The National Women's Basketball Insider

Top Mid Major Head Coaches

2012-02-26T19:00:00.000-08:00

Our next installment of the Top College Coaches talks about non-BCS Head Coaches who are in line to move up very soon and direct the most successful mid major teams in the country. Recently there have been several coaches moving out of the high school or professional ranks that have made a quick name for themselves. Here is a list of some of the best that you could see on TV soon as a BCS head coach.

Matt Bollant - UW Green Bay - Only believed to be the next man for the Badgers came back to Green Bay after losing most of his team and did as good or better this season. Bollant may be coaching the best team in the City of Green Bay this year, not easy when the Packers are in town but if there is an opening in the Big 10 again this year, you wont have to search far for his name to be involved.

Mike Bradbury - Wright State - Bradbury had Morehead State nearly tournament bound and has nearly repeated that at Wright State in only two years. Bradbury delivers athletes and an up tempo style of play to just about every where he goes. Look for him to push for the tournament at Wright State or for a BCS job very soon.

Kenny Brooks - James Madison - Brooks was heavily rumored last season for jobs at Virginia Tech and Virginia but still is back at James Madison and while he has lost school legend Dawn Evans but still has been at the top of the CAA this year. With significant turnover in the mid-atlantic the last few years its hard for me to see Brooks making a big jump in the region this year but if he wants to it wont be long before he has that BCS job.

Tonya Cardozza - Temple - Rumors swirl about Temple in the Big East but regardless of what the future is for the Owls, they have been consistantly at the top of the A 10 for several years and didnt miss a beat when Dawn Staley moved on to South Carolina. Staley has South Carolina NCAA Tournament bound which brings the question, How long til someone does the same with Cardozza?

Cynthia Cooper - UNC Wilmington - One of the greatest players of all time has turned UNC Wilmington in to a hot bed of North Carolina basketball with a different shade of blue. Cooper's ability to sell her legacy and coach her players to overachieve has been a huge boost for a down and out program at Wilmington. With her ties in Texas this off season could be very interesting.

Joe Foley - Arkansas Little Rock - Foley was a legend of Division II basketball in the state of Arkansas and brought his winning ways to the Sun Belt and Little Rock several years back. Foley is the consistant nemisis to Middle Tennessee and Rick Insell who battle yearly for Sun Belt supremacy. Foley can coach and certainly is worth a look at the BCS level.

Rick Insell - Middle Tennessee - One of the winningest coaches at any level breathing the air of this earth, Insell has built Middle Tennessee Women's Basketball into one of the elite programs of the region taking on all teams at any level. Insell had wins over LSU during their final four run and has made numerous NCAA Tournaments and had two players drafted in the WNBA draft. Insell would be someone who could get you in the NCAA Tournament in the SEC quick if someone would hire him.

Kevin McMillan - Tennessee Martin - McMillan tutored under Middle Tennessee with Rick Insell during his first few years with the Blue Raiders, won multiple state championships after that in high school before taking one of the worst programs in Division I to a league title and NCAA Tournament appearance. McMillan has the Skyhawks atop the Ohio Valley Conference once again with a 15-1 record in the league and poised to go back to the big dance.

Michael Shafer - Richmond - Shafer has put together back to back great seasons at Richmond after spending time at the University of Georgia with Andy Landers. Shafer's ability to recruit the south and get talent makes him a good candidate for programs in the south which he has a long standing history of recruiting.

Audra Smith - Alabama Birmingham - Former Virginia assistant has done a great job of being near the top of Conference USA the past several years. With her expirience at the ACC level coupled with a good tenure at UAB she should be a name on a lot of tounges this coming off season.

Karl Smesko - Florida Gulf Coast - Karl Smesko has as good of a winning percentage as any coach in America this last 10 years taking the job at Florida Gulf Coast before they even had a team he has reached the NCAA D2 Championship game and now in their first year of NCAA D1 Tournament Eligibility has the Eagles eying the big dance. Smesko was rumored for some invovlement at Oregon State years ago but look for someone to make a major push for this innovative coach.

Teresa Weatherspoon - Louisiana Tech - Another coach who has a big time background in women's basketball had a huge season for the storied Lady Techster program last year winning 27 games and finishing league play undefeated. Although they suffered significant losses to graduation Louisiana Tech is still back near the top of the conference again and Weatherspoon would be a splash hire nearly at any school.

Joi Williams - Central Florida - Central Florida heads into the Big East in 2013 but Williams has been a head coach at two mid major schools where she has won league championships already and was the anchor of the University of Florida's recruiting when Carol Ross was the head coach and they were nationally relevant. Williams is a great recruiter but UCF is a good job so she likely wouldnt jump at something unless it was VERY good.

Florida Final Four

2012-02-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

This was Florida's first year of eight classifications and although there were some bumps (no programs for sale) but all in all had some big name players, big name coaches, and great results.One suprising thing was that in the time I was there there was no Division I head women's basketball coach in attendance, while Kim Mulkey (Head Coach at Baylor) made two appearences at the Final Four.

Most Outstanding Senior: Brittany Jackson 5-9 G Sebastian River (Georgia Tech) - Jackson poured in 32 points in the state championship to give the Sharks win in overtime versus heavily favored Haines City. Jackson looked to have the best combination of two final four games in Florida's second biggest classification. Fab 5 Seniors Alexis Prince 6-2 F Orlando Edgewater (Baylor) ; Niya Johnson 5-9 G PK Yonge (Baylor); Briona Brown 5-10 F Haines City (Jacksonville); January Miller 5-6 SG Orlando University (Florida) Tifani Kerrison 5-8 G Orlando Jones.

Most Outstanding Junior Brittany Dinkins 5-6 PG Miami Norland - No brace no problem Dinkins was Norland's leading scorer in a win over Winter Haven in the class 6A Semi-Finals and was a strong contributor versus Edgewater in the class 6A Finals. Only 7 months removed from ACL surgery Dinkins showed how hard of a worker she is having this big of an impact for the Vikings. Fab 5 Juniors Sydnie McCaskill 5-5 PG Dr Phillips; Hannah Schiable 5-9 G/F Dr Phillips; Chelsey Gibson 6-0 W Pensacola; Jessica Thomas 5-4 PG Buchholz Kasey Drayton 6-0 W/F Lakewood.

Most Outstanding Sophomore: Lakaris Salters 6-1 F FAMU HS - Game winning three tacked on to a 25 point and 18 rebound performance in the state finals versus Hollywood Christian, no individual did quite as much for their team as Salters. Fab 5 Sophs: Taryn Griffey 5-5 PG Dr Phillips; Aisha Edwards 5-8 G Coral Springs Charter; Dominique Simpson 5-9 G Orlando Jones; Brandi Harrington 5-6 PG Dr Krop; Vionise Pierre-Louis 6-4 C Grandview Prep.

Most Outstanding Freshman & Younger: Crystal Primm 5-11 W Palm Beach Central - Out played highly touted Ieshia Small in the Class 8A State Semi-Final only to get the game stolen from them at the end by Krop. 15 points on 50% shooting from the floor as well as handling the ball versus Krop's pressure was impressive for the freshman. Fab 5 Frosh: Kiara Desamours 5-9 W Ft Myers Dunbar; Jazmine Jones 5-9 G 2016 FAMU HS; Stephanie Paul 5-10 F 2016 Community School of Naples; Brooke Barlow 5-7 G Bartram Trail.

Class 8A All Tournament Team: MVP Taryn Griffey 2014 Dr Phillips; Hannah Schiable 5-9 F 2013 Dr Phillips; Crystal Primm 5-10 W 2015 Palm Beach Central; Ieshia Small 5-10 F 2013 Dr Krop; Mariah Smelser 6-2 F 2012 Palm Beach Central; Brandi Harrington 5-6 PG 2013 Dr Krop.

Class 7A All Tournament Team: MVP Brittany Jackson 5-9 G 2012 Sebastian River (Georgia Tech) Briona Brown 5-10 F 2012 Haines City (Jacksonville) Mariah Harris 5-10 F Buchholz 2012 (Florida Southern) Zachara Bailey 5-8 G Nova; Jessica Thomas 5-4 PG 2013 Buchholz.

Class 6A All Tournament Team: MVP Alexis Prince 6-2 F 2012 Orlando (Edgewater); Markeema Crawford 5-6 G 2014 Orlando Edgewater; Brittany Dinkins 5-6 PG 2013 Miami Norland; Chelsey Gibson 6-0 W 2013 Pensacola; Haley Clark 5-9 G 2014 Orlando Edgeater.

Class 5A All Tournament Team MVP Shatoria Baker 5-8 G 2012 Dillard; Kayla Wright 5-10 F/C 2013 Dillard; Allie Manno 5-6 G 2012 Bartram Trail; Kasey Drayton 6-0 W/F 2013 Lakewood; Tyiesha Gunnie 5-7 G 2012 Rickards.

Class 4A All Tournament Team: MVP Kiara Desamours 5-9 G/F 2015 Dunbar; Dominique Simpson 5-9 G 2014 Orlando Jones; Sherranda Reddick 5-6 G 2013 Jax Ribault; Aisha Edwards 5-8 G 2014 Coral Springs Charter; Tifani Kerrison 5-8 G 2012 Orlando Jones.

Class 3A All Tournament Team MVP Niya Johnson 5-9 G 2012 PK Yonge (Baylor); Ariel Allen 5-10 C 2012 PK Yonge; Taylor Shaw 5-6 CG 2012 Parkway Academy; Eva Myers 5-8 G 2013 Parkway Academy; Stephanie Paul 5-11 F 2016 Community School of Naples.

Class 2A All Tournament Team MVP Lakaris Salters 6-1 F 2014 Florida A&M HS; Jazmine Jones 5-9 G 2016 Florida A&M HS; Shaumaria Bridges 5-8 G 2013 Hollywood Christian; Sarah Kelton 5-7 G 2012 Hollywood Christian; Vionise Pierre-Louis 6-4 C 2014 Grandview Prep.

Kenny Kallina is the publisher of the Women's Basketball Insider, he is in contact with coaches at every level of the game through coaching, scouting, and consulting. Kallina was a two year letter winner at basketball power Winter Park Senior High School where he played in two FHSAA Final Fours. At 28, Kallina has coached seven high school varsity seasons, had more than 60 players sign Division I scholarships from his travel teams, and still has a killer jump shot. He can be reached at kennykallina@gmail.com

Part 2 Top JUCO Coaches

2012-02-24T06:14:00.000-08:00

Part ___, today is the Best Juco Head Coaches on their way up. We aren’t talking about guys like Ron Jones at Midland or Harry Meeks who is in his 19th year at the helm of Vincennes or Dave Kragel in his 35th year at Walters State. All of those guys are special not only in their longevity but also their success. Instead we are focused on those coaches who could go be head coaches at smaller level programs or make a large impact at a major Division 1 program as an assistant. This group is earning their stripes and in a few years we may be seeing their names thrown around for much bigger jobs. Enjoy!

Michael Landers – Trinity Valley – This guy is Mr. Juco. He has won a Juco National Championship to go along with his 387-58 record as a head coach. D-1 Coaches routinely think of Trinity Valley when talking Juco ball and his program is one of the most highly recruited programs in junior college. They are poised to win the D-1 Juco Championship this season.

David Lane – Chipola – If Michael Landers is 1A then David Lane is 1B. He’s the Junior College’s WBCA representative and probably along with Landers the most well known Juco coach in the country. He routinely turns out D-1 prospects and has posted a career record of 211-81, winning 4 Florida Juco Coach of the Year awards.

John Ontjes – Hutchinson – Although you may have never hear of this guy, what he has done at Hutch is nothing short of impressive. He’s 168-38 as a head coach in his career and has Hutch off to a 25-0 start this year and a #2 rank in NJCAA D-1. Good chance he will make it to his 2nd National Tournament appearance in 5 years at the school.

Kristy Ward – FSC-Jacksonville – Her record this season may not be all that impressive but she took a bare cupboard at FSC-J and won over 10 games with little talent. Her record in 16 years at NW Shoals in Alabama is 384-142. With a full year to recruit, the future is bright in Jacksonville….that is if she doesn’t move up to bigger and better sooner rather than later.

Chris Carlson – North Idaho – The 2011 NJCAA National Coach of the Year has been at the helm of North Idaho for 9 years and has produced 8 20+ win seasons. Not bad to go along with D-1 Assistant experience at Eastern Washington. In between he has guided the Spokane Stars to an AAU National Championship, and is now looking to win back to back Juco titles.

Cayla Petree – Cisco – A rising young star in the Juco ranks, Petree has posted a 63-25 record in the last 3 seasons in West TX, a tough place to compete with Midland and Odessa breathing down your neck. She’s former Texas Tech Red Raider and her D-1 experience makes her a hot commodity.

John McGraw – Columbia State – The former Marshall assistant with ties to the Exodus-NYC AAU program he has resurrected a laughing stock program at Columbia State. The program won just 11 games in 3 years before McGraw took over. He’s skyrocketed the program to the top of TN Juco posting a 17-5 record this year and his career record of 113-34 is impressive.

Aaron Kallhoff – Hill College – He has quickly made a name for himself at Hill, guiding them into the NJCAA top 20 this season and winning 24 games with 2 to go. He’s done about all he can do in 4 seasons at the helm. Look for him to be moving up soon!

Mark Leszczyk – Roxbury – Normally a D-3 Juco Coach wouldn’t make this list but Leszczyk has taken a play anyone, anytime, anywhere attitude. He came to Florida this year and played some big boys just barely losing to Tallahassee, while beating Santa Fe. He turned Boston into a hot spot for Juco in the Northeast where there is a serious lack of quality Juco programs. His kids get recruited and his program keeps improving every year.

Eddie Kite – Connors State – This is a down year for Coach Kite and he’s still looking at a possible 20 wins. Kite is a tireless recruiter and gets the most out of his players. He’s a strict old school type of coach who turned around a struggling Connors program 9 years ago and turned them into a proven competitor.

Kenny Kallina is the publisher of the Women's Basketball Insider, he is in contact with coaches at every level of the game through coaching, scouting, and consulting. Kallina was a two year letter winner at basketball power Winter Park Senior High School where he played in two FHSAA Final Fours. At 28, Kallina has coached seven high school varsity seasons, had more than 60 players sign Division I scholarships from his travel teams, and still has a killer jump shot. He can be reached at kennykallina@gmail.com

Best Non Major D1 Assistants

2012-02-22T09:21:00.000-08:00

I am going to have a few of these lists come out, if you look at last year's publication Top Assistants 2011 Carlene Mitchell, Richard Barron, Cori Close, Nikki Hayes, and Marlene Stollings all landed head jobs within 6 months of the publication. Now this year we will expand the list to encompass more catagories and coaches.

Part 1, today is the Best Non Major D1 Assistants, assistants who could go be head coaches at smaller level programs or make a large impact at a major Division 1 program. Not every name below fits into both categories but fit into one or the other. Enjoy

Adeniyi Amadou - Dayton - Dayton's recruiting class would be a good one just about anywhere in the country which has a foreign falvor thanks to the job Amadou has done for the Flyers. Another top level Atlantic 10 school in the middle of Ohio, imagine if he was at a bigger program?

Greg Brown - Central Florida - Former Tennessee Assistant has been a staple on this list. Brown is one of the best X's and O's guys in the country regardless of level and a great recruiter as well. At UCF they have been CUSA Champs 2 out of 4 years and head to the Big East next winter. Brown's rational approach to recruits and sincerity make him a welcome face in the recruiting game.

Lynn Burkey - Middle Tennessee - Having Burkey with Rick Insell on a staff is like having Vince Lombardi with Dean Smith. Two coaches who are legends in the state of Tennessee on the same staff provide all the valuable connections Burkey has in East Tennessee with Insell's deep ties to Middle Tennessee. Burkey's knowledge of the game, longevity in the game, coupled with his great demeanor about coaching makes him one of the top people on this list.

Gayle Coats - UNC Greensboro Young but one of the best recruiters I know. Coats did a great job with first year head coach Wendy Palmer signing one of the Southern Conferences best classes. Coats's father is the head coach of Boo Williams Virginia, one of the most talented young club teams in the country. Coats's work ethic coupled with her people skills make her a talent in the game without a doubt.

Alex Fuller - Middle Tennessee - This former Lady Vol and Shelbyville High School player has done a great job with the posts at Middle Tennessee in a short time with the program. Fuller's knowledge of the game and ability to relate to players makes her a unique asset to any staff. Fuller's legacy in Middle Tennessee also adds power to her ability to recruit in the region as well.

Julia Huddleson - Furman A big part of Furman's turn around in the last year or two has done a fantastic job recruiting in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Furman has done a great job getting their name out to recruits as well as finding kids maybe other schools have passed on and turning them into players. Furman and Huddleson's ability to score Holli Wilkins was a major steal and she could end up being one of the best players in the programs history.

