Nichel Tampa
Kasiyahna Kasi Kushkituah is part of an FBC Motton team that is poised for a strong 2014 club season. *Photo by Ty Freeman.
SUWANEE, Ga. Day two of the Spring Showdown gave us a glimpse of the future stars for the calendar year of 2014. A number of eighth and ninth graders filled the rosters of teams within the tournament. There are teams and individuals who proved that they would be on our radar for years to come. Here is look back at those performers.
FEATURE TEAM
FBC MOTTON 2017
A year ago at the Spring Showdown, coach Alfred Motton introduced his collection of talent to the ProspectsNation.com staff. His roster features multiple prospects at each position that are bound to draw the attention of college coaches. After defeating the Georgia Hoopstars in a close contest on Saturday night, FBC found itself competing for a championship on Sunday afternoon in the KeilMoorePSB bracket.
The engine of this team is located in backcourt -- Taja Cummings of East Point, Ga. and Nichel Tampa of Jonesboro, Ga. Their ability to create plays with the ball in their hands and havoc on the defensive end makes them a tough backcourt duo. The athletic tandem of Tylia Gillespie of Smyrna, Ga. and Mikayla Coombs of Buford, Ga., is impressive as they are two of the most promising wings in the class of 2017. The frontcourt length anchors the coach Mottons team with 6-foot-3 center Kasiyahna Kasi Kushkituah of Austell, Ga., having the size and skill to become one of the elite in her class. However, 6-4 post Dominique Banks of Forest Park, Ga. could have the most upside of anyone on the team.
AROUND THE RIM
♦ Akia Harris of Chattanooga, Tenn., picked up right where she left off earlier this month with her playmaking abilities. Playing for Team Elite 2016, the 5-6 guard demonstrated her ability to make shots at the EBA Top 40 Workout and at the CoachHemi.com Showcase in consecutive weekends. Those abilities translated into helping her team to a championship game appearance.
♦ Kaila Craven of Asheboro, N.C., is rounding out into a productive guard for the Winston-Salem Stealers program. Her frame and skill lend make her a highly recruitable prospect in the class of 2015. Class of 2016 prospect Lauren LaPlant, also of Asheboro, is already a great compliment to Craven on the floor. Look for the 5-7 guard to fill the gap next season as the leader for the Winston-Salem based program.
♦ The Blazers Exposure Red team gelled behind the guard play of Jaylen Snipes of Opelika, Ala., and Nyla Perry of Albany, Ga. The aggressive duo attacked the basket well versus E.O.T.O. and led coach Tim Marshalls team to the championship game of the KeilMoorePSB bracket.
♦ A new name for our staff was Destiny Campbell of Laurinburg, N.C. The athletic four player should be a name that will be tracked by several regional college coaches. Follow @JLHemingwayPSB
Hemingway is the Assistant Director of Scouting for the JumpOffPlus.com National Scouting Report. He can be reached at jonathanhemingway@peachstatebasketball.com.
