Emily Shubert
LEBANON, Tenn., -- It was an action packed weekend in the Volunteer State at the CoachHemi.com Fall Showcase. Players competed in multiple sessions of skill development and competition. The following are a few of the standouts from the weekend.
Christian Simmons first saw Skylar Boshears this summer at the PSB Elite32 Summer Jam. Starring with TN Flight Select she acted as a playmaker and lead ballhandler. She proved that performance was not a fluke at the Fall Workout. Her size and athleticism measured favorably with older players in the gym. She showed the skill and finesse to get her shot and make plays both in 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 game play. Given the consistent evaluations, we expect to hear much more from Boshears in the future
Akira Levy of Nashville, Tenn., showed that she has the potential to be on the big stage at the next level. The class of 2018 point guard has solid handles and showed that she could get the ball to her teammates for scoring opportunities. Levy was one of the most effective point guards with ball in hand. She has the ability to create with her ball handling beyond what most players in her class possess.
Alexis Whittington of Christiana, Tenn., was ready to play at this event. She made slashing moves to the basket and created on both ends of the floor with her hustle plays. Whittington shot the ball well from the perimeter and made shots at a high percentage from beyond the arc. At 5 feet 11 she played well facing the basket as well as scoring around the basket with solid footwork.
Caitlyn Yost of Lewisburg, Tenn., has a good feel for the game and a knack for being around the ball. She has good elevation for a guard and proved that she can score through contact with her physical play.
Class of 2019 guard Dena Jarrells of Dunlow, W. Va., showed her electric style of basketball once again this weekend. Her creativity with ball handling opens the floor for her to find teammates and make shots. Despite entering her freshman year of high school, she already boasts of an advanced floor game. Add in the fact that she plays for WV Thunder coach Scott Johnson, who has developed other smaller guards such as Griffin Dempsey and Taryn McCutcheon, expect Jarrells to follow in that lineage.
Makaila Woodard of Talbott, Tenn., used her length both inside and out. The 2017 prospect showed that she could get to the rim off the dribble and also the ability to pull up and make the mid-range jumper. Woodard has a solid all around game.
Emily Shubert of Elizabethton, Tenn., used her sized to an advantage this weekend. The 6-4 post player showed good footwork in the post and also the ability to step out and knock down the 15-foot jumper. Shubert altered a lot of shots and has good hands around the basket.
Emma Capps of Crossville, Tenn., proved that she is a player to watch in the future with her versatility. The 6-0 forward made her presence known both inside and out. Capps shot the ball well from the perimeter when she got her feet set as well.
Gabby Lupardus of Pineville, W. Va., was one of the hardest working players at this event. That is not unusual. The 5-8 guard has a high basketball I.Q. and played with an intensity that was tough to match on both ends of the floor. Lupardus showed her leadership ability on both ends of the court. Passion and desire to be great at this game are not a question for this 2018 prospect.
Stephen Peck is the owner of Dream In Motion Athletics and is a national evaluator for the JumpOffPlus.com National Scouting Report. He also serves as a on-floor skills coach at the Elite Basketball Academy events. He can be reached at StephenPeck@peachstatebasketball.com.
