Jenna Simon
Zoe Young of Urbandale, Iowa, a Maryland commit, set the tone at the CoachHemi.com Showcase in Columbus. *Photo by Chris Hansen.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The inaugural CoachHemi.com Final Four Showcase gave 100+ campers from nine states a chance to display their skills in front of the ProspectsNation.com staff. With prospects ranging from nationally ranked high school juniors to some of the region’s elite middle school preps, there was no shortage of talent inside Northland High School on Saturday. Here’s a look at three prospects who caught my attention with their play:
Young is a skilled guard capable of making good things happen with her size, shot making ability. Even though she already committed to Maryland, Young was as engaged as any camper in the gym looking for pieces of instruction to take with her back to Iowa. She's adding to her game with the improved consistency on her outside shot. Young’s physicality and offensive ability reminds me of Notre Dame standout Arike Ogunbowale at the same age.
Monogue has improved her game since my initial evaluation in the fall at the Elite Basketball Academy All-American Showcase. Her size and skill package is rare for a prospect not yet in high school. Continuing to play against prospects with similar size and skill will aid in Monogue’s development but the physical tools are there for long-term success.
Simon has the tools to be an effective next level point guard. She's not easily rattled, has good basketball skill and is slick with the ball in her hands. Simon also has the range to become a high level shooter in college. Right now, she's a bit passive in that regard and can improve her willingness to apply pressure with her scoring.
Brandon Clay serves as the WNBA Director of Scouting for ProspectsNation.com and owns The JumpOffPlus.com International Report, which is picked up by more than 150 colleges and universities nationwide. He serves as the Executive Camp Director for the Elite Basketball Academy Camps. He serves on the Naismith Trophy Men’s / Women’s College Player of the Year Academy and is chairman of the HS Boys / Girls Board of Selectors and is on the McDonald’s All-American Selection Committee. He also is the publisher of PSBPopCulture.com.