Mike Leflar - Boston University Another big year for the Boston University Terriers, Leflar always is an entertaining guy on the road and the success of Boston U does nothing but substatiate his status as one of the top mid major assistants in the country. LeFlar is always out recruiting and identifying talent and I have seen him make very few mistakes and always up for a good conversation.

Kelvin Long - East Tennessee - Speaking of a guy who's a really good recruiter ... Its Kelvin Long who's had East Tennessee in the top of the Atlantic Sun Conference with some stellar athletic talent for the last 5 seasons. Long is good communicating with kids while he's recruiting them and when they get on campus. Long is for sure a hidden gem in the coaching world.

Mike McGuire - Richmond - Deep ties as a high school coach and resident in the state of Virginia, I always like to see someone who's coached at the high school level in college because they can relate to kids and coaches on a different level. McGuire certainly does that and is a big part of the Richmond program headed in the positive direction that its going.

Jared Newland - Charleston Southern - Former Big 12 staff member has turned Charleston Southern around in less than 365 days. Newland is a tireless worker who has strong ties in Texas and building them in the rest of the South. Newland landed several key recruits to a unique program in Charleston Southern, look for him to be back running with the big dogs in no time.

Mike Terry - Vermont Have to have a Florida guy on the list. Vermont has gone from worst to middle of the pack very quickly and this has a lot to do with associate head coach Mike Terry. Terry former at New Mexico, Kent State, and Erlana Larkins high school coach has a long tenure in coaching basketball and is someone who's extremely knowledgable and no nonsense. Terry is another guy who would make a fantastic head coach very soon.

Waynetta Veney - Temple - Always at the top of the Atlantic 10, Veney has had the longevity in the game and success at different stops to make her a viable candidate for a head coaching job or top recruiter position in a major league. While Temple is possibly entering the Big East her addition to just about any staff would be a positive.

Michael Wholey - Memphis You may know him as the guy with the clown checkered pants but at least you know him. Wholey has gotten Memphis invovled with better kids then just about any other school in Conference USA. His determination and never give up attitude will transition well for Memphis as they head into the Big East and move from being someone's visit to becoming someone's home.

Josh Wick - Elon First year after a successful stint at East Tennessee, Wick is more than just a recruiter but someone who has a great feel for the X's and O's game. A North Carolina graduate he has great ties in the Carolina's and with that program as well. Look for Elon with the combination of Charlotte Smith and Wick to prove to move into the power mid major ranks.

Best of the Beast of the East

2011-12-11T19:46:00.000-08:00

The Beast of the East Event in Baltimore Maryland in my opinion is the second best event in the nation behind the NIKE TOC, organized by St Frances assistant Coach Chris Burley, there were teams from 3 different time zones set to compete this weekend.

The talent was so deep that national scouts from the Girl’s Basketball Insider (Kenny Kallina), All Star Girl’s Report (Brett McCormick), and Blue Star (Kevin Lynch) were all on hand to check out the Maryland and the DMV’s finest. Head Coaches who are locked into recruiting the area also showed out in force with Maryland’s Head Coach Brenda Frese and new Virginia Coach Joanne Boyle both in attendance for a significant amount of time. Both Virginia Tech and Georgetown sent multiple assistants to the event.

The state of Maryland’s private schools have to be one of the best in the country with four teams that will be in the NIKE TOC this year in Good Council, Riverdale Baptist, Academy of the Holy Cross, and St John’s College. All of which boast at least one BCS player if not more. All four schools did not lose a game this year at the Beast. On to the top talent at the Beast

Class of 2012

Class of 2012 Most Outstanding Player - Jonquel Jones 6-3 W/F Riverdale Baptist – I saw Jones last year loved her upside and potential and in 365 days and 6 viewings later Jones has turned that upside into production which is easier said then done. Jones will be a candidate next year for ACC Rookie of the year and outplayed fellow ACC commits Katie Heckman (Duke/Regis Jesuit CO) and A’lexus Harrison (Maryland/Digital Harbor MD) this weekend.

Class of 2012 Fab 5 – Marquelle Dent 5-8 G Regis Jesuit (Wyoming); Jodie Cornelie 6-4 W/F Oak Hill (Dayton); Lexi Carpenter 5-8 G Forest Park VA (Dayton); Taylor Ford 6-1 W/F PT Prep (Syracuse); Mooriah Rowser 6-0 W/F St. John’s College (Memphis)

Class of 2013

Class of 2013 Most Outstanding Player – Lindsay Allen 5-8 G St John’s College - Lindsay Allen can score, get her teammates the ball, and is a one person fast break on the floor for St John’s College. In her first game of the weekend she led St John’s to a 20 point win over Forest Park VA where she shut down and scored at will on Dayton 2012 signee Lexi Carpenter and on Sunday she dominated highly regarded junior Tanesha Greaves 5-8 G 2013 Oak Hill in a double figure win over the international boarding school. All in all Allen probably has the most impressive weekend of any player at the event.

Class of 2013 Fab 5 – Lindsey Spann 5-6 G Our Lady of Good Council; Amanda Fioravanti 6-1 PF Our Lady of Good Council; Taylor McCarley 5-8 G Academy of the Holy Cross ; Brionna Jones 6-2 F Aberdeen; Breyana Mason 5-9 G Forest Park.

Class of 2014

Class of 2014 Most Outstanding Player: Rhamat Alhassan 6-4 F Academy of the Holy Cross – A player who changes every game on the defensive end with her athletic ability, length, and effort Alhassan is regarded by experts who are in the know as a top 25 player nationally in the 2014 class and certainly showed why this weekend. With West Virginia signee Lanay Montgomery out for the season with a knee injury Alhassan has lay claim over the entire paint for Academy of the Holy Cross where she’s scoring at will, blocking shots, and dominating the boards. Alhassan is getting stronger and developing more of a mid range game, when that comes into full effect 25 might be modest.

Class of 2014 Fab 5 - Yacine Diop 5-9 G Oak Hill VA; Sara Woods 6-0 F Our Lady of Good Council; Auteonna Gilmore 5-6 PG Riverdale Baptist; Nichole Floyd 6-2 F Stonewall Jackson VA; Jillian Dunston 5-9 G Academy of the Holy Cross

Class of 2015

Class of 2015 Most Outstanding Player- Sydney Jordan 5-10 G Stonewall Jackson VA – Strong athletic guard who sets the tone on defense and offense with how hard she plays. Jordan facilitates just about everything from the point guard spot for Stonewall Jackson who beat down Largo MD on Saturday night at the Carmello Anthony Center. Jordan has poise few have at such a young age especially playing out of position (at the point) when she’s really a shooting guard. Watch out for Jordan in the 2015 class.

Class of 2015 Fab 5 – Biana Hardee 5-10 W/F Our Lady of Good Council; Dejanae Boykin 6-0 W Riverdale Baptist; Jonquanae Cole 6-4 C Stonewall Jackson VA; Katia Perryman 6-0 F Peddie PA; Therese Gilmore 5-10 F HD Woodson DC

Kenny Kallina has been coaching, evaluating, and playing basketball at the prep level since 1998. Kallina runs the Girl’s Basketball Insider Recruiting Service, one of the most respected services in the country. Kallina has coached more than 60 Division I players in the past several years and written for numerous publications. You can email Kenny Kallina at Kennykallina@gmail.com

All - Georgia Pre-Season 2011

2011-10-31T17:16:00.000-07:00

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Jacksonville Oct 31, 2011 - High school girls basketball seasons are set to take off starting with pre-season in just one week. The National Women's Basketball Insider publisher Kenny Kallina takes a look at the top players from around the Peach State in the high school and college game. Kallina is the publisher of the National Women's Basketball Insider as well as the Girl's Basketball Insider (www.gbballinsider.com) which is subcribed to by nearly every BCS school in the Southeast. Kallina has coached, played, and evaluated at nearly every level of the game and established himself as "THE" expert in Georgia Girl's Hoops.

Top Teams
1. Norcross
2. McEeachern
3. Wesleyan
4. North Gwinnett
5. Buford
6. Alpharetta
7. Statesboro
8. Forest Park
9. St Francis
10. Washington County

Pre-Season All Georgia

All Georgia Seniors Class of 2012 - Pre-Season POY - Breanna McDonald 6-0 W Chamblee Charter

All Georgia Seniors Class of 2012 1st Team
Shavontae Naylor 5-10 G Southwest Atlanta Christian (Atlanta) - South Florida
Kayla Montgomery 6-4 C McEachern (Powder Springs) - Clemson
Ariel Butts 6-3 C Carver (Columbus) - Undecided
Courtney Williams 5-8 G Charlton County (Folkston) - South Florida
Holli Wilkins 5-10 W/F Wesleyan - Furman
Keyona Hayes 6-1 F St Francis - Miami

All Georgia Seniors Class of 2012 2nd Team
Alisia Jenkins 6-1 F Statesboro - South Florida
Kaelyn Causwell 6-4 C Wesleyan - Georgia
Amber Curtis 5-8 G Beach (Savannah)
Tabitha Fudge 6-1 F Miller Grove (Atlanta) - High Point
Christen Mercer 6-0 F Douglasville - Florida
Dominique Wilson 5-7 G McEachern - Arkansas

All Georgia Juniors Class of 2013 - Pre- Season POY - Diamond Deshields 6-2 W Norcross

All Georgia Juniors Class of 2013 1st Team
Alexis Brown 5-10 G North Gwinnett - Maryland
Allisha Gray 5-9 G Washington County
Kaela Davis 5-11 F Buford - Tennessee
Sydney Umeri 6-1 F The Lovett School
Peyton Whitted 6-3 F North Gwinnett
Shayla Cooper 6-0 F Norcross

All Georgia Juniors Class of 2013 2nd Team
Kristina Nelson 6-3 C Buford
Gabby Bevillard 6-1 F Oconee County
Nigia Green 5-10 G St Francis
Kylee Smith 5-9 G Alpharetta
Kaliyah Mitchell 6-1 W Stephenson
Alexus Parker 5-11 W Calvary Day

All Georgia Sophomores - Class of 2014 - Pre- Season POY - Nasheema Oliver 6-4 C Crisp County (Cordele, GA)

All Georgia Sophomores Class of 2014 1st Team
Sha'Quoia Crockett 5-7 PG Bradwell Institute (Hinesville, GA)
Kayla Potts 5-10 G Forest Park
Mackenzie Engram 6-2 F Hillgrove
Kamierra Haylock 6-1 F Riverdale
Jasmine Carter 5-10 G Mill Creek
Jamesa Abney 5-8 G Redan

All Georgia Class Sophomores Class of 2014 2nd Team
Precious Price 5-6 PG Newton
Destiny Alston 5-6 G Brunswick
Katie Powell 6-3 F Duluth
Aunesha Williams 6-1 F Cherokee
Stephanie Amichie 6-2 F Peachtree Ridge
Shanekwa Buie 5-11 F Statesboro

All Georgia Freshmen Class of 2015 Pre Season POY - Caliya Robinson 6-3 F Kell (Marietta)

All Georgia Freshmen Class of 2015 1st Team
Nikki McDonald 5-11 W Wesleyan
Asia Durr 5-9 G St Pius X
Tea Cooper 5-6 G McEachern - North Carolina
Ayanna Mitchell 6-2 F Salem HS (Conyers)
Taylor Reese 6-1 W Macon Central
LaSeanda Grant 6-1 F Brunswick

All - Florida Pre-Season 2011

2011-10-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

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Jacksonville Oct 30, 2011 - High school girls basketball seasons are set to take off starting with pre-season in just one week. The National Women's Basketball Insider publisher Kenny Kallina takes a look at the top players from around the Sunshine State in the high school and college game. Kallina is the publisher of the National Women's Basketball Insider as well as the Girl's Basketball Insider (www.gbballinsider.com) which is subcribed to by nearly every BCS school in the Southeast. Kallina has coached, played, and evaluated at nearly every level of the game and established himself as "THE" expert in Florida Girl's Hoops.

Seniors (2012) – All Florida

2012 All Florida Senior Pre-Season Player of the Year – Alexis Prince 6-2 W – Orlando Edgewater - Undecided

All Florida Seniors Class of 2012 1st Team
Hillary Fuller 6-1 F Potters House (Jacksonville)– North Carolina
Taylor Shaw 5-8 G Parkway Academy (Miramar)
Brandi Teague 6-1 F American Heritage(Plantation) - Villanova
Niya Johnson 5-8 G PK Younge(Gainesville) - Undecided
Brittany Jackson 5-8 G Sebastian River (Sebastian) – Georgia Tech
Briahanna Jackson 5-7 G IMG Academy (Bradenton) – Central Florida

All Florida Seniors Class of 2012 2nd Team
Mariah Harris 5-9 F Buchholz (Gainesville) - Undecided
Destiny Jones 6-0 F Archbishop McCarthy (Miami) – James Madison
Precious Hall 5-9 G McClay School (Tallahassee) – James Madison
Diamond Cooper 6-2 F West Orange (Orlando) – UNC Greensboro
Macy Keen 6-5 C Dillard (Fort Lauderdale) – Undecided
Antoinette Bannister 5-10 G Potters House Christian – North Carolina

All Florida Juniors Class of 2013

All Florida Class of 2013 Pre-Season Player of the Year – Kai James 6-4 C – Palm Beach Dwyer

All Florida Juniors Class of 2013 1st Team
Raigyne Moncrief 5-10 G American Heritage (Plantation)
Ieshia Small 6-0 W Miami Dr Krop (Miami)
Brittany Brown 5-9 G Choctawhachee (Fort Walton Beach)
Ronni Williams 6-1 F Daytona Beach Atlantic (Daytona Beach)
Ashley Perry 5-11 W Leesburg (Lady Lake)
Heather Freeman 6-4 C Wekiva (Orlando)
***Trimaine McCullough 5-9 G Orlando Edgewater

All Florida Juniors Class of 2013 2nd Team
Sydnei McCaskill 5-5 G Orlando Dr Phillips (Orlando)
Ericka Young 6-1 F Tampa Bay Technical (Tampa)
Faith Woodard 6-0 F Riverview (Tampa)
Jatesha Hanson 5-10 G Riverview (Tampa)
Jessica Thomas 5-4 G Gainesville Buchholz (Gainesville)
Tiannah Alvarado 5-9 G Lakewood (St Pete)
*Brittany Dinkins 5-7 PG Miami Norland

*Denotes scheduled to miss season because of injury

All Florida Sophomores Class of 2014 Pre-Season Player of the Year – Dominique Simpson 5-9 G – Orlando Jones

All Florida Sophomores Class of 2014 1st Team
Aisha Edwards 5-7 G Coral Springs Charter (Coral Springs)
Taryn Griffey 5-5 PG Orlando Dr Phillips (Orlando)
Keyanna Harris 6-0 F West Palm Beach Dwyer (West Palm Beach)
Aliyah Gregory 5-9 G Strawberry Crest (Seffner)
Christina Potts 5-9 G Timber Creek (Orlando)
Shakoa Edwards 5-5 PG Boynton Beach (Boynton Beach)

All Florida Sophomores Class of 2014 - 2nd Team
Kenyia Johnson 5-8 G Fleming Island (Orange Park)
Rolanda Hayes 5-7 PG Viera (Rockledge)
Dee Anderson 6-0 W Viera (Rockledge)
Haley Clark 5-9 G Orlando Edgewater (Orlando)
Lakaris Salter 6-1 F FAMU HS (Tallahassee)
Danneal Ford 5-9 W Norland (Miami)

All Florida Freshman Class of 2015 Pre-Season Player of the Year – Jonell Williams 6-1 F – Palatka

All Florida Freshmen Class of 2015 1st Team
Zada Williams 6-2 F Lake Wales (Lake Wales)
McKenna Beach 5-7 PG Cape Coral (Cape Coral)
Leanna Ellis 5-7 G Island Coast (Ft Myers)
Emily Lines 6-1 F First Baptist (Naples)
Crystal Primm 5-11 W Palm Beach Central (Palm Beach)
Beatrice Mompremeir 6-5 C Miami Senior High (Miami)

All Florida Freshman Class of 2nd Team
Destinee Walker 5-10 W Lake Highland Prep (Orlando)
Shambria Washington 5-8 G Trinity Catholic (Ocala)
Jamie Williams 6-3 F/C American (Miami)
Breanna Bryant 5-8 G Orange Park (Orange Park)
Deja Swinton 5-5 G Lakewood (St Petersburg)
Angela Jernigan 5-6 G Jones (Orlando)

Top Teams Regardless of Class
1. Dr Phillips (Orlando)
2. American Heritage (Plantation)
3. Dr. Krop (Miami)
4. Norland (Miami)
5. Nova (Davie)
6. Potters House (Jacksonville)
7. Lakewood (St Petersburg)
8. Buchholz (Gainesville)
9. Edgewater (Orlando)
10. Dwyer (West Palm Beach)
11. Hollywood Christian
12. Riverview (Tampa)
13. Dillard (Fort Lauderdale)
14. Viera (Rockledge)
15. Sebastian River (Sebastian)
16. South Broward (Hollywood)
17. Ribault (Jacksonville)
18. Leesburg
19. Jones (Orlando)
20. Pensacola
21. Gainesville
22. FAMU (Tallahassee)
23. Clearwater
24. Atlantic (Daytona Beach)
25. Choctawhachee (Fort Walton)
26. Lake Brantley
27. Palm Beach Lakes
28. St Augustine
29. Washington (Pensacola)
30. Timber Creek (Orlando)

Pre Season All College Teams – Florida D1's

Pre-Season Player of the Year: Shenise Johnson 5-11 W Miami (SR)

All Florida Colleges 1st Team
Aisha Patrick 5-8 G Central Florida (SR)
Cierra Brevard 6-4 C Florida State (SR)
Natasha Howard 6-2 F Florida State (SR)
Andrea Smith 5-8 G South Florida (SR)
Riquana Williams 5-8 G Miami (SR)
Jen Hansen 5-10 G Florida Gulf Coast (So)

All Florida Colleges 2nd Team
Morgan Stroman 6-1 W Miami (JR)
Jerica Coley 5-9 G FIU (So)
Victoria McGowan 5-6 G Stetson (SR-TR)
Kaneisha Saunders 5-8 G South Florida (JR)
Brittany Kirkland 5-8 G North Florida (SR)
Kim Smith 5-10 G Florida Atlantic (So)

Best of the Miami Suns Team Jam

2011-10-10T17:54:00.000-07:00

College coaches pack it in for the Friday night of the Miami Suns Team Jams

The October weekend has passed us and this free-be by the Girl's Basketball Insider will tell you some of the top players in Florida currently and for the future. Because the state of Florida gets little to no media attention as this event did working together with great programs like the Miami Suns, South Florida Jags, Hollywood Eagles, FGB, Florida Angels, Suncoast Basketball Club among others show why Florida recruiting is imprinted on the national scene every game you watch. Great work by the staff down in South Florida putting on the best event of the fall evaluation period. Although it rained all weekend (literally) the gym was more then hot even when the lights got put out by lightening play inside didnt sway. Even other event operators from around the state paid to see what was the best day of exposure in Florida in 2011 year. With such a high profile crowd (Sylvia Fowles among them) the talent in Florida didnt dissapoint.

