Taylor Hawks
De'Sha Benjamin is evolving as a player for the Georgia Sting this spring. *Photo by Ty Freeman.
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., - The sold out 84-team May Day Challenge provided the premier platform for travel teams to gain exposure in a non-certified weekend. Teams from all over the Southeast region competed against the top level competition in front of national evaluators. Here is a recap of the top performers from day two.
De’Sha Benjamin (Augusta, Ga.), Laney High School – 2018
The 6-foot-1 prospect is turning into a legitimate perimeter playmaker. She showed consistent range beyond the 3-point arc this weekend while also finishing at the basket through traffic. Benjamin’s size lends itself to being able to play in the paint, but her face-up skill set presents a difficult match-up for the opposition. The most important part of her game is the growing consistency. What we once saw as flashes of promise are now turning into consistent game-to-game production. Georgia Sting coach Will Avery says that Benjamin still has growth left in her game and will spend June working in the gym.
#PSBMayDay
— Jonathan Hemingway (@JLHemingwayPSB) May 7, 2016
De'Sha Benjamin J looks smooth & she's getting results
Invited to #EBASuper64 https://t.co/rCZ7KQhmFB pic.twitter.com/4aFP1FZpbi
Taylor Hawks (Buford, Ga.), Gainesville High School – 2017
After a successful April campaign with the Georgia Hoopstars at PSB Tip-Off Classic Session I and II, Hawks fielded phone calls from dozens of college coaches. On Mother’s Day weekend Hawks showed why she could become one of Georgia’s hottest uncommitted point guards heading into the month of July. Hawks led the Hoopstars to a tough semifinal win over Endia Banks and EOTO in a match-up of two #PSBFamily organizations. The left-handed playmaker balanced dishing assists while spraying jumpers from all over the court. Coach JD Davis left the court with a smile on his face after watching the 5-7 point guard go to work.
Taylor Smith (Acworth, Ga.), Marietta High School – 2018
The phrase “strength in numbers” referenced by Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, dates back 60 years but is applicable when talking about #PSBFamily member Team Elite Hubbard. Smith plays a support role, albeit an important one, for the premier 2018 team nationally. Her production and value to this team grows with each outing. A 5-9 guard, she sports very good athleticism and the knack to score opportune buckets. Her ability to defend multiple positions on the court gives her value regardless of the opposition. Her offensive skill set is emerging as an important piece to Team Elite’s game plan each tournament. Expect Smith’s recognition to grow as Team Elite continues to succeed.
AROUND THE RIM
Cameron Swartz of FBC Mo Blue has a strong weekend
at the PSB May Day Challenge. *Photo by Ty Freeman.Class of 2018 wing Cameron Swartz of Marietta, Ga., is emerging as a go-to option FBC Mo Blue earned an Elite Basketball Academy Super 64 Camp invite with her play.
Lauran Sheriff of Jackson, Miss., has recovered nicely from an Achilles injury. The class of 2017 center serves as the centerpiece for South Mississippi Elite Black’s, a PSBFamily member, frontcourt. They battled FBC Motton tough in a semi-final matchup on Saturday.
Class of 2017 post Rakeah Williams of Newman, Ga., committed to Georgia State before the club season got underway. She plays with consistent effort and energy around the rim for PSBFamily member Team Elite Pointer.
Class of 2019 prospect Angel Middleton of Charleston, S.C., is a name to keep an eye on. Like Swartz, Middleton earned herself an invite to the EBASuper64 Camp over the course of the weekend playing with TMP.
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.
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.
