a five and a half hour drive – to Cincinnati for Under Armour: Session 1 and The Clash. We had a ton of Tennessee talent at this event and it was certainly worth going up to watch.  My sole focus with this event was getting to see as many Tennessee players as possible. Unfortunately, this event had multiple game sites that did not allow me to catch all of the Tennessee teams.

I am sure I missed some great performances from players at this event, but this recap will be based off what I did get to see.

Tennessee post-guard duo leading one of the top travel teams in the Country

The FBC United group – based out of Atlanta – on the Under Armour circuit is often regarded as one of the top travel teams in the country each year. It just so happens that two of the top players on its team this year hail from the volunteer state. Meeyah Green (Knoxville Webb) and Kimora Fields (Bradley Central) lead the way for a team that many say have a chance to win the whole league. They showed well this past weekend as FBC rolled through the competition. Oh yea… and they are both headed to the Clemson Tigers for their college careers.

The Clark's

No, I am not talking about Caitlin Clark. I am talking about the sister duo of Lauren and Lexi Clark at Stone Memorial. I got a chance to watch them both this past weekend playing in the Trotters program, and while I have seen Lauren play multiple times over the years, it was my first time to watch Lexi play. Lauren continues to get better and is certainly playing her way into the looks of some Division 1 coaches with her aggressive game and ability to score the basketball. Much like her sister, but two years younger, Lexi approaches the game with the same tenacity as her sister and is certainly one of the top freshman in Tennessee. These two both had great showings this weekend at The Clash and I expect a ton of success for both going forward.

6’ and Up

College coaches are always talking about how they need size at different positions on the floor. Needless to say, there was plenty of size on the Tennessee teams that I covered throughout the weekend. Below is a small write-up of each of those players.

KJ McNealy – FBC Reign, Farragut High School  – KJ is the stock riser of the weekend for me. She has taken her game to the next level and has all of the mid-major’s hoping she chooses them. If she continues to play like she did this past weekend, I will not be surprised to see a high major or two sneak into the recruiting process with her. Great showing from her.

Aaliyah Story – FBC Reign, David Crockett  High School – Aaliyah is an under control forward with great hands and footwork. She does well with rim running and catches the pass consistently on the move without issue. Aaliyah has a nice touch around the rim and still plenty of upside. She has multiple mid-majors recruiting her.

Gabby Debord – FBC Reign, Providence Christian Academy – Gabby is a long and lean forward that moves well around the court. Added strength to her frame will only increase her stock going forward. She did a great job of staying vertical blocking multiple shots in the game I watched. I will be interested to follow up on her improvement throughout the summer.

Kate Bjornstad – FBC Reign, Providence Christian Academy – Kate is a strong body back to the basket post player that gave opponents problems on the offensive and defensive side. She stays light on her feet for the most part and is a true center moving forward. She is a key piece to success for both her high school and travel teams.

Anna Williams – Stars Basketball, Brentwood High School – Anna is one of the more intriguing forwards here in Tennessee. Her upside is limitless already showcasing an ability to shoot off the dribble, catch and shoot, or catch and drive. Once she realizes what her full potential is, and brings in consistently, she will be tough for opponents to handle and the sky will be the limit.

Cara Mills – TN Rush, Van Buren High School – Cara Mills was a player that I did not know about until this year’s state tournament. Her post presence at the state tournament garnered a lot of attention as Van Buren made a surprising run to the 1A state title game. Cara is a true center that plays back to the basket but has an idea of where she is around the rim at all times. Cara uses her strength to her advantage making it tough for defenders to alter her shot.

Young Prospects on the Rise!

Aubrey Bush and Sunni Beasley are only 7th graders, but these two are the real deal. Both of these players are in the Chattanooga area and are at Baylor Middle School. Bush has been here for awhile as Beasley recently moved to Chattanooga this past year. Bush is a crafty lead guard with electric playmaking ability. She is sure to be a household name over these next few years. If you are not one of her 26,000 Instagram followers already, be sure to give her a follow and enjoy all of her highlights. Sunni Beasley, the daughter of former NBA great Michael Beasley, recently moved to Chattanooga this last year. She is a long athlete wing with deep range. This duo will win a ton of games both in travel basketball and in scholastic sports for many years to come.

Jamani Gordon – FBC Nashville, The Webb School – Jamani is young in her game, only an 8th grader. But she has plenty of experience on the court, and in big time games being a part of The Webb School’s run to this year’s state title. Jamani will be as good as she wants to be. A lot of potential to work with in her game and I look forward to seeing her grow into her game in the years to come.

Putting in the work & stock is going up

This listing of players is a group that I have seen over time that continue to put in the work and it’s showing. These are all college level players that are worth checking out for you college coaches that will read this.

Ellie McDonald – FBC Reign – Lebanon High School

Caroline Kieffaber – BWright Black E40 – Father Ryan

Care Lee Gilbert - FBC Reign - Cookeville High School

Olivia Loveday – FBC Reign – The King’s Academy

Jane Ellis – BWright Black E40 – CPA

Gracie Butler – TN Rush – Upperman High School

Sydney Wilhite – FBC Reign – Cumberland County

Maliyah Glasper – ETA Campos – Gatlinburg Pittman

Molly Followill – FBC Reign – Watertown

Skylar Walden – ETA Campos – The King’s Academy

Bella Shepherd – TN Stars – Lipscomb Academy

Jacy Cox – TN Trotters – Alcoa

Nyla Johnson – BWright Black E40 – Nolensville