Fitzroy Anthony (Miami Suns) finished out the event with an epic game with an overtime win over New Jersey Sparks - No Sudden death here!

Miami Suns Team Jam Class of 2012

No one did more to put herself on the map more than Briahanna Jackson this weekend

Class of 2012 MVP: Briahanna Jackson 5-7 G IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fl)- Jackson walked on to campus at St Thomas University with only taken one visit to East Tennessee State, by Monday morning schools from 4 of the 6 BCS conferences nationally were inquiring about the big time scoring guard from Tampa. Jackson put on a show against 2013 sensation Raigyne Moncrief of American Heritage as well as just being a 30 point a game kid all weekend. After playing in exposure tournaments all summer one would wonder how so many services and coaches missed the boat on this big time player. Luckily she made the trek down to Miami this weekend, its no longer a problem.

2012 Top 10 (No Order): Cedrika Sweeting (Hollywood Eagles); Symone Bullard (Miami Suns); Monique Maximillien (Miami Suns); Mariah Smelser (Miami Suns); Bre Crum (Tampa Nuggets); Jakelle Gilchrest (New Jersey Sparks); Robin Perkins (New Jersey Sparks); Shayla Wilson (Suncoast BBall Club); Jessica Logemann (Suncoast Bball Club); Khadejra Young (South Florida Jags)

Miami Suns Team Jam Class of 2013

After being injured all summer Raygine Moncrief showed why she belongs among the nation's elite

Class of 2013 MVP: Raigyne Moncrief 5-10 G American Heritage (Plantation, Fl) (Miami Suns) - Moncrief after being injured at Duke Camp this summer chose to take the summer off from the exposure circuit and get healthy. Well this weekend she came back on the scene and she looked pretty healthy. Moncrief gets to the rim at will and changes the game with her defense on just about any position on the floor. An improved jump shot with great elevation shows an emerging offensive game which could carry her to the top of the recruiting world. After being snubbed this summer in the class of 2013, she proved this weekend she's among the nation's elite.

Kai James is without a doubt the top post prospect in 2013 in the south

2013 Top 10 (No Order):Kai James (Miami Suns); Brittany Brown (Miami Suns); Victoria Carroll (FGB); Ashley Perry (FGB); Heather Freeman (FGB); Alexis Ungro (Angles); Nia Roberts (Miami Suns); Tatianna Manuel (Florida Nuggets); Teana Muldrow (New Jersey Sparks); Africa Williams (New Jersey Sparks)

Miami Suns Team Jam Class of 2014

Dominique Simpson and FGB made some noise on the recruiting front this weekend

Class of 2014 MVP: Dominique Simpson 5-9 G Orlando Jones (Orlando, Fl)(FGB) - Little Diamond Deshields was the buzz around coaches at the Miami Suns Team Jam, speaking with coaches they couldnt name many better 2014 prospects in Florida than Dominique Simpson. An emerging star on the scene has a great mix of athletic talent and skill which you can tell has increased her confidence and is taking her to the highest level. No doubt this 2014 prospect is a potential All American when her time comes.

2014 Top 11 (No Order):Sha'Quoia Crockett (FGB); Christina Potts (FGB); Aisha Edwards (Miami Suns); Keyanna Harris (Miami Suns); Kenyia Johnson (FGB); Taylor Thigpen (Angels); Shakoa Edwards (Miami Suns); Danneal Ford (Miami Suns); Myisha Hines (New Jersey Sparks); Imani Tiford (New Jersey sparks); Trellanie English (South Florida Jags)

Miami Suns Team Jam Class of 2015

Not the first time we have written about 2015 Crystal Primm, and certainly wont be the last

Class of 2015 MVP: Crystal Primm 6-0 G Palm Beach Central (West Palm Beach, FL) (Miami Suns) - Primm the youngest player invited to this year's Next Level 24 Game in Orlando showed that she will not just be a good young kid but a player to be wreckoned with now and in the future for sure. Long and athletic Primm stands 6-0 tall on the wing already as a freshman. Primms ability to score going to the rim and hit outside shots make her an elite prospect in the class of 2015 and one to keep an eye on for sure.

Jonell Williams, Palatka Native in 2015 is currently the #1 Freshman in Florida

2015 Top 5 (No Order):McKenna Beach (Vision); Jonell Williams (FGB); Leanna Ellis (Vision); Emily Lines (Vision); Lindsay Stramel (Vision)

Miami Suns Team Jam Class of 2016 & Younger

2017 Jalaysha Thomas could be the next Sylvia Fowles? Certainly the best prospect in the 2017 class

Class of 2016 & Younger MVP: Jalaysha Thomas 6-2 F (Citra, Fl) (FGB) - We wrote about Thomas last fall and guess what, everytime I see her she gets taller. Without a doubt one of the top prospects overall in the event still is in middle school with two years before she hits the high school scene. One college coach told me they thought that Thomas was one of the elite freshman in Florida, one problem...she's in 7th grade. A member of the All Star team this weekend, Thomas got to meet Sylvia Fowles, a surreal moment where the present met the future? We will see.

Class of 2016 & Younger Top 2: Cabria Lee (Miami Suns); Jasmine Gee (New Jersey Sparks)

East Tennessee Elite 80 Fall League

2011-10-04T05:38:00.000-07:00

I ventured out this weekend to Knoxville for the East TN Prep Girl’s Elite 80 on Sunday. Also attending was Mike Rodger’s Oak Hill club. On Saturday I attended a small fall league in the west Knoxville area at Christian Academy of Knoxville (CAK). In total I saw about 150 players from East TN. Listed below are my impressions of some of the best kids. I would be remiss to write this article and not mention Dayton Commit, Jodie Cornelie, a 6’4 wing/post from Strasbourg, France who plays for Oak Hill. She was hands down the best prospect in the gym this weekend and will be the best pro prospect in many A-10 gyms next winter. A huge steal for Dayton, this kid is a legit 6’4, with all the tools. She missed a few bunnies and couldn’t lead her team to victory in either game (a tie and a loss vs 2 “all star” type teams from the league) but she popped 3’s, attacked the rim from the perimeter in the half court and just displayed a skill and understanding you don’t often see in 5’11 wings let alone 6’4.

Best of 2013

Ashley Mitchell – Tennessee – A tough 5’6 PG, Mitchell’s body is already built for this game and my guess is that she hasn’t even hit the weight room like she will in college. She is finishing better than she did this summer and her confidence is growing. She led her “All-Star” team to a tie with Oak Hill and she was clearly the TN All-Stars best player.

John McGraw is is a contributor to the National Women's Basketball Insider and GBB Insider Recruiting Service in addition to being the Head Women's Basketball Coach at Columbia State Community College in Tennessee and has been a coach, evaluator, and event operator for more than 15 years. Angel Mccoughtry and Nichole Michael are some of the talented players Coach McGraw helped mold to the next level. You can follow him on twitter @coachjohnmcgraw

Recruiting Scoop

2011-09-05T18:49:00.000-07:00

Around the Recruiting Scene

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Race to the Top

UConn has already locked in the #1 class with #1 Breanna Stewart (NY) and #2 Moriah Jefferson (TX) but there are plenty of schools vying to get in the top 5 classes in the country. UConn also has top 10 recruit Morgan Tuck from Bolingbrook, IL and is waiting on a decision from 2012 Forward Xylina McDaniel of South Carolina who has now set her visits.

Texas A&M has locked in nearly the entire state of Texas not named Alexis or Moriah with commitments from Curtyce Knox, Chelsea Jennings, Jordan Jones, Courtney Williams, Courtney Walker, and Peyton Little all ranked in the top 50 nationally and all from the state of Texas. You can see that A&M’s march to the championship last year certainly paid off when recruiting against in state rivals Baylor and Texas.

Charge to the Top

Five programs come to mind when talking about challenging for spots in the top 5 with potentially big recruiting classes.

USC – The Trojans have already bagged in Brianna Barrett an athletic guard from Southern California and are in great position with recent move in Nirra Fields who led the Canadian U19 team this year to a win over the United States, Jordan Adams; Fields' new teammate at Mater Dei, and 6-7 C Imani Stafford of Windward Academy. USC is establishing themselves as the recruiting anchor to the West Coast being involved with nearly every blue chip recruit in the region.

Penn State – Penn State has already hauled in 6-6 Candice Agee from California and has a pair of top 25 players looking towards State College with in state prospect Brianna Butler from King of Prussia, PA and recent stock climber Brandis Agee from Michigan. Locking in this pair could put them near the top of the country this recruiting season.

Rutgers – getting close to locking up a pair of twin towers from the south. Ariel Butts 6-2 PF/C from Columbus, GA is down to UNC Wilmington, Auburn, Georgia, Florida State and Rutgers by all reports the Scarlet Knights lead for the big time post’s services. Along with Butts, Rutgers has 6-3 2012 Rachel Hollivay from Mississippi slated for a visit as well. Besides the post Rutgers has Breanna McDonald 6-0 W from Georgia also looking north as they are in her top 5.

Kentucky – Last year it looked like Kentucky was on the verge of greatness coming down to the river card with Isabelle Harrison, Ariel Massengale, Briyona Canty, and Benitjah Laney. Sadly for the Cats’ they were unable to land any of the foursome but another strong year in the Southeastern Conference finds them again in a spot to hit a homerun in recruiting. Kentucky already has visits set with Alexis Prince (FL), Jenee Thompson (IL), Nicole Kornet (TX), Imani Stafford (CA), and Brianna Butler (PA). Like their men Kentucky is establishing the entire country as their recruiting base and the addition of any of the aforementioned will continue to move them closer to the top of the SEC.

Notre Dame – With commitments already from Hannah Huffman (CA), Machaela Mabry (NJ) and Jewel Loyd, all that is missing is the lady in the middle and for the Irish they are in the final two for the premier post in the Midwest – Malina Howard. Howard who is down to Notre Dame and Maryland could push the Irish’s class into the top 5 nationally if she decides on going there and gives them plenty of ammunition to continue their run back to the championship.

The ACC – Clemson has come out firing on all cylinders in 2012 with getting top 50 Danaejah Grant from New York, Jonquel Jones of Maryland, and Kayla Montgomery from Atlanta. Clemson ‘s pick up in the point, wing, and post spots makes them poised to continue improving in the ACC and could have each of the three freshman make some major noise in 2012. Georgia Tech has 3 commitments including Aliyah Whiteside of Tennessee, Brittany Jackson of Florida, and Kym Ellison of Georgia. Their ability to land a quality post in 2012 will lock in them as having another elite class nationally. Maryland is waiting on Malina Howard the 6-4 Post from Ohio but already has Tierney Pfirman committed along with Chloe Palvich. Duke has two top 50 commitments in Texas’s Alexis Jones who according to reports always dreamed of playing for the Blue Devils and Sierra Moore of Pennsylvania. Top 3 Classes So Far 1. Clemson 2. Georgia Tech 3. Maryland

The SEC – Tennessee has locked in three prospects already for 2012 in Andraya Carter who missed the entire summer with ACL surgery, Jasmine Jones (AL), and Bashaara Graves (TN) who looks to be the jewel of the class. South Carolina adds a big time pair of wing players in Tiffany Mitchell (NC) and Azia Dozier (SC) to join Dawn Staley’s improving club. Ole Miss has gotten underrated 2012 win Quindella Ford who adds to a strong 2011 class in Oxford. Vandy has a pair of Georgia guards in Morgan Beaty and Jasmine Jenkins who may not be known national names but what they lack in being known nationally they will be able to fit in to the Vandy system. LSU has already picked up the top point guard in the South in Tennessee’s Danielle Ballard, Georgia also looked to the volunteer state with picking up point guard Marjorie Butler from Knoxville and Shacobia Barbie from Murfreesboro as well as instate center Kaelyn Causwell of the Wesleyan School. Top 3 Classes So Far: 1. Tennessee 2. Georgia 3. Vandy

The Big East – South Florida has two underrated commitments early in Top 100 Shavontae Naylor and Courtney Williams from Georgia. With 3 scholarships left the Bulls are hoping to open the new Sun Dome in the proper fashion during the 2012 season. West Virginia is off to a big start with 2012 post Lanay Montgomery of Maryland as well as Jeannie Simms and the Mountaineers are already on the short list for 2012 guard Darius Faulk of NY and Bria Holmes of CT. Georgetown has a pair of top 100 players committed in Katie Mccormmick and Logan Battle. Seton Hall stole Sidney Cook from North Carolina and isn’t giving her back for four years, Seton Hall is also deep in the mix for 2012 PA Forward Sandra Udobi and 2012 NY Forward Taylor Ford. Top 3 Classes So Far 1. UCONN 2. Notre Dame 3. West Virginia

Mid Major Watch – Several Programs have already started locking in solid classes in 2012. Some to watch are: Furman – four commitments headlined by former NBA player Gerald Wikins’s daughter Holli from the Welseyan School look to put Furman back into the top mix in the Southern Conference. Belmont – Cheyenne North was a big pickup for Belmont, although she missed the summer with an ACL injury Belmont and Brittany Ezell are on the way up as they change conferences next year. Morehead State – Two big commitments for the OVC power lady eagles have them looking to move back into the top for good. The eagles still eying posts in 2012 look poised to have another solid class under second year head coach Tom Hodges. Jacksonville – One of the more underrated 2011 classes, the Dolphins have underrated 2012 forward Briona Brown already committed and are aiming for more. Middle Tennessee might have the best player committed to a mid-major so far in 6-3 Lucaya Williams from Mount Juliet, TN. The big post will give teams in the Sun Belt trouble in the Middle offense. High Point was able to out duel several schools in the region to pick up 6-2 F Tabitha Fudge of Atlanta, GA. An athletic forward who can do it all Fudge is major impact in the Big South.

Kenny Kallina is the owner and operator of the GBB Insider, a College Basketball Recruiting Service Subscribed to by more than DIVISION I schools from around the country. Kallina has coached and played at the high school, club, and college level. Kallina has actively trained, coached, and advised more than 100 players who have gone on to play college basketball. You can reach me at KennyKallina@gmail.com

Updated 2012 Where Will They Go? Part 3

2011-08-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

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The ever popular August version of "Where Will They Go?" - America's Top 10 Uncommitted Prospects - Disclaimer - From the reflection of the moon to just pure conjecture this is just my analysis of little to no informationa bout these prospects and where I think they could end up. Hopefully all take it for what its worth and enjoys it.

