Maria Alvarez
SAN ANTONIO – The She’s Ballin Showcase is a regular stop to see some of the top competition in Texas and the Southwest region early in the spring season. While the upperclass group was certainly loaded, the underclass group was not to be overlooked on this day.
Nyah Green (Allen, Texas), The Nation – 2019
Green is on another level than almost every other player in her class, both physically and in her skill development. She’s explosive with the ball and has that killer instinct. She does over dribble at times but she is talented enough to convert tough plays. Expectations are already high as she’s garnered national attention at a young age.
Aleesha Orange (Converse, Texas), SA Stealth – 2020
For a young player Orange has a terrific frame and good hands in the post. She’s a righty but showed she can finish left on left when she needs to. She’s not afraid to try advanced moves like the pro-hop, wrap dribbles and step-throughs in transition. If she can bring a consistent intensity to the floor she could be one of the next stars from the Lone Star State.
Elizabeth Scott (Spring, Texas), The Nation – 2019
Scott was perhaps the most impressive player in the middle school session, especially since Green played with the older group. She brings a competitive sprit to both ends of the court. She finished strong with both hands in the paint. She changes levels, dropping down in traffic and showed good touch on her finishes. She can run with the guards and beat in the lane.
Myra Gordon (Fort Worth, Texas), Higher Goals Elite – 2020
Gordon is an elusive guard with a lot of length. She showed some good footwork in the post as well and should be able to convert those moves in traffic when she gets stronger. She knocked down a couple of contested 15-foot jumpers and showed her smooth release on her shot.
Corina Carter (San Antonio, Texas), SA Finest – 2019
Carter is one of the best ballhanders in the rising freshman class. Though she’s not at the high school level just yet, her game will translate well as she can collapse the defense with dribble penetration. She’s a smaller guard but she uses her lower body well and has a counter move for just about every situation. If she can develop a floater to her repertoire she has a chance to be special.
Maria Alvarez (Miami, Fla.), FGB – 2019
In Alvarez you’re getting an eighth grade prospect who as already played some high school basketball and it shows. She’s got a poise and coolness about her game as if she already knows what’s going to happen. She has terrific body control, balance and touch. She changes speeds really well and is more elusive than quick. She knows how to get to her spots on the floor and is a playmaker.
Hansen is managing editor of ProspectsNation.com and serves on the McDonald’s All-American and Naismith Trophy selection committees. He was the national director of scouting for ESPN HoopGurlz from 2005 until 2012. He can be reached at chris@prospectsnation.com.
