LEBANON, Tenn., - The second annual CoachHemi.com Spring Showcase brought out many talented prospects in Tennessee and surrounding areas. Over 100 individuals competed on SUVtv and trained with Christian Simmons and his staff of trainers. Here is a look back at some of the notable younger prospects who made a name for themselves in March.
Kursten Hawkins of Manchester, Tenn., scored her 1,000th point in her freshman year at Moore County High School this season after competing on the varsity level for the past two seasons. Her skill was on full display during gameplay as she handled the ball on the perimeter and scored versus smaller guards in the paint. The 5-foot-8 guard is a versatile player who brings production to the court in each outing.
We really liked what Alexis Taylor of Collierville, Tenn., brought to the court. She is a high energy guard who makes plays with the dribble. She becomes a very tough cover when her jumper is dialed in, because perimeter defenders have to fight over the high ball-screen. Her go-to skill, however, is her ability to create plays at the point.
Of the talented players in the gym on this day, 5-11 wing Ali Mayeux of Murfreesboro, Tenn., could have one of the highest ceilings yet to be realized at this moment. The freshman has ball handling skills that are coupled with length that is usually reserved for interior players. Her ability to hit the jumper, slash to the rim and play with versatility will have college coaches calling in years to come.
Kallie Searcy of Paris, Tenn., proved to be one of the more promising post players in the building. At 6-2 she has the size and stature to make her presence felt in the lane. However, it is her footwork and skill that will ultimately set her apart as a prospect in this class. Keep an eye on Searcy as her best days are still in front of her.
Maybe the best performance of the day was put on by Kailey Rosenbaum of Dickson, Tenn. The freshman post player embraces her role as a paint player and scores very effectively around the rim. Her soft touch and high motor had all of the ProspectsNation.com staff singing her praises after the event.
The fastest player in the building at the showcase, without question, was Shawnta Shaw of Nashville, Tenn. The point guard could be the fastest player from end to end in the State of Tennessee not named Crystal Dangerfield -- and that might be a close race! Shaw’s game is still young in its development. She is still learning how to play, but on this day she scored bucket after bucket simply by blowing by slower defenders.
Last fall we mentioned Alexis Whittington of Murfreesboro, Tenn., as a stock-riser heading into the high school season. This spring we got to see her twin sister, Amanda, do the same. The 5-11 forward was very productive rebounding, scoring and playing solid defense all over the court. Watch for the younger Whittington’s name to take off heading into the April evaluation period.
A player that became a camp favorite of our staff was Courtney Carruthers of Maryville, Tenn. Although just 5-0 tall, she plays the game with a great feel from the point guard position. She has great vision as a passer and seems to set up her teammates in the right spot on the court. The super skilled point guard will be a player that we hope to see much more of in future years.
A player that we will be talking about consistently in years to come is Jayla Hemingway of Collierville, Tenn. The 5-10 guard showed her skill and athleticism all afternoon at the showcase. Seemingly no one in the building could keep Hemingway from turning the corner with her dribble to get downhill. Given what we know about her work ethic, expect Hemingway to keep improving on both ends of the floor in years to come.
We were impressed with the play of Shelby Jane Petty of Murfreesboro, Tenn. The 5-8 wing gives great effort on both ends of the floor and proved that she could make plays with the ball in her hands as well. We expect to see much more of Petty in upcoming years.
Hemingway is the Assistant Director of Scouting for the JumpOffPlus.com National Scouting Report and is on the Naismith Trophy Awards selection committee. He can be reached at jonathanhemingway@peachstatebasketball.com.