#5 Jordan Adams - CA: I have heard that Jordan is very close with Alexyz Vaitoalma who currently is a freshman at USC and has been close to committing to the PAC12 school in the past. Cori Close at UCLA has done a great job getting her Bruin program in the mix and getting an official visit from Adams. In the end I think she will go to USC although she also has visits set to Tennessee and Duke.

#7 Malina Howard - OH: Howard has dropped in state power Ohio State and Tennessee and is down to Maryland and Notre Dame. Earlier in the summer I would have bet on Maryland but Notre Dame's march to the National Championship Game this past year and momentum at the current moment makes me believe that Howard will stay in the Midwest. Insider Prediction: Notre Dame

#8 Rachel Hollivay - MS: Somewhat suprising to me that Hollivay will visit both Mississippi schools, with Mississippi State and Ole Miss on the visit list is this just a ceremonial gift to them or she she really considering them? I would focus on her other three visits in Rutgers, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. Hollivay has relationships via club ball with Chelsey Lee, Erica Wheeler, and April Sykes at Rutgers and Katherine Zander and Whitney Hand at Oklahoma but I wouldnt count Tennessee out. Insider Prediction: Rutgers

#10 Alexis Prince - FL - I saw Prince yesterday but we did not talk about recruiting. Prince has had a stellar summer and showed yesterday why she is the top prospect coming out of Florida. I would guess that Prince's list will look like Florida, Miami, Kentucky, Georgetown, LSU, Rutgers, NOrth Carolina among others. In the end I think Prince liked Nikki Caldwell at UCLA and will like her 10 hours closer at LSU and Prince will be another one of the long list of Florida players over time to go to LSU.

#13 Nirra Fields - CA - Fields has been in three states in three years in three time zones the last three years but this year she'll be living the lavish life of luxery in Southern California. Fields is looking at MIami, LSU, UCLA, USC, and Oklahoma. With the life that I previously talked about I dont see her leaving the land of the Lakers and look for her to be attending USC when things are all said and done.

#16 Brianna Butler - PA: From being on the circuit 16 of 20 days this summer with Butler I dont think she is anywhere near a decision and really doesnt have solid visits yet either. Butler saw a lot of interest this summer from Kentucky, Penn State, and Ohio State. Ohio State has already offered Lisa Blair off of Butler's Exodus travel team and is also recruiting Taylor Ford. Kentucky has Butler's former teammate Jennifer O'Neil from NY as well. Penn State would be the local favorite but I am going to go with the Wildcats, Insider Prediction Kentucky

#17 Imani Stafford - CA: Stafford has a list of 7 currently but two really stick out to me which are Kentucky and USC. USC's recruiting could really see some momentum sway if they get fields and Jordan Adams and from what I hear Stafford parents are very invovled in her life and basketball. USC could end up being very good if they score in this class and have about as much as anyone to gain in 2012. I think Stafford will also end up at USC.

#18 Bria Holmes - CT: Ironically the top prospect in CT doesnt have an offer from the Huskies but dont think that wont make it so she doesnt have a major impact on the Big East. Rutgers, St Johns, and West Virginia are all hard after the long athletic forward from CT. I think with her style of play and possibly getting out of CT and still being in the Big East along with some of their current recruiting momentum that Homes will end up at West Virginia.

#22 Katie Collier - WA - The best player in the Northwest this year, looks to make a major splash on someones recruiting class this year. Collier has Gonzaga, San Diego, Washington, UCLA, Arizona State and Cal on her radar currently. I think with some of the momentum that Washington is picking up getting the point guard off of Collier's AAU team Airashay Rodgers that Collier will stay in Seattle and go play for the Huskies.

#23 Khaleah Copper - PA : Copper is another big time athlete out of the Northeast this year. I think that Copper is looking at Rutgers, Pitt, St Johns, Penn State and Miami. Miami has had some success with these types of underrated athletes out of the Northeast (see Shenise Johnson) and Copper could follow her path down to South Beach and play for the Canes'. Prediction Miami.

Scoreboard

Alexis Jones TX - Prediction Texas A&M - Actual Duke
Moriah Jefferson TX - Prediction UConn - Actual UConn
Jewell Loyd IL - Prediction Notre Dame - Actual Notre Dame
Allyson Bebee CA - Prediction Duke - Actual Stanford
Danielle Ballard TN - Prediction GA Tech - Actual LSU

Best of Next Level 24 Game

2011-08-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

Best of Next Level 24 Game – Orlando, Fl

Best of 2012

Antoinette Bannister 5-10 G Potters House (UNC) – Bannister has been wowing us with long range threes for almost half a decade now and this was the beginning of her last show today. Bannister has been apart of AAU National Championship teams, Nationally Ranked high school teams, and a fixture in the national 2012 rankings. Today she played well and is the best Jacksonville player since 2004.

Alexis Prince – Completely dominated the game, Prince shot 12 for 17 from the field with 25 points playing in about half the game. Prince was on another level than just about everyone else in the game there is no doubt about her legitimacy as the top 2012 prospect in Florida and top 10 nationally.

Briahanna Jackson – Someone people don’t know, Jackson is a 5th year senior at IMG Academy in Bradenton. Jackson is an electric scoring guard who didn’t let anyone down in Orlando today. Creative ball handling moves getting to the rim and knocking down jumpers she showed she could be a BCS guard in 2012. 4-10 11 Points

Best of 2013

Shaneese Bailey – Bailey is very efficient being a powerful athlete at 5-10. Bailey is a great rebounder on both ends of the floor and shoots a very high percentage. Bailey was not one of the more highly regarded players in the game today but showed that she can hang at the highest level here. Bailey finished with 13 points on 6 of 9 from the field.

Jessica Thomas – An athletic scoring guard who shoots a lot but gets a lot done. Thomas can go off the dribble or kick out. Thomas can play either guard spot at 5-6 but is a more effective scorer then point guard. Look for her to have big numbers in high school this year at Buchholz.

Sydnei McCaskill – No doubt Mccaskill was impressive today especially though the lane finishing in traffic. Mccaskill has always been a good shooter but her ability to score going to the rim has really impressed me here today especially against people who have more size. Mccaskill finished with a team high 14 points.

Best of 2014

Aliyah Gregory – Gregory’s mix of athletic ability and power make her a real mismatch on the wing for a lot of defenders. Gregory showed some ability to pull up and knock down shots as well as getting to the rim and finishing. Gregory is one of the more well hidden 2014’s in Florida but has tons of upside and is a major d1 recruit.

Dominique Simpson – Simpson showed another aspect of her game here today in Orlando with her ability to pass the ball and find the open player. Simpson also knocked down an NBA three from way out and was strong on the defensive end. A national top 50 kid when the dust settles Simpson is definitely fun to watch.

Rolanda Hayes - Hayes I had not seen for a while but played like an elite point guard in the state in the Next Level game scoring double figures for her team. A strong defender and great getting in the lane to either score or distribute. Hayes looked good shooting from the perimeter as well in different types of situations through the game.

Best of 2015

Crystal Primm – A long athletic guard who has a ton of upside and potential. Primm struggled with some of the more physical players in the game but has real size at 5-10 and great athletic ability, certainly one of the top 5 2015 players in Florida.

Insider Exposure All Americans

2011-07-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

Insider Exposure went out of the box this summer to create affordable high exposure events for teams who were tired of assisting event operators with no player ties to adding expansions on their homes. Instead with collaborative work Insider Exposure provided four high exposure events in four different regions to teams and players the system had shunned. In 2011 these teams who’ve been overlooked by the main stream let their voice be heard in a big way. You can follow Insider Exposure throughout the year at www.insiderexposure.com @coachjohnmcgraw - Twitter @kennykallina - Twitter www.facebook.com/insiderexposure and www.facebook.com/gbbinsider

College Coaches came in droves to the ATL Summer Slam at Clayton State University, no wait necessary this picture is from the first game of the event.

Class of 2012 All Americans ( Player of the Year 12 - All Americans)

Brianna Butler - Exodus NYC - Insider Exposure National 2012 Player of the Year*

(L-R) - Brianna Butler; Courtney Williams; and Ashlee Mitchell were MVP's at the Best of Tennessee All Star Game on July 12, 2011 in Franklin TN - Over 60 College coaches packed in USBA for the High Exposure event

Class of 2012 All Americans

Taylor Ford - Exodus NYC*
Ariel Butts - GA Jags *
Lisa Blair Exodus - NYC
Courtney Williams - FGB (South Florida)*
Tyonna Snow - KC Select *
Aaliyah Whiteside - Memphis Elite Little (Georgia Tech) *
Quindella Ford - NMB Hoop Dreams *
Jasmine Mapp - Georgia Sparks
Ariel Hearn - Memphis Elite Little (Memphis)
Diamond Cooper - FGB
Jesseika Palmer - The Houstonians *
Tabitha Fudge - GA Hoopstars

*National Top 100 Player

Insider Exposure has branded high level All Star Games as one of the many unique services at their events in the summer of 2011.

Honorable Mention - Ashley Beverly - Alabama Showtymers; Monaisia Bolduc - Exodus NYC; Brianna Sidney - Exodus NYC; Shanice Vaughn - Exodus Prince 17U; Erin Martin - Exodus Prince 17U; Kamille Ejerta- Exodus Prince 17; Kametrice Cox - Lady Zoom 17; Tangela Crenshaw - Lady Zoom 17; Fannisha Price - New Heights; Tifani Kerrison - FGB; Jakelle Gilchrist-King - NJ Sparks; Simiah Blount - FGB; Robin Perkins - NJ Sparks; Lexus Love - Waverunners; Aliyah Alston - Exodus Prince; Leanna Rathell - Waverunners; Brittany Atkins - KC Select; Sameia Kendall - KC Select; Shayla Williams - KC Select; Cedricka Sweeting - Mia Suns; Mariah Smelser - Mia Suns; Kayla Pryce - Mia Suns; Shadelly Guzman - Mia Suns; Sade’ King - New Heights; Terri Jacobs - Big South; Cydni Bivins - Big South; Jade Stokes - Big South; Aliya Rutledge - GA Jags; Iesha Bonner - GA Jags ; Alexis Woods - GA Jags; Destini Feagin - Exodus NYC; Jeane Jennings - Exodus Prince 17U; Valencia Hawkins - FBC Southeast Elite; Tiffani Harrison - FGB; Shaunice Robinson - Lady Style Elite

Class of 2013 (National Player of the Year 12 All Americans)

Ashlee Mitchell - Knoxville Lady Panthers - Insider Exposure National 2013 Player of the Year*

(L-R)Mia Phillips, Ashlee Mitchell (MVP); Ashley Perry, and Rhaven Kemp were selected to the All Star Game at both The Best of Tennesee and ATL Summer Slam.

Class of 2013 All Americans

Elizabeth Masengil - TN Threat
Brittany Brown - Miami Suns Fowles*
Kai James - Miami Suns Fowles*
Nina Davis - Memphis Elite Little*
Heather Freeman - FGB
Ashley Perry - FGB
Teana Muldrow - NJ Sparks *
Keyondra Jenkins - GA Pearls 15*
Lubirdia Gordon - Exodus NYC*
Amani Tatum - Exodus NYC
Sharnae Ambristor - Miami Suns*
Mia Phillips - TN Dream

Players came from all over to showcase themselves at Insider Exposure events including 5 Star National Top 25 Teana Muldrow from New Jersey.

*National Top 100 Player

Honorable Mention - Jaylen Powell - Exodus Prince 15; Brooke Rhodes - Knox Panthers Gold; Cassidy Martin - Knox Panthers Black; Lexi McKay - Lady Zoom 16; Rhaven Kemp - Lady Zoom 17; Victoria Carroll - FGB; Aurellia Cammock - New Heights; Taylor Williams - KC Select ; Alicia McCray - Mia Suns; Tiara Calloway - Big South; Mimi Burgls - GA Jags; Morgan Knack - Knox Panthers; Colleen Gottfried - GA Jags; Astasha Fields - GA Jags; Shanice Woodson - NY Exodus; Kimberly Dawkins - GA Pearls; Safiya Martin - GA Pearls; Maelyn Cutshaw - Knox Panthers Gold; Alexis Alexander - FBC Southeast Elite

Class of 2014 (National Player of the Year - 10 All Americans)

Dominique Simpson - FGB - Insider Exposure National 2014 Player of the Year *

Yasmine Belk (L) and Dominique Simpson (R) showed they were among the national elite 2014's with signature performances in multiple All Star games.

Class of 2014 All Americans

Bianca Cuevas - Exodus NYC*
Keyanna Harris - Mia Suns *
Kybri Keyes - Mississippi Fire*
Yasmine Belk - Exodus Prince 15U*
Kayla Potts - GA Pearls *
Sofia Roma - Exodus Prince 15U*
Sha’Quoia Crockett - FGB*
Aunesha Williams - FGB*
Audrisha Williams - FGB*
Shaclasia Brown - Exodus Prince 15U*

Class of 2015 & Younger(National Player of the Year - 10 All Americans)

Mikayla Timmons - TN Extreme - Insider Exposure Class of 2015 National Player of the Year *

MVP's from the ATL Summer Slam Class of 2014 All Star Game - Big names!

Class of 2015 & Younger All Americans

Leanna Ellis - Florida Vision*
Emily Lines - Florida Vision*
McKenna Beach - Florida Vision*
Jonell Williams - FGB*
India Hall - TN Extreme*
Jamee Morgan - FGB *
Atyanna Gaulden - GA Sparks*
Keondria Calloway - Middle GA Stars*
Maya Stewart - Middle GA Stars*
Chloe Lane - KC Select*

2014 & Younger - All American Honorable Mention - Lauren Williams - Exodus Prince 15; Katie Smartt - Knox Panthers Gold; Tiandra Crawford - Lady Zoom; Myisha Hines-Allen - NJ Sparks; Kayla Newman - TN Threat; Dtoria Fowlers - TN Dream; Daneesha Provo - Exodus Prince 15U; Aliyah Jones - Exodus 15U; Ama Roomful - MS Fire; Caroline Patrick - TN Extreme; Taylor Jackson - KC Select ; Shakoa Edwards - Mia Suns; Aries Washington - KC Select

Florida Class of 2012

2011-07-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

Typically in a class the state of Florida has between 30 and 40 Division I players. Here is info I have gathered either via seeing prospects, hearing from coaches, or talking with college coaches. More in depth information is on the GBB Insider recruiting service about each prospect. The GBB Insider is subscribed to by more than 80 colleges around the country and operated by Kenny Kallina. If you have any questions you can email Kenny Kallina at kennykallina@gmail.com

1. Alexis Prince 6-2 F Orlando Edgewater - Everyone in the country is in on Prince my personal opinion is Kentucky, LSU, Rutgers, North Carolina will be some of her top 4 but I could be wrong.

2. Brittany Jackson 5-9 G Sebastian River - Committed to GA Tech

3. Antoinette Bannister 5-9 G Potters House - Committed to North Carolina

4. Macy Keen 6-5 C Dillard - No Info

5. Hillary Fuller 6-1 PF Potters house - Committed to North Carolina

6. Niya Johnson 5-7 PG PK Yonge - My guess for Johnson is LSU and FSU.

7. Sharnae Ambristor 6-2 F Faith Baptist Christian - Ambristor has gotten tons of interest there has been some talk about her reclassifying as well to 2013.

8. Diamond Cooper 6-2 PF West Orange - Cincy, Seton Hall, Virginia Tech and Pitt are all on the forward out of Orlando.

9. Monique Maximillien 6-3 F/C North Broward Prep - Getting heavy interest from Georgia and Auburn.

10. Taylor Shaw 5-7 G Parkway Academy - No Info

11. Precious Hall 5-9 G McClay - James Madison was going after Hall hard solid mid major kid.

12. Brandi Teague 6-2 F American Heritage - Committed to Villanova

13. Joy Brown 5-10 F Evans - FIU, FAU, are the leaders for Brown who’s become a solid mid major prospect.

14. Shanice Beamon 6-1 PF Lakewood - Conference USA schools have been chasing Beamon after a strong spring with the Florida Angels.

15. Briona Brown 5-10 F Haines City - Lower Level Schools are offering and some mids are still interested in the versatile forward.

16. Destiny Jones 6-0 PF Archbishop McCarthy - Getting some low major looks which will likely be where she ends up, word has she has had a very strong July.

17. Morgan Robinson 5-9 G Lyman HS - Another kid getting solid mid level D1 looks James Madison among others.

18. Mariah Harris 5-9 G/F Buchholz - Did not play in July which has adversely affected her recruiting a solid mid to major kid who has tons of upside.

19. Kristine Fuller 5-10 G Palm Harbor - Committed to BYU

20. Kristine Rose 5-11 F Archbishop McCarthy - Was originally committed to UCF but since has re opened her recruitment.

21. Simiah Blount 5-10 G West Orange - Long athletic guard had a strong July looking to add momentum to her recruiting lots of lesser conference schools in the mix.

