Deja Mitchell
Autumn Newby of Lawrencville, Ga., solidified her status as an ELITE 60 player at Summer Kickoff. *Photo by Ty Freeman.
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Peach State Basketball Summer Kickoff exploded with talent in 2015 too new heights and after Monday’s action there was no shortage of standout play to highlight.
Autumn Newby (Lawrenceville, Ga.), Team Elite Pointer – 2017
With over 50 schools in attendance, class of 2017 post Autumn Newby of Lawrenceville, Ga., managed to put together a borderline dominant performance on both sides of the ball. Offensively she had everything going; she was scoring and finishing plays in the post, she managed to step out and make perimeter jumpers when she had room and rhythm, and was also a playmaker passing and creating scoring opportunities for her teammates. Newby was also very effective on the defensive side of the ball. She is a quality athlete who was able to block shots and pressure the ball at a high level today. It’s still very early in July but if Newby is able to play at this level throughout the month, look for her already high ELITE 60 rating to make an additional leap.
SPOTLIGHT PLAYERS
Deja Mitchell (Duluth, Ga.), - EOTO – 2017
Mitchell had a very good outing Monday against a talented Carolina Flames frontline. Mitchell is a quality athlete with good length and the willingness to compete on a consistent basis. At 6 feet 1, Mitchell has a sound interior game and the ability slash and attack the rim from both the high post and the baseline. It was a strong showing for Mitchell, her energy and effort allowed her to make a positive impact on the game while her emerging skill set could potentially allow her to be an impactful college prospect.
Janelle Bailey (Charlotte, N.C.), - Carolina Flames – 2017
Size and athleticism jump out at you immediately when watching class of 2017 post Janelle Bailey of Charlotte, N.C. Bailey is a classic post player who has the ability to patrol the paint and challenge plays at the rim defensively and block shots as a primary and help defender. Offensively Bailey is a strong finisher in traffic and a capable back to the basket player. She will have to continue to polish and add to her post-up skill set, but her willingness to be physical and work to get the ball in the post is a strong sign.
AROUND THE RIM
♦ Watch out for class of 2016 point guard Alexis Brown of Madison, Ga. Brown has been a consistent option at the point for her Georgia Sting club team all spring and summer long. As we approach signing day, Brown, who projects as a mid-level prospect, has the potential to be a highly sought after prospect in the southeast, if not nationally.
♦ The Georgia Metros have a 2016 duo from Forsyth, Ga., that is headed to Maryland next year -- guard Sarah Myers and post Jenna Staiti. In the Metros game Monday against the Georgia Blazers, Myers had the hot hand early, as she was able to knockdown a streak of jumpers to help the Metros get out to an early lead while Staiti was effective rebounding the basketball and patrolling the lane throughout duration of the game.
♦ Cass of 2018 wing De’Sha Benjamin of Augusta, Ga., was impressive here at Summer Kickoff. Benjamin has continued to improve and develop in every viewing this year. She has a strong frame and is starting to get more and more effective playing with the ball in her hands.
♦ Georgia Blazers point guard Jaylen Snipes of Opelika, Ala., was very effective today attacking in transition and shooting the ball from the perimeter. Snipes, who stands 5-4, plays with an edge and is consistently aggressive.
♦ Class of 2018 forward Xian Lopez of Snellville, Ga., had an excellent showing today. Lopez is a combo forward with the ability to make shots from behind the three-point line.
Keil Moore is the Director of Scouting for the JumpOffPlus.com National Scouting Report and international scouting report. He serves on the Naismith Trophy Board of Selectors and has been a member of the women's basketball community for more than eight years as a trainer and evaluator. He can be reached at keil@prospectsnation.com.
