Kai CarterLAWRENCEVILLE, Georgia, - For high school prospects, high school season is in the rearview mirror and the NCAA evaluation periods are on the horizon. The month of March is the time where club teams look for competitive tournaments in preparation for the live periods. The PSB Spring Showdown provided an elite stage for teams from across the Southeast. Check the social media posts by clicking #PSBSpringShowdown for more highlights, standouts and videos from the tournament. Here is a look at some of the players who made the most of the early opportunity on the first day of the tournament.
Kai Carter (Atlanta, Georgia), Georgia Pistols East Elite – 2019
Carter was the best new name of day one. She gained attention with her rangy athleticism, which translates to either end of the court. Her offensive savvy is what will draw the attention of college coaches this spring, however. The 5-foot-10 guard slashed and scored in transition while also demonstrating a consistent stroke from behind the arc. Her athleticism alone makes her a notable player, but she possesses the skill to be a productive player for years to come.
Kimia Carter (Cleveland, Tennessee), Team Elite Hoopstars – 2019
Carter emerged as one of the region’s top underclassmen last July at the #PSBElite32. She also helped her high school team, Bradley Central, to a 32-1 record this season. At 5-9 she has the size and strength to power her way past defenders and score on the drive. At the same time, Carter is displaying more consistent range on jumper. She is polishing her skill set to the point where defenses must pay attention to her every time down the court. Schools from the Missouri Valley and Mid-American Conference have been on the line with her consistently during the school season.
Jayla Crawford (Birmingham, Alabama), Team Elite McHenry - 2018
The player that takes advantage of every opportunity presented will be the player with the most choices come signing day. Crawford, a 5-7 point guard, made the most of her weekend in the Peach State. She slashed and scored her way to wins early in the tournament. Her athletic frame and her quick frame point to a future of play-making on the travel circuit. Crawford is on the official watch-list coming out of this tournament.
Destinee McGhee (Madison, Alabama), Alabama Southern Starz - 2020
Low post play is always at a premium in the game of women’s basketball. This means that the attention that McGhee will garner over the next few years will be high. Her ability to get great position on the block allows her to score with efficiency. She possesses the unique combination of having nimble footwork, strength to move defenders off their mark and the shooting touch to score double digits consistently. McGhee may not be the highest leaper in the gym, but she gets great position on the interior which is much more important when it comes to grabbing boards.
#PSBSpringShowdown
— Jonathan Hemingway (@JLHemingwayPSB) March 26, 2017
'20 Destinee McGhee of @ALSoStarz scored 20 in a W to advance to the 'ship
MORE https://t.co/MjoRw4XpzQ @deemcghee_20 pic.twitter.com/Tf5HexxPQB
Yoke Tassent (Ormond Beach, Florida), Blue Star Florida - 2018
Tassent left her impression with accurate shooting ability and with high energy defense. At 5-7 she is a player that produces consistently regardless of the competition level. On the tourney’s opening night, she hit several 3-pointers while also leading the transition break. She figures to be an important part of Blue Star Florida’s success as they enter their first year on the #PSBFamily circuit.
Around the Rim
Naja Reeves have the Georgia Pearls great minutes at
the point guard position. *Photo by Ty Freeman.The Georgia Pearls have a floor general in class of 2022 Naja Reeves. She showed the ability to slash downhill with either hand and make plays for herself and others.
Next to productive post play, steady point guard play is always at the top of a college recruiter’s wish list. Class of 2018 point guard Jayla Adams with Blue Star Florida should be near the top of every school’s list in the Southeast region this spring. She is quick, skilled and poised.
Class of 2020 wing Victoria Dames of Top 1 Elite is one of the most intriguing athletes to be evaluated on Friday evening. She stands at 5-11 and has a quick burst of speed when penetrating to the bucket.
Class of 2020 point guard Kendyl Tillie of East TN Air made an impression in her team’s win on Friday. She handled pressure defense very well and showed some swagger with the ball in her hands. Her ability to run the team and make plays for others make
Keep a close eye on class of 2021 Sara Puckett of the Alabama Southern Starz. She is a skilled face-up forward who can hit the jumper. However, she showed a needed toughness when rebounding in the lane.
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.