22. Symone Bullard 5-8 G North Broward Prep - Athletic lead guard getting lots of interest from mid level schools.

23. January Miller 5-8 G University - Committed to Florida

24. Bobbi Carson 5-8 G Nova - Athletic point guard coming into her own with a big summer has interest
from Middle Tennessee among others

25. Taylor Shade 5-5 PG Boynton Beach - Small creative guard has variety of mid major looks.

26. Langeda Bontemps 6-5 C North Miami Beach - Hard to teach 6-5, Bontemps is a big body who can score around the basket. Could end up going to mid or major

27. Ariah Osceola 5-7 G Hollywood Christian - The best shooter in the state

28. Rebecca Lyttle 5-10 F Hollywood Christian - Committed to Michigan

29. Angela Alvarez 5-10 PF St Andrews School - No INfo

30. Tifani Kerrison 5-9 G Orlando Jones

31. Bre Crum 5-6 PG Sickles - Interest from Northeastern among other A-Sun schools in Florida.

32. Hope Palowski 5-7 SG Orlando Christian Prep - No Info
33. Nuri Muhammad 5-10 Colonial - No Info
34. Camille Crooks 5-10 G Bishop Moore - Out of the summer with ACL tear likely lower level signee may resort to D2.
35. Jasmine Wigfall 5-8 G Timber Creek - I know that North Florida and Jacksonville were interested in the lanky athletic guard.
36. Kadesia Johnson 5-8 PG Poinciana - No Info
37. Samaria Howard 5-7 G Englewood - No Info
38. Kyla Muhammad 5-8 G Pensacola - No Info
39. Chelsey Roziers 5-8 G Florida High - Very good shooter
40. Shayla Wilson 6-1 PF Jefferson - No Info
41. Natalie Ball 5-10 G Trinity Prep - No INfo
42. Brittany Cross 5-10 F Timber Creek
43. Tyra Bolden 5-9 G Clearwater athletic left guard creative with ball.
44. Julianne Caravello 5-8 G Sarasota - Volume shooter good SSC player
45. Jasmine Bullard 5-7 SG Seabreeze
46. Mariah Reynolds 6-0 F Hialeah
47. Kabrionne Coleman 6-1 C Providence
48. Tiesha Flagler 5-7 Pedro Menendez
49. Baylie Bridges 5-7 G Leesburg
50. Stephanie Marquez 6-2 C East River
51. Justina James 5-10 F Brandon
52. Jessica Causey 6-1 C Riverview
53. Ajanai Edwards 5-8 G St Augustine
54. Kelsey Grant 5-6 G West Orange
55. Kayla Pryce 5-6 G Melbourne
56. Maggie Davis 5-9 G Viera
57. Katie King 5-9 G/F Lake Brantley
58. Dominique Lamb 5-5 G Lyman - Committed to Rollins
59. Caitlin Schwartz 5-8 G CSN
60. Lauren Hackett 6-2 F/C Venice
61. Chelsey White 5-5 G Spoto
62. Katherine Ortalani 5-7 G Father Lopez
63. Joanie Gavin 5-7 PG Olympia
64. Alexis Sams 5-5 G Lake Brantley
65. Taryn Richards 5-9 G/F Martin County

Colleges can subscribe to the full report at www.flainsider.com

Best of 8th Grade Nationals

2011-07-05T15:46:00.000-07:00

I spent the first two rounds of pool play checking out some of the top 2015 and 2016 players from around the country. Here are my Top 5:

1. Caliyah Robinson 6-3 F/C 2015 Powder Springs, GA (GA Pistols Black) - Sylvia Fowles esque, but less of an athlete and more skill at a younger age. Robinson runs the floor, handles the ball, knocks down jumpers, and is a terror defensively. Clearly a top 5 national 2015 player without a doubt in my mind. Robinson isn’t totally fluid yet with her running and coordination but when that comes along and she adds strength she’s going to be the READ DEAL. Rating A

2. Jamisha Jackson 6-1 W/F 2015 Mt Juliet, TN (Team Pride) - The next great player from Tennessee, Jackson is a high motor wing with length and game. Jackson finishes with either hand around the rim and is a play maker in passing lanes. Look for this player to be the premier wing with size in this class and likely be a candidate for the likely major programs in the region. Rating A

3. Amani Wilborn 5-9 G 2015 Milwaukee, WI (WI Playground) - Makes plays which others simply can not make. Can play 1-3 with size and great athletic ability. Knocks down the three and has very quick hands in congestion with the ball and to steal the ball. Wilborn’s mother says the UW-Madison folks have already been on her. Her ability to make plays and score just anyway she wants makes her a prototype impact two guard at the next level. Rating A

4. Nafisa Collier 6-2 W 2015 Jefferson City, MO (Warriors) - Long, long wing player who has great shoulders to develop strength and power (which she lacks now). Collier handles the ball in the open floor and pushes in transition. Collier also can hit shots with range up to 18’ or better. Good finisher more of a finessful creative finisher at the moment than powerful finisher. Good passer sees teammates in transition and leads the break. Rating A

5. Jocelyn Jones 5-10 G 2016 Richmond, VA (Sports Quest) - When you hear about young kids with high offers its hard to live up to the hype, but Jocelyn Jones doesn’t event start for Sports Quest and does just that. A powerful attacker of the rim can finish with either hand and shoots well from the mid range off the pull up. Jones, notice is a 2016 not a 2015 and according to her club coach she already has been offered by North Carolina. Jones also is a terror on defense, according to the coaches her mom was an Olympic track athlete and father played in the NFL. Rating A

Chandler Cooper Committs

2011-06-12T10:56:00.001-07:00

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In quite a suprise, according to her facebook Chandler Cooper 2012 TN 5-9 G has committed to the University of Florida.

Cooper becomes the third Gator in the 2012 class with Sydney Moss (KY) and January Miller.

Cooper regarded as one of the top shooters in the class shows significant progress that the Gators are making in recruiting heading into Amanda Butler's final year of her contract.

Cooper had interest from UConn, Kentucky, Tennessee, among others through the process.

Where will they go 2012? Part 2

2011-05-20T07:35:00.000-07:00

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5/20 - I am updating info on some of the kids we've predicted and adding in some new ones enjoy!

Last year I predicted where some of the top seniors in the country would sign come the fall. This year we will track the top 10 left uncommitted juniors in the country. Disclaimer - I have no direct knowledge of what these players will do, alot is guess work and speculation. No one should treat this as fact just something fun to see where everyone is going. Feel free to leave comments on the page on your opinion, it is more then welcome here. Last year's predictions can be found here - http://floridainsider.blogspot.com/2010/10/wherewilltheygo.html This article will be featured on Full Court Press soon.

Alexis Jones & Moriah Jefferson at Baylor Camp in 2008.

3. Rachel Hollivay 6-4 C (MS) - With Tennessee having as many scholarships as they do and Hollivay's proximity in the south to the volunteer state it seems like the good money is on Tennessee to land this defensive center in 2012. Other schools I have heard involved in Hollivay's recruiting have been Louisville, Rutgers, and Kentucky in no particular order. Insider Prediction: Tennessee

5/20 Update: Hollivay looked very good at Nike Skills, while she hasnt really leaked much about her recruiting I am feeling good on the original report about Tennessee, Rutgers, and Louisville but we will wait and see.

4. Alexis Jones 5-8 G (TX) - Jones is being sought out by almost every school in America like many top prospects I think that Jones will stay in Texas and go to Texas. I also think Texas A&M is in the mix as well as Tennessee but in the end she'll likely stay close to her family. Jones's father has coached her in the summer and from what I have heard they are very close. Insider Prediction: Texas A&M

5/20 Update: I am now hearing Baylor is #1 for Alexis Jones, Texas A&M is still in and its likely that she will stay in the Lone Star State.

5. Jordan Adams 6-1 G (CA) - The word on the street is that Jordan Adams will likely stay out west although she is considering Notre Dame and Tennessee according to some publications, Adams proximity to Southern California makes me believe it will be UCLA or USC, with the recent success of USC in recruiting and her friend signing there in 2011 my guess is she will be a Trojan. Insider Prediction: USC

5/20 Update - Adams like Hollivay is still holding true, I could see the University of Virginia getting in with Adams to some degree with a good staff they have hired with Kim Hairston and Cory McNeil as well as having Joanne Boye's West Coast Connections.

8. Brianna Butler 5-10 G (PA) Kentucky, Georgetown, Penn State, Syracuse, UConn, Tennessee, Miami are all in on Butler who has kept her recruiting a mystery to the public of late. Butler is a big time guard who has size, strength and IQ to play all 3 guard spots. You can think region, reputation, or where she will be the biggest star? I think that in the end that Butler will be at Kentucky. Insider Prediction: Kentucky

5/20 - Penn State I believe and UConn (deciding) are going to make a push on Butler who I still believe will end up at Kentucky but not many eyes were on her in the spring since she didnt get to Boo.

10. Danielle Ballard 5-8 PG (TN) - Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Notre Dame, Louisville, and Miami are all in the mix for Danielle Ballard. Ballard who is ranked high had a tough high school basketball season but has not sacred off this list of suitors. I wouldnt be suprised to see the list grow as other players commit. Both Ole Miss and Louisville have freshmen point guards and Georgia Tech has to sign a lot the next two classes to stay in the upper top of the ACC. Insider Prediction: Georgia Tech

5/20 Update - Ballard has dropped significantly in the ranking game but still one of the few elite point guards left in the country. Georgia Tech is in on alot of good kids and if they come through with a few of them they could be a lock top level ACC team for sometime.

11. Imani Stafford 6-5 C (CA) - The word on Stafford after talking to her is that she still has a lot of schools she is looking at including some Ivy league schools and schools on the west coast. After sorting through the information, last week prior to Debbie Ryan resigning Virginia, Texas, and USC seemed to be the leaders. The new list? Who knows a lot of changes are rumored to be occuring but in the end I believe Stafford will be at USC. Insider Prediction: USC

5/20 Update - Stafford still says she's "open" but I think Texas lost some momentum since the loss of Peyton Little at least in the perception game. I think Stafford has added back in relatively high Virginia and Kentucky.

14. Alexis Prince 6-1 W/F (FL) - Prince is one of the most skilled players in the 2012 class, after spending most of the year on the mend with an injury college coaches all still showed up to show their support of the big time wing out of Orlando. Almost all of the SEC, ACC, and Big East has been down to see Prince as well as some strong interest from Southern California. Prince's decision according to sources will be totally up to her and is still in the infancey of her recruiting. In the end I think that Prince will end up at either Kentucky or North Carolina. With the recent slew of commitments from the Sunshine State to the Tarheel program I guess she will end up there. Insider Prediction: North Carolina

5/20 Udpate Since the hiring of Nikki Caldwell I think now Price will end up in Tigerland like many other state of FLorida Greats such as Sylvia Fowles and Erica White, Caldwell was heavy in the mix for Prince prior to coming to LSU and now Prince doesnt have to go across the country to play for this star in coaching.

Next Round of Predictions

#7 Malina Howard (Twinsboro OH)- Howard I believe has 3 schools that are a top her list in this order 1) Maryland 2) Ohio State 3) Notre Dame...I believe Maryland will get Howard but its tough to leave the midwest and I think she's relatively torn about the decision. I think UConn is in the mix to some degree but think that Maryland leads all currently. Howard has visited Maryland multiple times in the past I am not quite sure what is holding up her commitment. I think Notre Dame's run this year has solidified their position with her in the top 3 as well. Ohio State well they're Ohio State and they've done big things with posts in the past. Insider Prediction - Maryland

#13 Nirra Fields (Oak Hill VA)- Fields a Native Canadian could be similar in the decision making process to Howard, I believe Fields ends up at Ohio State and back in the state where she played 3 years of high school basketball prior to Regina getting shut down. I also think that UNC is in with Howard to some degree. Insider Prediction: Ohio State

#22 Katie Collier (Seattle WA)- Collier the latest great post out of the great northwest, I believe that Notre Dame, Stanford, and Washington will be the big posts top 3. In the end I think McGuff's new staff and era in Seattle will get Collier in purple and white in the end. Insider Prediction: Washington

Committed Players Previously Predicted (2 for 3)

2. Moriah Jefferson 5-6 G (TX) - Jefferson has taken more then one unofficial visit to UConn this year and the good money is on the Huskies to have Jefferson on board for their 2012 signing class. Aside from the Texas schools (Baylor, Texas, and Texas A&M) it doesnt seem like there is really many other schools in the mix for Jefferson's services. Insider Prediction: UConn Correct

6. Jewell Loyd 5-9 G (IL) - Tough for me to find out too much of anyone with an opinion about this super junior but the two names I have heard most are Duke and Notre Dame. Duke has 8 open scholarships in the next two classes and could certainly use Loyd as a main catalyst for their backcourt, Notre Dame's close location to Chicago does make me believe she will eventually suit up and sign with the Irish. Insider Prediction: Notre Dame CORRECT - Committed

13. Alyson Bebee 6-3 C (CA) - The word on Bebee is that USC, Stanford, and Duke lead for this big time forward's services. Bebee another player who's recruiting has not been in the public eye much is also rumored to be a top level student. In the end I think Bebee will come east and enroll at Duke. Insider Pick: Duke - WRONG! Stanford..partly to do with Samantha Williams leaving I felt like Williams would have closed the deal on Bebee

2012 Fl & GA Commitments

2011-05-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

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5/20/11 Updated Commitments (# GBB Insider Ranking in Florida & Georgia)

#4 Andraya Carter Buford GA - Tennessee
#5 Kayla Montgomery McEachern GA - Clemson
#7 Antoinette Bannister Potters House Fl - UNC
#9 Shavontae Naylor SACA GA - South Florida
#14 Hillary Fuller Potters HOuse - UNC
#16 Morgan Beaty Pace Academy - Vanderbilt
#16 Kym Ellison Hardaway HS GA - Georgia Tech
#33 Demery Rose Glynn Academy GA - Committed Tampa Volleyball
#44 Christina Rose Archbishop McCarthy FL - Committed Central Florida
#46 Christen Johnson The Lovett School GA - Committed Northwestern
#47 January Miller University FL - Committed to Univ of Florida
#59 Sierra Kirkland Statesboro GA - Committed Georgia Southern
#64 Rebecca Lyttle Hollywood Christian FL - Committed Univ of Michigan
#66 Erica Joseph Parkview GA - Committed Western Carolina
#72 Aaliyah Johnson Richmond Hill GA - Committed Wofford
#NR Kristine Fuller Palm Harbor University FL - BYU

16 Total D1 Commitments 5/24/11

Nike Skills Hampton Fab 5

2011-05-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

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By Tink Butler

The Hampton Virginia 2011 Nike Skills Academy featured 70 of the top kids from the 2012-2014 class in D.C., Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The event placed a high emphasis on positional skill development and situation offense and defense and ended with 5 on 5 scrimmaging.

Nirra Fields 2012 G/W 5'9 Oak Hill Academy - VA - Talk about elevation, this kid can fly, which allows her to finish and get off shots while being contested. She had the highest vertical of the event and she can handle the ball and shoot well enough that will keep most defenders on their heels. Her elevation allowed her to block a lot of shots even while helping out on other players. She was well over rim level during Sparq testing.

Mikayla Venson 2014 PG 5'7 Yorktown HS - VA - Easily the best handles in the gym and one of the best shooters. Worried about her size, no need she was able to score around the rim in a variety of ways against most defenders of all sizes. She has a very deceptive "hands up" move that freezes defenders or gets them in the air so the she can drive by. She mastered most of the high level drills thrown at her during both sessions.

Tasia Butler 2013 G/W 6'1 North Point HS - MD - Tasia was the coaches dream of the event and used to demonstrate each drill. With her size and athleticism he was terrific on defense at every position, at one point she was asked to do a 1 on 5 drill where she needed to defend all 5 players at once and prevented all 5 from scoring. She also showed improved range on her shot nailing multiple 3 pointers. Tasia spent each break and lunch working out with coaches.

Jannah Tucker 2013 W 6'1 New Town - MD - Offensively Jannah is the complete package. She can score inside and outside, she has size and body, she can hit the 3 and because of her strength she can finish with contact. She's not explosive or quick she's just fast. She was always on balance and under control. She was easily and effortlessly one of the top players of the event.

Infiniti Alston 2013 C 6'5 Digital Habor - MD - She has a trainer and is getting in shape and dropping pounds, she has picked up a couple post moves, put that together with 6'5 we're looking at massive potential. If she continues on the current path she should be a force on the next level. Sparq testing had her with a standing two foot vertical of 14.1"

Best of Nike Skills Hampton

2011-05-16T08:42:00.001-07:00

WBB Insider correspondant chimes in on the "Best of Nike Skills Academy" - Hampton, VA from this past weekend with Gannon Baker and Dee Brown.

