Kate Harpring
Jasmine Davidson works with Harper Petersen at the 2023 CMO Bay Area Showcase by Elite Is Earned. *Photo by Chris Hansen.
In the grassroots women’s basketball space, 2023 has been something of an arms race between the shoe companies in their investment in top athletes and experiences. Nike is stepping in this fall with the World Basketball Festival, bringing together four regional teams of nationally ranked talent to compete.
Games will be live streamed starting at 4:00PM Eastern today on Nike.com.
FRIDAY
4PM – Girls Semifinal 1
7PM – Girls Semifinal 2
SATURDAY
1:15PM – Girls Consolation
5:30PM—Girls Championship
The field of players consists of 20 seniors, 9 juniors and just 6 sophomores. While there are numerous players from the girls EYBL circuit this field also has players from 3SSB, GUAA, Champions League and Select 40 on the floor.
NORTH
On paper the North team has everything to win the event from dynamite guard play to dynamic wings and strong post play. This roster may be the most versatile across the board.
WHO TO WATCH: Sarah Strong, the No. 1 player in the 2024 class.
WEST
As we saw this club season the left coast is primed with elite guard play. This squad will have ample options to run the point and create and guard play always matters in all star events.
WHO TO WATCH: Jasmine Davidson, the No. 2 player in the 2025 class.
SOUTH
The South team should have an advantage in the frontcourt, at least in terms of depth. But don’t sleep on the guard play with Chavez, Harpring, Harmon and Roberts in the mix.
WHO TO WATCH: Aaliyah Chavez, the No. 1 player in the 2025 class.
EAST
The East roster has a chance to make noise this weekend as well with long dynamic forwards and guards. If they shoot it well they’ll be a tough out.
WHO TO WATCH: Kate Koval, the No., 5 player in the 2025 class.
WATCH LIVE HERE
Chris Hansen is managing editor of ProspectsNation.com and serves on the McDonald’s All-American and Naismith Trophy selection committees. He was a co-founder of and the national director of scouting for ESPN HoopGurlz from 2005 until 2012 and is the director of the Check Me Out Showcase and ELITE is EARNED events. He can be reached at chris@chrishansenbasketball.com.
