WINSTON SALEM, N.C. - There was a mid-season atmosphere at Forsyth Country Day School to kick off the second annual Pre-D1 evaluation tournament hosted by the Winston Salem Stealers. This was the first chance for most of the teams to take the court and compete against some of the best talent that the Carolinas and Virginia have to offer as the event displayed both top shelf talent and some hidden jewels. Here is a look at some of the top performers from the tournament.

Mone Jones (Durham, N.C.) Carolina All-Stars – 2015

At 6 feet 3, Jones makes an immediate impression when she enters the gym. The No. 14 ranked prospect in the ELITE 25 has a game to match her size. She showed us that she has turned her game up a notch for this upcoming season. Her All-Stars sophomore team played in the junior division this weekend. In multiple games, Jones did all the intangibles, including rebound and block shots, but also looked to be assertive on the offense end to score.

In previous evaluations, Jones has shied away from asserting herself late in games offensively. In a game versus Lady Phoenix Express, it was close at the end and Jones displayed an improved level of confidence. She really demanded that her teammates give her the ball in crunch time situations when her team needed her the most. She displays low post scoring skills and the ability to make the 15-foot face-up jump shot. At this stage, what separates Jones from her peers is her footwork and willingness to get the job done.

'16 Watch forward Danielle Nieters.
*Photo by Ty Freeman.

AROUND THE RIM

♦ Trish Grant’s Winston Salem Stealers squad is the flagship team of the organization. As we’ve become accustomed to seeing, they have a very solid and skilled core of players returning this year. On a team full of juniors and seniors, the Stealers are led in large part by 2016 prospect Danielle Nieters of Winston Salem, N.C. The young forward’s skill set and confidence have both really blossomed over the past year.

Another stock riser from the weekend was Class of 2014 guard Antaijah Easter of Lincoln, N.C. The 5-9 combo guard knocked down 23-foot jumpers and attacked the rim with a purpose, to score.

♦ A new name for our staff is Nicole Marshall of Lake Norman, N.C. The 2014 post player from Carolina Express is very skilled and has a very high IQ for the game. She showed the ability to be productive and play with poise.

♦ We also found a true hidden treasure this weekend in 2016 Ragan Wiseman of Floyd County, Va. Wiseman showed our staff many faces throughout the tournament. In one game she knocked down open jumpers and in another she displayed picture perfect footwork in the post. When we watched her again, Wiseman moved to the point to facilitate the offense for her club team Nautilus Express. Follow @clydep72