Top 5 Point Guards

*Mykayla Venson 2014 Yorktown HS VA
*Te'Shaya Heslip 2012 Potomac HS VA
*Jamie Cherry 2014 West Craven HS NC
Cydni Cole 2014 Old Mill HS MD
Lindsay Allen 2013 St John's College DC

Top 5 Point/Combo Guards

*Faith Randolph 2012 Good Council MD
Imani Bailey 2012 Meade H.S. MD
Mooriah Rowser 2012 St. John's College DC
*Nirra Fields 2012 5'9 Oak Hill Academy VA
Chania Ray 2014 5'8 St. John's College DC

Top 5 Wings/Combo Guards

*Tasia Butler 2013 6'1 North Point HS MD
*Jonquel Jones 2012 6'2 Riverdale Baptist HS MD
Diana Logan 2012 6'0 Riverdale Baptist MD
Taylor Jenkins 2012 6'2 Bullis MD
*Jannah Tucker 2013 6'1 New Town MD

Top Center/Fowards

Chelsey Romero 2013 6'1 Kecoughtan HS VA
Infiniti Alston 2013 6'5 Digital Harbor MD
Brionna Jones 2013 6'3 Aberdeen MD
Tyshara Flemming 2013 Salem HS VA

Kasey Curtis 2013 6'2 Paul VI VA
Maya Singleton 2013 6'0 Riverdale Baptist MD
Jephany Brown 2012 6'0 HD Woodson DC
Endia McKinney 2014 5'9 Lake Taylor VA

Nike Skills Atlanta Video

2011-05-03T18:14:00.000-07:00

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000-006 - 2012 Ariel Butts (Columbus Carver) (Blue) #58 miss #61 Alexis Prince (Orlando Edgewater) Rebound
006-018 - 2014 Joshlyn Belcher #1 (The Wesleyan School GA) (White) to Aaliyah Whiteside (Memphis Central TN) #29 to the basket for 2.
018-028 - 2014 Joshlyn Belcher #1 (The Wesleyan School) to Alisha Gray #21 (2013 - Washington County) for 2
028-031 - Ariel Butts (2012-Columbus Carver #58) put back layup.
031-037 - Alexis Prince #61 Orlando Edgewater 2012 mid range basket

000-006 - Jasmine Roads 2014 AL #8 drive to the basket for 2
006-016 - 2014 #39 Nedjya Pettithome misses a runner 2014 #42 Aunesha Williams (Cherokee Canton GA) attempts the tip back.
016-021 - 2012 Queen Alford Decatur GA #11 missed layup, 2014 #42 Aunesha Williams Cherokee Canton, GA fouled on the put back
022-025- Ieshia Small 2013 Dr Krop Fl #27 missed jumper
025-037 - #3 Alexis Brown 2013 North Gwinnett GA - Maryland passes to #18 Breanna Cumming 2014 Greater Atlanta Christian, #42 Aunesha Williams 2014 Cherokee HS Canton, GA Block
037-043 - #11 Queen Alford 2012 Decatur GA break away layup.

000-005 - Jasmine Jones 2012 AL - Tennessee Commit wins Jump Ball #60 Kristina Nelson 2013 Greater Atlanta Christian Turnover
005-014 - #3 Alexis Brown 2013 GA Maryland North Gwinnett - missed jumper
0014-End - #15 Chadarryl Clay 2012 Girl's Prep TN to Jasmine Jones 2012 Tennessee commitment AL blocked by 2012 #30 Courtney Williams 2012 Charlton County GA

Kaela Davis Dunk

2011-05-03T14:51:00.001-07:00

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At Nike Skills this weekend one of the more impressive displays was Kaela Davis's dunking of a mini ball here you can see a few of her attempts and the final competion of the dunk.

Davis is verbally committed to Tennessee and a consensus top 10 recruit in the class of 2013.

Nike Skills Atlanta

2011-05-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

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Best of Nike Skills Atlanta

A high energy competitive weekend up in Atlanta was well run by Joe Ciampi (former Auburn coach), Jeff House (Chicago Sky), and Dee Brown (NBADL).

Best of 2012

Rachel Hollivay 6-4 C New Hope (MS)
Ariel Butts 6-2 PF Carver (GA)
Courtney Williams 5-10 G Charlton County (GA)
Bashaara Graves 6-2 F Clarksville (TN)
Alexis Prince 6-2 W Edgewater (FL)

Best of 2013

Kiana Holland 5-7 G South Carolina - Ohio State
Ronni Williams 6-1 F Atlantic (Dayton Beach, Fl)
Lexie Brown 5-10 G North Gwinnett (GA) - Maryland
Shayla Cooper 6-1 F Norcross (GA)
Rebecca Greenwell 6-1 G Owensboro Catholic (KY)

Best of 2014

Nasheema Oliver 6-3 F/C Crisp County HS (GA)
Aja Wilson 6-3 F Heathwood Hall (SC)
Aunesha Williams 6-1 F Cherokee (GA)
Taryn Griffey 5-5 PG Dr Phillips (FL)
Alexa Middleton 5-8 G Riverdale (TN)

Best Point Guards

Taryn Griffey 5-5 PG Dr Phillips (FL) - 2014
Majorie Butler 5-7 PG The Webb School (TN) - Georgia - 2012
Kianna Holland 5-7 PG Seneca (SC) - Ohio State - 2013
Chadarryl Clay 5-7 G Girl's Prep (TN) - 2012
Andraya Carter 5-8 G Buford (GA) - Tennessee - 2012

Best Scorer

Bre McDonald 6-1 W Chamblee (GA) - 2012
Courtney Williams 5-10 G Charlton County (GA) - 2012
Ronni Williams 6-1 W/F Atlantic (FL) - 2013
Ieshia Small 6-0 W Dr Krop (FL) - 2013
Alisha Gray 5-9 G Washington County (GA) - 2013

Best Posts

Rachel Hollivay 6-4 C New Hope (MS) - 2012
Ariel Butts 6-2 PF Carver (GA) - 2012
Aunesha Williams 6-1 PF Cherokee (GA) - 2014
Nasheema Oliver 6-2 PF Crisp County (GA) - 2014
Bashaara Graves 6-2 PF Clarksville (TN) - 2012 - Tennessee

Best Shooters

Alexis Brown 5-10 G North Gwinnett (GA) Maryland - 2012
Rebecca Greenwell 6-1 W Owensboro (KY) - 2013
Shelbi Davenport 6-0 F Siegel (TN) - 2014
Alexa Middleton 5-8 G Riverdale (TN) - 2014
Alexis Prince 6-2 W Edgewater (FL) - 2012

Class of 2014

2011-04-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

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Here is our top 40 of 2014, another first ranking list for the WBB Insider enjoy!

1. Brianna Turner 6-3 W (Westbury Christian, TX)
2. Jatarie White 6-3 F/C (Providence Day NC)
2. Jordin Canada 5-8 G (Windward, CA)
3. A’ja Wilson 6-3 F (Hopkins, SC)
4. Rhamat Alhassan 6-4 F (Holy Cross, DC)
5. Kelsey Mitchell 5-7 PG (Princeton, OH)
6. Jamie Nared 6-1 W (Westview, OR)
7. Sierra Calhoun 6-1 W (Christ the King, NY)
8. Imani Littleton 6-3 F/C (The Bishop’s School, CA)
9. Erin Mathias 6-3 F/C (Fox Chapel, PA)- Duke
10. Aunesha Williams 6-1 PF (Cherokee, GA)
11. Brooke McCarty 5-5 G (Clear Springs, TX)
12. Zaire O’Neal 6-0 F (Shabazz NJ)
13. Mikayla Venson 5-7 G ( Arlington, VA)
14. Najah Queenland 5-10 G (Sacramento, CA)
15. Gabby Green 5-11 G (St Mary’s CA)
16. Recee Caldwell 5-6 G (LB Johnson TX)
17. Dominique Simpson 5-9 G (Orlando, Fl)
18. Alyssa Rice 6-4 C (Reynoldsburg, OH)
19. Keyanna Harris 6-1 W (West Palm Beach, Fl)
20. Taryn Griffey 5-6 PG (Orlando, Fl)
21. Nasheema Oliver 6-1 PF (Cordele, GA)
22. Chastity Taylor 5-10 G (Melville, NY)
23. Mikayla Cowling 5-11 G/F (St Mary’s, CA)
24. Courtney Ekmark 5-10 G (St Mary’s AZ)
25. Alexis Jennings 6-2 F/C (Sparkman, AL)
26. Makayla Waterman 6-2 F/C (Dayton, OH)
27. Bianca Cuevas 5-5 PG (Nazareth NY)
28. Ayanna Edwards 6-2 F (Sacramento, CA)
29. Jamie Cherry 5-6 G (West Craven NC) - North Carolina
30. Zoe Goss 5-10 G (Sierra Canyon, CA)
31. Diani Akigbogun 5-11 F (Regis, CO)
32. Sha’Quoia Crockett 5-7 PG (Hinesville, GA)
33. Sarah Woods 6-0 W/F (Good Council, DC)
34. Arica Carter 5-8 G (Long Beach, CA)
35. Kristin Simon 6-1 PF (Windward, CA)
36. Casey Schoelien 6-3 C (Newport, WA)
37. Aisha Edwards 5-7 PG (Coral Springs, Fl)
38. Mackenzie Engram 6-0 F/C (Powder Springs, GA)
39. Dyzhanay Burton 5-2 PG (Baltimore, MD)
40. LaJhana Drummer 6-1 F/C (Del Rey, CA)

For some obscure reason I left Jatarie White off the list, big mistake she is now in the right spot 4/30/11

Adidas Club Poll

2011-04-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

Adidas Florida Club Power Poll (Florida Players & Teams Only)

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1. Central Florida Elite - Won the 2nd Division at Boo Williams without Ronni Williams, hold a head to head win over Essence.

2. Essence - Gave the game versus Boo Williams away in the quarter finals, lost their only in state game head to head versus Central Florida Elite.

3. Jacksonville Lady Rams - Won two Super Regionals against little to no talent, while they are down some they still have a head to head win versus the Miami Suns.

4. Miami Suns - A win over FGB but 1-2 at Deep South including double digit losses to the Jacksonville Lady Rams and Cal Sparks.

5. Below the Rim - Won the 2nd Division at the Deep South Classic over FGB. Finished 5-0 on the weekend.

6. FGB - Won the Signature “B” Bracket prior to falling to Below the Rim at the final of the Signature Division. This team has been playing 6 freshmen and sophomores on the top team all season.

7. Orlando Comets Red - Won a weak Spring Fling I but could not win a game in a average 2nd Division at Boo Williams.

8. Blue Star Florida - 1-3 in Chicago won two Tampa Super Regionals but lost big to the Orlando Comets Red.

9. Tallahassee Comets - 2nd at Spring Fling but did not play an exposure event.

10. South Florida Lady Jags - Young team who has played a lot of the top teams competitively. Finished 3-2 at Think Pink and 4-1 at Peach State

Best Players of the Spring so Far…

2012’s - Alexis Prince (Essence/Edgewater) Ariah Osceola (Hollywood Chr/BTR); Brianna Jackson (Suncoast BBALL - IMG) Antoinette Bannister (Potters House/Rams) Joy Brown (Comets/Evans)

2013’s - Trimaine McCullough (FGB/Edgewater); Kai James (Dwyer/Miami Suns) Ieshia Small (Essence/Dr Krop) Tiffany Suarez (Blue Star/ Lourdes) Ashley Perry (FGB/Leesburg)

2014’s - Dominique Simpson (FGB/Jones); Aisha Edwards (Miami Suns/CSC) Lakaris Salters (FAMU/Tally Comets) Christina Potts (Orlando Comets Blue/Edgeawater)

2015’s - Shambria Washington (JLR/Ocala); Makenna Beach (Vision) Crystal Primm (Miami Suns) Breanna Bryant (North Florida Spartans) Emily Lines (Vision) Leanna Ellis (Vision)

2016’s - Madison Wagner (Miami Suns); Jalynn Harrison (Blue Star)

2017’s - Jayda Perry (TFGB); Destiny Frazier (Miami Suns) Jalaysha Thomas (Jax Lady Rams)

Top 8th Grade Teams

1. Florida Vision
2. Miami Suns
3. Blue Star Florida
4. Jacksonville Lady Rams
5. North Florida Spartans

Class of 2013

2011-04-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

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Top 65 of 2013 - Before anyone else has it out here we go with the top 65 of 2013.

1. Kailee Johnson 6-4 F (Central Catholic, OR)
2. Diamond DeShields 6-2 W (Norcross, GA)
3. Rebecca Greenwell 6-1 G (Owensboro, KY)
4. Alaina Coates 6-4 C (Dutch Fork, SC)
5. Tyler Scaife 5-9 G (Hall AR)
6. Kai James 6-5 C (Dwyer HS FL)
7. Jannah Tucker 6-1 G (New Town, MD)
8. Alexis Brown 5-10 G (North Gwinnett, GA)
9. Kaela Davis 6-1 F (Buford, GA) - Tennessee
10. Trimaine McCullough 5-9 G (Orlando Edgewater, Fl)
11. Gisele Bailey 6-3 F (East Meck, NC)
12. Raigyne Moncrief 5-10 G (American Heritage FL)
13. Kristina Nelson 6-3 F/C (Greater Atlanta Christian GA)
14. Tyisha Petty 5-8 G (Riverdale TN)
15. Makayla Epps 5-7 G (Marion County KY)
16. Nigia Green 5-10 G (Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy GA)
17. Taya Reimer 6-2 PF (Hamilton Southeast IN)
18. Alexus Harrison 5-9 G (Digital Harbor MD) - Maryland
19. Kaliyah Mitchell 6-1 W (Stephenson GA)
20. Tasia Butler 5-11 G (Maryland)
21. Jessica Jackson 5-10 G (Jacksonville AR)
22. Infiniti Alston 6-4 C (St Francis MD)
23. Lubertia Gordon 6-4 C (Mount Vernon NY)
24. Kendall Cooper 6-3 PF (St Anthony's CA)
25. Ieshia Small 5-10 G (Dr Krop FL)
26. Lindsey Allen 5-9 G (St.Johns College DC)
27. Bria Day 6-3 F/C (Millbrook, NC)
28. Kelsey Plum 5-9 G (La Jolla Country Day CA)
29. Shayla Cooper 6-1 PF (Norcross, GA)
30. Camille Calhoun 6-0 PF (Archbishop Spalding, MD)
31. Britisha Soloman 5-10 G (Mission Bay, CA)
32. Brittany Brown 5-9 G (Choctawahachee FL)
33. Courtney Range 5-11 G (St Mary's CA)
34. Diamond THompson 6-5 C (Montini Catholic IL)
35. Kyvin Goodin-Rogers 6-2 W (Marion County KY)
36. Kianna Holland 5-8 G (Seneca SC) - Ohio State
37. Alisha Gray 5-10 G (Washington County GA)
38. Ronni Williams 5-11 PF (Daytona Beach, Fl)
39. Jordan Reynolds 5-10 G (Jefferson OR)
40. Adrienne Motley 5-9 G (Woodside VA)
41. Sydney Stipanovich 6-3 PF (St Joes MO)
42. China Dow 5-7 G (Louisville KY)
43. Maya Singleton 6-0 F (Riverdale Baptist MD)
44. Breanna Brown 6-3 F/C Bishop O”Dowd (CA)
45. Oderah Chidom 6-3 F/C Bishop O’Dowd (CA)
46. Allie Green 5-10 G Sacramento (CA)
47. Ebony Hayes 6-2 C (Overton TN)
48. Keona Farmer 5-10 G (Hoover, AL)
49. Tyshell King 5-9 G (St Francis MD)
50. Brandy Montgomery 5-10 G (Lincoln Park, Fl)
51. Destini Cooper 6-0 PF (Reynoldsburg, OH)
52. Amanda Fioravanti 6-1 PF Good Council DC
53. Ashley Perry 5-10 G (Leesburg, Fl)
54. Peyton Whitted 6-2 PF (North Gwinnett, GA)
55. Sydnei Umeri 6-0 PF (The Lovett School GA)
56. Marquse Webb 6-1 PF (BB Tech, AL)
57. Sydney Wise 5-9 G (Pinnacle AZ)
58. Karlie Sammuelson 5-9 G (Edison CA)
59. Devon Roeper 6-3 C The Bishop’s School (CA)
60. Annaya Moore 6-2 F Bolingbrook (IL)
61. Dalayna Tyler Scott 6-3 PF Sacramento (CA)
62. Courtney Jaco 5-6 PG Windward CA
63. Kayla Styles 6-0 W/F Dupont Manuel KY
64. Lindsey Spann 5-6 PG Good Council DC
65. Erica Young 6-2 PF Tampa Bay Tech (FL)

Club Teams of the South

2011-04-05T16:27:00.000-07:00

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For four years I have put out the top club teams of the South. This year will be no different. Entering the highly anticipated evaluation weekend we will start the discussion of the top club teams of the south. (The South is Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.)

