Lauren Ebo
Shalyse Smith helped power Northside Swarm to a terrific finish to July at the PSB Elite 32 Summer Jam. *Photo by Larry Rhinehart.
AUGUSTA, Ga., - The PSB Elite 32 Summer Jam Session II finished on the last day of the July evaluation period. Some of the nation’s top teams competed in front of hundreds of college coaches. The final days of the period helped prospects gain invaluable exposure and earn scholarship offers. Here is a rundown of the top performers at the event.
Lauren Ebo (Washington, DC), Team Takeover EYBL – 2018
Although college coaches are most zeroed in on the hot class of 2017, they are always on the prowl for the next impact player in upcoming classes. Many coaches took notice of one of the top unranked centers in the nation in 6-foot-4 Ebo. Although her offensive game has not been completely ironed out, many believe that her best basketball is still yet to be played. The strength of her game is on the defensive end. She rebounds and alters shots as well as any at the position. The next 12 months will be important in her development.
Katlyn Ghavidel (Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas), San Antonio Finest Team Tay Bo - 2018
Ghavidel may seem physically unassuming, but she makes opponents take notice with her play. The 5-foot-6 point guard handles the ball on a string and can set up defenders with the ball screen. It is her shot making abilities that are most impressive. She knocked down five 3-pointers very coolly in a championship game versus the West Virginia Thunder. Her compact and accurate stroke should keep her on the radar of college coaches in the Southwestern region as she heads into her senior year at Boerne High School.
Amaya Hamilton (Fishers, Ind.), Indy Lady Gym Rats Gold EYBL – 2019
Coach Mark Stephens is grooming Hamilton and her teammates on the Gold squad to be the next wave of talent within the Lady Gym Rats organization. The 6-2 stretch 4-player has the ability to hit jumpers or score with her back to the basket. Her skill and length as a combo forward is earning her attention from college coaches and evaluators on the summer circuit. Her double figure point total in the championship game at the Elite 32 Summer Jam helped her team outlast the New Jersey Sparks 15U team.
Kelina Menard (Garnerville, N.Y.), New Jersey Sparks 15U Nike – 2019
The 5-9 point guard used the championship game stage to build her reputation. In a match-up versus the Indy Gym Rats Gold EYBL (featured broadcast on the SUVtv), Menard showed her shot making abilities. Her strong build and range well beyond the arc made her one of the top performers in the tournament. Her potential as a lock down defender might be her greatest attribute long term.
Olivia Owens (Portwentworth, Ga.), Georgia Sting Avery – 2017
The month of July is a prime opportunity for prospects like Owens. Coming into the month she was an unknown to most coaches and evaluators. As she walked out the door of Christenberry Fieldhouse on Friday evening, she carried a reputation of one of the toughest competitors in the event. The 5-8 combo guard went toe to toe with the members Team Takeover EYBL and made her presence known. Her tough defense and physical rebounding kept her team in the championship game until the very end. Owens offensive game is not that far behind her defense either. She showed solid ball handling skills and was able to knock down the open jumper when needed.
Shalyse Smith (Tacoma, Wash.), Northside Swarm – 2018
Easily one of the biggest stock-risers of the second half of July was this 6-2 power forward. Smith quickly picked up an offer from Georgia Tech after coach Machelle Joseph sat on her game at Augusta Prep on Thursday evening. Her length, athleticism and rebounding allow her to make an impact regardless of the competition that she is facing. Her offensive skill set is rounding out as she is showing a nice spin move to score over her left shoulder. Smith’s defensive versatility is what could potentially have her contributing big minutes at Power 5 Conference School. She can block shots in the paint or double team the ball screen 25’ away from bucket.
Jonathan Hemingway is the Assistant Director of Scouting for the JumpOffPlus.com National Scouting Report, is on the Naismith Trophy Board of Selectors and owns CoachHemi.com, the go-to source for coaches for X’s and O’s. He is the floor director of #TeamEBA camps, a site director for #TeamPSB tournaments and can be reached at jonathanhemingway@peachstatebasketball.com.