1. Tennessee Flight (Nike - Tom Insell) - The Flight have sat atop of this poll for years now but will see some real competition this year from around the south. Returning Rebecca Greenwell (2013 KY), Shacobia Barbie (2012 TN) and Alexa Middleton (2014 TN) the Flight has a backcourt that rivals anyone in the country another Nike National Title would not be out of the question. (BOO WILLIAMS SPRING EVENT)

2. A.O.T. Rebels (Atl Celtics) - Possibly the most talented team in the South. With the best wing combo I can name future all americans Breanna McDonald (Chamblee 2012) and Diamond DeShields (Norcross 2013) will be a tough guard for anyone. Led by 2015 superstar Tea Cooper the Rebels have a ton of point guard talent with Dominique Wilson (McEachern 2012) and Victoria Carter (Norcross 2012). Along with Deshields and McDonald Paches Roberts (2012 McEachern) also will give them size and athleticism on the wing with Kayla Montgomery inside. (BOO WILLIAMS SPRING EVENT)

3. South Carolina 76ers Wiley - This will be one of the last runs for Azia Dozier, Khadijah Sessions, and Xylina McDaniel of Spring Valley HS in South Carolina but possibliy the best team in the South last year will get to showcase themselves in Deep South against some of the top teams in the country. Look for them to hold this spot or move up over the spring and summer. (DEEP SOUTH SPRING EVENT)

4. Kentucky Premier (Michael T White) - Not often you find a team with all the best players from one state but Premier is as close as it gets. Super Soph Makayla Epps (Marion Co.), Sydney Moss (2012 - Boone County) among others. Kentucky Premier was one of the top teams in the country last year and returns a lot of their team. (DEEP SOUTH CLASSIC)

5. Miami Suns - The Suns are back and are set to probably get in the top 2 or 3 in the region next year. Raigyne Moncrief 5-10 G 2013 Plantation, Fl, Brittany Brown 5-9 G 2013 Fort Walton Beach, Fl and Aisha Edwards 5-7 G 2014 Coral Springs, Fl make up one of the top guard combinations in the country. Along with Kai James 6-5 C 2013 Dwyer, the Suns have potentially 5 All Americans and are tops in the Sunshine State. (DEEP SOUTH CLASSIC)

6. Georgia Ice - The Ice return Kaela Davis 13-Univ of Tennessee, Alexis Brown 5-9 G 13-Univ of Maryland, Kristina Nelson 13-GA, and have added Andraya Carter 5-8 G Univ of Tennessee 2012, Nicole Tanner 6-3 C (Auburn) - AL. The X factor for the Ice this year could be Taryn Griffey's maturity after a big high school season the 5-6 freshman guard led Dr Phillips HS (FL) to the state championship as well as the NHSI championship. Lack some deth the ICe should be very good but will finally get to play on the big stage. (Boo Williams)

7. Essence - The team which the ajoining state rule has hurt the most with the absence of Rachel Hollivay 2012 MS, the Essence will either discover the next big thing int he post or could struggle. Back court strength with Alexis Prince (2012-FL), Niya JOhnson (2012-FL) and Ieshia Small (2013-FL) will be key to their success this spring and summer. (BOO WILLIAMS)

8. FGB - A young roster still has some highlights of kids few know about 5-10 G Courtney Williams of Charlton County Georgia is one of the hidden gems in the south and Trimaine McCullough 2013-FL may be the best point guard in the south. Couple that with super freshmen Aunesha Williams GA, Dominique Simpson, and Sha'Quoia Crockett, this could be FGB's best team ever. (DEEP SOUTH)

9. FBC Southeast Elite - A stacked backcourt with Brittany Jackson (2012-FL) and Tiffany mitchell (2012-NC - South Carolina) also has Keyona Hayes 6-2 F 2012 another unknown gem of the south should be one of the best teams in Georgia again this year. (Boo Williams)

10. Georgia Hoopstars Black - The Hoopstars return Ohio State commitment Kianna Holland (SC) from injury and added Peyton Whitted (2013-GA) who left Georgia Ice. the Hoopstars have a steady flow of big players and athletes on the perimeter one of the classic teams in Atlanta are always competitive and atop of the region.

11. Charlotte 76ers (North Carolina)
12. Georgia Elite (Georgia)
13. South Mississippi Elite (Mississippi)
14. Memphis Elite Daniels (Tennessee)
15. Mississippi Hoop Dreams (Mississippi)
16. Central Florida Elite (Florida)
17. Jacksonville Lady Rams (Florida)
18. Knoxville Lady Panthers (Tennessee)
19. Tennessee Flight Select (Tennessee)
20. Drake Reed (Tennessee)
21. Alabama Southern Starz (Alabama)
22. Georgia Metros (Georgia)
23. Blue Star Florida (Florida)
24. South Georgia 76ers (Georgia)
25. South Florida Jaguars (Florida)
26. Georgia Blazers (Georgia)
27. Alabama Twisters (Alabama)
28. Orlando Comets (Florida)
29. Alabama Roadrunners (Alabama)
30. Low Country Ballers (South Carolina)
30. Carolina All Stars (North Carolina)

Think Pink

2011-04-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

I was in Tampa this weekend for the Think Pink AAU Event. Just want to say these are the best run events I've been to in the state everything was on time schedule out early. I would HIGHLY recommend going to Tom Kane and Winning Way's AAU State Tournament not the one by Sunshine Sports and Gigi Lemon. You can see his site HERE

On to the Action

A lot of the same teams that were in Jacksonville last weekend but had Bob Corwin in the house to help sort through the mahem

Weekend MVP: McKenna Beach 5-6 G Florida Vision - Bob Corwin (who knows a lot more than me) said Beac is the best point guard in the 8t grade he has EVER seen in Florida. I have never seen Bob so excited about a young player but clearly Beach is the real deal from what I saw this and last weekend people can sleep on her at all.

Top Players

Briona Brown 6-0 W/F Haines City - 2012 Pull up shooter wit 4 game but 3 body, has a good amount of upside will end up middle of the pack when the time comes.

Courtney Williams 5-9 G Charlton County GA - 2012 Big time scorer helped us (FGB) get 3 easy wins before rolling into a tough final game vs Blue Star Florida. Clemson, USF, NC State, UCF, among others are all high on this underrated junior. #9 in Fla and Ga by the GBB Insider

Briana Jackson 5-6 G New Port Richey Fl - IMG - 2012 Going to prep a year but I say she's ready now saw her score 31 in every which way a true star for the Suncoast Basketall Club and Warren Jones.

Trimaine McCullough 5-8 G Orlando Edgewater - 2013 I havnt seen anyone stop her in 2 years but I finally did this weekend the best defender I have ever seen...the referee who cut McCulloughs game 6 minutes short on Sunday in the final game. McCullough had 17 first half points against Blue Star and double figures in all 4 games.

Ashley Perry 5-11 G Leesburg 2013 - Top line defender's offensive game is really coming around one person said she brings "stability" to a team with her understanding of how to convert in transition and make plays on the defensive end. Last year Perry became the first Leesburg player to pick up a Division I offer as a freshman and she keeps doing a great job working on her own and with the club team to achieve her goals of greatness.

Aunesha Williams 6-1 PF Cherokee Canton, GA 2014 - I dont know how many times I can say it but the best rebounder in the south has a knack for getting the ball and tipping it back in no matter how difficult. Her handles are improving as well as her perimeter game, no wonder every school in the SEC has mailed her so far. A 20 point and 20 rebound game against Suncoast was her highlight of the weekend not to bad for a kid who's just a freshman.

Kiara Palmer 5-11 PF/C Lourdes Miami, Fl 2013 - A great put back player strong around the basket like previous reports Palmer needs to show some away from the basket skills to get the scholarship she wants but she's very effective in travel ball games.

Milenna Robinson 5-5 PG Orando Fl Colonial/Wekiva HS 2015- Robinson a athletic guard with good court vision did a great job distributing the ball on the break and knocking down shots a quick defender will be one of the best point guards in Orange County as a 9th grader next year.

Jalynn Harrison 5-7 G 2016 Orlando, Fl - The top player and prosect on BlueStar 2015 Harrison, only a 7th grader is a crafty lefty who can finish and knock down the deep ball. Highly active on defense it will be interesting to see if we get a glipse of Harrison against some older competition to continue building her reputation.

Dominique Simpson 5-9 G 2014 Orlando Jones - I get more calls and comments about this player then just about anyone on our team. Simpson is a skilled long athletic guard who can shoot the 3 and get to the basket. Simpson was lock down the last bit of our game vs Blue Star and made plays on both ends of the court already. I spent an hour talking to one ACC school about the super frosh today and she is just tapping the surface of her potential.

Tiffany Suarez 5-9 G Miami Lourdes 2013 - Was hurt some last summer but played well when I saw her Suarez is a major D1 guard at the point spot playing with better players will help expose her more but her quickness and creative abilities with the ball are impressive.

Samantha Glodis 6-3 Palm Beach Dwyer 2013 - Mobile forward who's getting looks from all the major D1 schools around the country has gotten in tip top shape for this travel season. Glodis is hard to evaluate because her supporting cast is suspect but you can see when she does get the ball in situations there is a lot of talent. Until you see her with and against the best the verdict will be out on how good she wil be. From the weekend the sky is the limit for the forward from West Palm Beach.

Ashley Robinson 5-8 G Palm City Fl Jensen Beach 2013 - Of the best shooters in the event had a strong saturday scoring boat loads of points for FGB. Robinson's ability to find the open spaces on offense and find her teammates is unique. If Robinson is able to gain some strength she will continue to rise in the class of 2013.

Florida Georgia Class of 2015 Updated July 2011

2011-03-29T20:17:00.001-07:00

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After seeing the best of the best throughout 2011 in the Florida Class of 2015 here is the Girl's Basketball/Florida Insider 2015 Rankings for the State of Florida.

These rankings will be distributed to all 80 subscribers to the Florida Insider College Recruiting Service. We are the only service to publicize the Class of 2015 Rankings around the state of Florida. If you have any questions or concerns please email kennykallina@gmail.com

1. Caliyah Robinson 6-3 F Kell, GA (Georgia Pistols)
2. Jonell Williams 6-2 F/C Palatka, Fl (Palatka Lady Spirit)
3. Taylor Reese 6-2 F Macon, GA (Middle Georgia Stars)
4. Destinee Walker 5-10 G Orlando, Fl (Orlando Next Level)
5. Crystal Primm 5-10 G Wellington, Fl (Miami Suns Team Larkins)
6. McKenna Beach 5-6 PG Naples, Fl (Florida Vision)
7. Tea Cooper 5-5 PG Powder Springs, GA (AOT Rebels) - North Carolina
8. Emily Lines 6-1 W/F Naples, Fl (Florida Vision)
9. Tiarica Eason 5-8 G The Lovett School, GA (GA Pistols
10. Beatrice Mompremier 6-5 C Miami, Fl (Miami Suns Team Larkins)
11. Breanna Bryant 5-8 G Orange Park, Fl (North Florida Spartans)
12. Jamie Williams 6-3 C Miami Fl (Miami Suns Team Larkins)
13. Milenna Robinson 5-5 G Orlando, Fl (Blue Star 13U)
14. Shambria Washington 5-7 G Ocala, Fl (Jacksonville Lady Rams)
15. Leanne Ellis 5-5 G Ft Myers, FL (Florida Vision)

SS HS Awards

2011-03-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

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The FGB Spring Showcase saw some of the top talent in the South come out to do battle at Florida State College at Jacksonville at the end only two teams left undefeated, the Miami Suns Team Fowles and Miami Suns Red. The Miami Suns Fowles defeated FGB after trailing much of the first half by 12 then beat the Florida Angels as well. Today the High School Awards go out tomorrow middle school awards then the top 10 of 2015 will be released by weeks end.

FGB Spring Showcase High School Division Awards

2012 FGB Spring Showcase MVP - Brianna Jackson 5-7 G IMG Academy

2012 All Showcase Team
Shanice Beamon 6-2 F Lakewood
Bre Crum 5-7 G Sickles
Kierra Taylor 5-8 G Englewood
Simiah Blount 5-10 G West Orange
Diamond Cooper 6-2 F West Orange
Monique Maximillien 6-2 C North Broward Prep
Tifani Kerrison 5-8 G Orlando Jones
Courtney Williams 5-9 G Charlton County
Kiki Baxter 5-7 G Wekiva
Brittany Cross 5-10 F Timber Creek
Baylie Bridges 5-7 G Leesburg

2013 FGB Spring Showcase Co-MVP’s - Kia James 6-4 C Palm Beach Dwyer Trimaine McCullough 5-8 G Orlando Edgewater

2013 All Showcase Team
Kasey Drayton 6-0 F Lakewood
Ashley Perry 5-10 G Leesburg
Raygine Moncrief 5-10 G American Heritage
Brittany Brown 5-9 G Choctaw
Ashley Robinson 5-8 G Jensen Beach
Brittany Dinkins 5-7 G Miami Norland
Nia Roberts 6-0 F Miami Norland
Morgan Smellie 5-9 G Coral Springs Charter School

2014 MVP - Aisha Edwards 5-7 G Coral Springs Charter School

2014 All Showcase Team
Dominique Simpson 5-9 G Orlando Jones
Aunesha Williams 6-0 F Cherokee (GA)
Audrisha Williams 6-2 C Cherokee (GA)
Sha’Quoia Crockett 5-7 G Bradwell Institute (GA)
Shaquoia Edwards 5-5 G Boynton Beach
Danneal Ford 5-8 G Miami Norland
Keyanna Harris 6-0 W Dwyer
Alexis Davis 6-1 F Oakleaf
Dianna Priest 6-3 C Jenkins (GA)

Where will they go? 2012 Edition

2011-03-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

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Last year I predicted where some of the top seniors in the country would sign come the fall. This year we will track the top 10 left uncommitted juniors in the country. Disclaimer - I have no direct knowledge of what these players will do, alot is guess work and speculation. No one should treat this as fact just something fun to see where everyone is going. Feel free to leave comments on the page on your opinion, it is more then welcome here. Last year's predictions can be found here - http://floridainsider.blogspot.com/2010/10/wherewilltheygo.html This article will be featured on Full Court Press soon.

2. Moriah Jefferson 5-6 G (TX) - Jefferson has taken more then one unofficial visit to UConn this year and the good money is on the Huskies to have Jefferson on board for their 2012 signing class. Aside from the Texas schools (Baylor, Texas, and Texas A&M) it doesnt seem like there is really many other schools in the mix for Jefferson's services. Insider Prediction: UConn

Alexis Jones & Moriah Jefferson at Baylor Camp in 2008.

3. Rachel Hollivay 6-4 C (MS) - With Tennessee having as many scholarships as they do and Hollivay's proximity in the south to the volunteer state it seems like the good money is on Tennessee to land this defensive center in 2012. Other schools I have heard involved in Hollivay's recruiting have been Louisville, Rutgers, and Kentucky in no particular order. Insider Prediction: Tennessee

4. Alexis Jones 5-8 G (TX) - Jones is being sought out by almost every school in America like many top prospects I think that Jones will stay in Texas and go to Texas. I also think Texas A&M is in the mix as well as Tennessee but in the end she'll likely stay close to her family. Jones's father has coached her in the summer and from what I have heard they are very close. Insider Prediction: Texas A&M

5. Jordan Adams 6-1 G (CA) - The word on the street is that Jordan Adams will likely stay out west although she is considering Notre Dame and Tennessee according to some publications, Adams proximity to Southern California makes me believe it will be UCLA or USC, with the recent success of USC in recruiting and her friend signing there in 2011 my guess is she will be a Trojan. Insider Prediction: USC

6. Jewell Loyd 5-9 G (IL) - Tough for me to find out too much of anyone with an opinion about this super junior but the two names I have heard most are Duke and Notre Dame. Duke has 8 open scholarships in the next two classes and could certainly use Loyd as a main catalyst for their backcourt, Notre Dame's close location to Chicago does make me believe she will eventually suit up and sign with the Irish. Insider Prediction: Notre Dame

8. Brianna Butler 5-10 G (PA) Kentucky, Georgetown, Penn State, Syracuse, UConn, Tennessee, Miami are all in on Butler who has kept her recruiting a mystery to the public of late. Butler is a big time guard who has size, strength and IQ to play all 3 guard spots. You can think region, reputation, or where she will be the biggest star? I think that in the end that Butler will be at Kentucky. Insider Prediction: Kentucky

10. Danielle Ballard 5-8 PG (TN) - Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Notre Dame, Louisville, and Miami are all in the mix for Danielle Ballard. Ballard who is ranked high had a tough high school basketball season but has not sacred off this list of suitors. I wouldnt be suprised to see the list grow as other players commit. Both Ole Miss and Louisville have freshmen point guards and Georgia Tech has to sign a lot the next two classes to stay in the upper top of the ACC. Insider Prediction: Georgia Tech

11. Imani Stafford 6-5 C (CA) - The word on Stafford after talking to her is that she still has a lot of schools she is looking at including some Ivy league schools and schools on the west coast. After sorting through the information, last week prior to Debbie Ryan resigning Virginia, Texas, and USC seemed to be the leaders. The new list? Who knows a lot of changes are rumored to be occuring but in the end I believe Stafford will be at USC. Insider Prediction: USC

13. Alyson Bebee 6-3 C (CA) - The word on Bebee is that USC, Stanford, and Duke lead for this big time forward's services. Bebee another player who's recruiting has not been in the public eye much is also rumored to be a top level student. In the end I think Bebee will come east and enroll at Duke. Insider Pick: Duke

14. Alexis Prince 6-1 W/F (FL) - Prince is one of the most skilled players in the 2012 class, after spending most of the year on the mend with an injury college coaches all still showed up to show their support of the big time wing out of Orlando. Almost all of the SEC, ACC, and Big East has been down to see Prince as well as some strong interest from Southern California. Prince's decision according to sources will be totally up to her and is still in the infancey of her recruiting. In the end I think that Prince will end up at either Kentucky or North Carolina. With the recent slew of commitments from the Sunshine State to the Tarheel program I guess she will end up there. Insider Prediction: North Carolina

Tampa Sunday

2011-03-14T05:24:00.000-07:00

I was able to get over to Tampa yesterday for the first real club event of the season.

We should all be thankful Tom Kane (Winning Ways) has taken such a vested interest in the non certified events in the state to put on some stuff worth going to and that is affordable. I got to the gate and it was only $5 so that was fantastic FGB will be playing in two of his events this year.

I really went down for two reasons, 1) - See Blue Star DEBO v Florida Angels Elite and 2) - see Darren Evans 13U team play.

As for Blue Star DEBO or whatever they're called versus the Florida Angels I saw a few things.

1) - Kiara Palmer 5-10 (real height) Miami Lourdes, was playing up last year as a starter on DEBO's top team as a freshman. Palmer played well in the game I saw vs the Florida Angels on the offensive boards and finishing around the basket. If Palmer can develop some face up game and a jumper she'll be a solid mid level prospect, her ability to do things away from the basket will be key to her development

2) - You could tell the Florida Angels had not practiced or played alot together getting down double figures early but in the second half came to life like the team I thought they could be. Casey Drayton 2013 Lakewood's growth to play the perimeter and be the dominant player she looks like will be the determining factor if the Angels fulfill their expectations, couple that will Bre Crum's ability (2012-Sickles) to protect the ball, run a team, and orchastrate things for the Angels will be a lot of how their season goes.

3) - THe Angels played DEBO a second time and got beat by 20+, early results are early results but still if you lose you understand there is some work to be done. DEBO is a high basketball IQ team who has some modest talent, most So Con, ASun, and lower tier D1 schools school take a glance at them as well as all the Division II schools in the state. In the end the Angels didnt play as well as I expected and Blue Star was about what I expected but the verdict is still out on both.

The Angels have several Division I players and will probably use this year to make a name for themselves on the travel scene as a team coaches need to see. Take note coaches!

As for the young guns...

Milenna Robinson 2015-FL is going to be a big time player, still needs to grow some into her body she's a little bigger then she was last year but right now aside from Destinee Walker 2015-Lake Highland Prep she would be the closest thing to a sure thing to recruit at the next level.

I really liked Ciara Cumbie 2015 Ocoee MS as a young kid but seeing her in the post made me a little more hesitant about her potential this weekend, for her to be an elite level prospect which she has all the talent in the world to be she's going to have to play the perimeter whether that is going to help her team win or not immediately is up in the air but to win at the highest level she's a 2/3 which I have more then seen her do well at.

Jalynn Harrison 5-8 G 2016, is about the youngest kid I've written about in a while but a strong ball handler and great defender Harrison has a lanky long athletic body that typically fills out to be 5-10 ish...if she fills out to be that size and can keep her athletic ability we'll be talking about her a lot more in the time to come. I like this kid a lot and typically I dont say that about many young kids.

The bottom line is Darren Evans's team is really the future of Blue Star and probably has most of the mid - major prospects in their program, if they develop and keep working hard they'll be one of the premier teams in Florida. In two weeks Blue Star FLorida 13's will take on Florida Vision and the Miami Suns in a chance to show who has the early edge on the 8th graders in the state.

Basketball Coaches Part 1

2011-03-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

I am going to do some blogs on some coaches, because it is the season for coaching changes...

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My first will be 20 Coaches East of the Mississippi River who are assistants of more then 10 years (total) that could be considered quality candidates for head coaching jobs this year. No ranking just 18 that I pick out, I am sure that I will miss someone. Tomorrow it will be assistant coaches with less then 10 years of expirience who could be consider for a move up (either to a major d1 assistant program or be considered to be a head coach). It also relies mainly on assistants at the BCS level or who have been at the BCS level. When I did this you'd be suprised how few assistant coaches have been actually coaching for 10 years and even fewer that have been at the same school for 10 years. With some of the names below I am not saying they would take a head coaching job this or any year but they are more then qualified.

Carol Owens - Notre Dame - Great expirience with USA Basketball and already been a head coach, Owens is a good candidate for people looking for someone who's been a head coach before and had time in a big time winning program like Notre Dame.

Carlene Mitchell - Rutgers - C Viv's right hand girl has done a great job in the recruiting game bringing all americans to New Jersey from other parts of the country clearly her connections in the grassroots world could make her a player anywhere she lands as a head coach.

Angie Johnson - Florida State - The go getter for the Noles has been the longest tenured assistant on staff for Sue Samerau, likely had opportunities to move up in the past has stayed at Florida State but someone who can get talent and turn a struggling program around quick at some level.

Richard Baron - NC State - Everywhere Baron has gone as an assistant of late has improved, Baron also has been a head coach already (Princeton) and plenty of expirience.

Al Brown - Duke - Been a head coach at the Men's D1 level and an assistant with some of the most successful women's programs in the country. Not likely Brown will leave Duke, but someone would be lucky to get him.

Darrick Gibbs Miami - Coach Gibbs has been by Katie Meier's side from Charlotte to Miami and now has got them to the top of the ACC, Gibbs's contributions can be over looked for a team who will be a top contender in the ACC next year.

Greg Brown - Central Florida - Former Tennessee assistant has won state championships also as a high school coach. Brown has been on Joi Williams staff at Central Florida who's been at the top of CUSA two of the last 3 years.

Andrew Calder - North Carolina - Like other people on the list, unlikely for Calder to leave Carolina, but his many years of service to the powder blue make him a prime candidate for someone looking to turn a program around.

Mike Neighbors - Xavier - The premier non-bcs school in the country Xavier has been ranked in the top 10 all year and was a layup from the final four last year. Neighbors has been in the SEC, Big 12 and Conference USA in the past as well.

Jonathan Tsipis - Notre Dame - The last Notre Dame male assistant to take a job did rather well (Kevin McGuff) so Tsipis getting a job would make some sense. Not sure whether he would leave the Irish but one of the better candidates in the midwest.

Lance White - Florida State - Another member of Florida State's great staff, white has ties to West Texas and well connected in the south.

Cori Close - Florida State - Word has she was involved with some positions last year but stayed the course so far with Sue Samerau to make Florida State a perennial top 10 power house.

Tina Langley - Maryland - Brenda Frese's assistants have made waves as head coaches like Jeff Walz, Langley has all the expirience to move to the head coaching level if she wants it.

Nikki Hays Fort - DePaul - Former head coach at D2 Barry in Florida, Hays Fort has done a great job on Doug Bruno's staff at Depaul the past few seasons.

Chris Dailey - UConn - Dailey has been Geno's right hand lady for a long time and doubtful she would leave but she could do a lot as a head coach somewhere for sure.

Megan Gebbia - Marist - Marist another premier mid major has had a great run the past few years and I am sure people are noticing and she if she wants it will get her shot at a head job.

Jennifer Roos - Bowling Green - Another great mid major from the MAC, Bowling Green has been one of the most successful programs around the past few years and Roos has the associate title for them.

Mickie Demoss - Tennessee - Already been the head coach at Kentucky she probably could get back in as a head coach whenever she desires but being with the Lady Vols is something that is hard to leave.

Holly Warlick - Tennessee - Warlick is the associate head coach at Tennessee and that position is usually the #1 draft position for a new head coach, Warlick has been at Tennessee for ever and more then qualified the question, if she'd ever leave?

Marlene Stollings - Ole Miss - Ole Miss had a great year and Stollings has tons of expirience one of the more sleeper candidates on this list will be a head coach sooner then later.

Bob Corwin in TX Part 1

2011-03-03T17:36:00.000-08:00

Day 1 no close games in morning or afternoon

1A division 1 - very heady but not a lot of talent (schools under 200 kids)

Smyer 56-40 Muenster
Martin's Mill 49-31 Falls City

3A
Abilene Wylie 61-38 Rockport-Fulton
Lucas Lovejoy 62-44 Fairfield

best player in first 4 games - Peyton Little (versitile combo G) of Wylie committed to Texas

next up 4A Canyon vs Beaumont Ozen

839 PM Update - Ozen - like FL with some thinking
Canyon the ultimate team team (baby Kehough with 4 friends that can play some in D2's)

half Canyon 21-22 Ozen

Prayers to MTSU

2011-03-03T06:27:00.000-08:00

Never fun to lose someone especially forever. Coach Insell and staff have done everything to help me along this basketball journey since I met them at the 2008 women's WNBA draft.

A class act, great program, and true basketball community lost one of their own last night in Tina Stewart JR G Memphis TN.

For some reason this is just more then a headline to me because of how much I admire that program so I figured Id just post this to them and wish them the best the rest of the season, their grieving, and Tina's family.

Best wishes, Kenny

Tina Story 1

Tina Story 2

McEachern vs Bradwell Institute

2011-03-02T09:26:00.000-08:00

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I went up to Hinesville with Basketball Bob Corwin last night to see Bradwell Institute who was #1 AAAAA undefeated in Georgia take on McEachern who by my account is one of the most talented teams in the south even if their record may not prove it.

McEachern jumped out 14-3 and Bradwell was able to cut it to 8 at half 24-16. By the end of the third McEachern had doubled up Bradwell to a 20 point lead 40-20 and won easily. While a lot of the talking heads dont mention McEachern on the best teams in Georgia list....they better watch out. With North Gwinnett losing last night McEachern looks like the could make it to the final four if not the finals if they can beat HIllgrove this weekend, a team they've beaten twice already.

Stars....

Dominique Wilson 2012 McEachern was best player in the game distributing the ball, didnt have a great shooting night but did a good job.

Dissapearing Act

Four 3rd Quarter fouls limited Kayla MOntgomery 6-4 C McEachern's impact on the game but the game was in little doubt.

For the Future...

Sha'Quoia Crockett 2014 Bradwell, had a ton of near assist her teammates couldnt convert and played relatively well considering the large amount of talent she was playing against...she will be one of the top point guards in the South in 2014.

Dont Forget about...

Brittany Hodges (Furman-2011), Paches Roberts (2012) and Mia Cooper (2013-South Carolina); McEachern may be only out classed talent wise by Norcross and only fell to the Blue Devils by 4 in their previous meeting.

Last night Georgia State was in the house, a little bird told me Tatianna Jackson 2012 Lovett had a good game last night in a 20 point loss to Columbus Kendrick and has upwards of 22 offers which probably has risen since last night when Vandy and Longwood were in the house. The big upset of the night was 2x Norcross victor...North Gwinnett falling to Roswell, while some wanted to tout NG as a legit national team a great player (Brown) and good player (WHitted) just arnt enough to win out in the Peach State.

Georgia AAAAA Final 4 Picks - McEachern; Norcross; Northview; North Cobb (More Cobb then Gwinnett schools...who would have thought?)

FloridaClubTeamRankings22811

2011-02-28T15:49:00.000-08:00

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The ever popular top Florida Summer Teams Predictions by Kenny Kallina

1) Miami Suns - Team Fowles South Florida, FL - Top Players: Brittany Brown (Chotawhachee) 2013; Macy Keen (Dillard) 2012; Raigyne Moncrief (American Heritage) 2013; Kai James (Dwyer) 2013; Keyanna Harris (Dwyer) 2014 - Four All American candidates start for a resurgent Miami Suns program who spent last year building and this year possibly dominating the state. Starting off with the Deep South Classic an event they won when they last attended the Suns are the clear top team in Florida this spring and summer. Affiliation: None. Directors: Paul Torres, Obel Cruz, Miguel Diaz, Fitzroy Anthony www.Miamisuns.org

2) Essence (Tallahassee, Fl) - Top Players: Courtney Williams (Charlton County) 2012; Alexis Prince (Edgewater) 2012; Niya Johnson (PK Yonge) 2012; Brandi Teague (American Heritage) 2012; Ieshia Small (Dr. Krop) 2013. - Unless something changes they will be without All American top 10 national recruit Rachel Holliva (New Hope MS) because of the ajoining state policy. Essence has a great load of guards but questions up front and tough competition at Boo Williams. If they can fill the void up front look for them to be a top level team again this summer. Director: Kim Davis Powell Affiliation: Nike www.essencebball.com

3) FGB - Florida Girl's Basketball (Neptune Beach, Fl) - Top Players: Simiah Blount (West Orange) 2012; Trimaine McCullough (Edgewater) 2013; Ashley Perry (Leesburg) 2013; Aunesha Williams (Cherokee) 2014; Diamond Cooper (West Orange) 2012; Dominique Simpson (Jones) 2014/Shaquoia Crockett (Bradwell Institute) 2014 - Shavontae Naylor’s knee injury makes FGB younger but there is no lack of talent this year for FGB. Trimaine McCullough is Florida’s top sophomore, Dominique Simpson maybe the top freshman in Florida and Shaquoia Crockett and Aunesha Williams are two of the top freshmen in Georgia. If FGB’s young players can mature quickly they can play with anyone. Director: Kenny Kallina No Affiliation www.fgbhoops.com

4) Jacksonville Lady Rams (Jacksonville, Fl) Top Players: Antoinette Bannister (Potter’s House) 2012 Hillary Fuller (Potters House) 2012 - Potter’s House loses 5 division I players off last years team and there just isn’t a ton of talent to replace it to replicate what they have had in the past but with their run and jump and high level of athleticism will keep them in the top four this year in the state. Director: Tony Bannister www.youngchristiansinaction.com Affiliation: Mike White

5) Below the Rim (Hollywood,Fl) - Top Players Ariah Osceola & Rebecca Lyttle (Michigan) - Hollywood Christian - Carlos Adamson gets his kids all over the country, had one of the top teams in the state last year and oneo f the best coached teams around. Look for Below the Rim to reload for this year and have another successful travel season.

6) Florida Angels (Tampa, Fl) - Top Players: Kasey Drayton (Lakewood) 2013; Bre Crum (Sickles) 2012; Shanice Beamon 2012 (Lakewood); Alexis Ungro (Boca Ciega) 2013 - Combining the best 14U team in the state and playing them up with Hillsborough county’s leading scorer Bre Crum will give the Angels a scoring punch and plenty of local practice time to get ready to play the big dogs. The Angels will take their first swing at playing the top teams in the state this year and I think they will do rather well.

7) South Florida Jaguars (Davie, Fl) - The Jags don’t return much from last years team but they do return the knowledge of how to run a good travel team and how to play and beat the best. People will underestimate them early but in the end it would not surprise me to see last year’s Florida Team of the Summer to come out with some surprising wins. The Jags, year in and year out are one of the best coached teams in the state. Director: Jason Hivley Affiliation Peach State www.southfloridaladyjaguars.org

8) Central Florida Elite - Top Players - Ronni Williams (Atlantic) 2013; Sydnei MCaskill (Dr Phillips) 2013; Morgan Robinson (Lyman) 2012; January Miller (University) 2012 - Formerly the Orlando Comets 15U, Central Florida Elite will take their first shot at playing on an elite level of basketball this year. After being unable to win their pool at Boo Williams last year and getting shut out of Nike Nationals Central Florida has a lot to prove on the national level that they are as good as their reputation in Florida. Program Director: Al Honor Website www.cflelite.com Affliation: Essence

9) Orlando Comets - Top Player - Joy Brown (Evans) 2012 KP Pound (Sebastian River) 2013 Kadesia Johnson (Poinciana) 2012 - Once on top of the AAU world here in Florida you can see how far the Comets have fallen. Going 1-9 in Boo Williams and Nike Nationals landed them on the outside of Nike as you can see on the Blue Star Website www.bluestarbb.com/ - Go to girl’s travel teams. The Comets lost their 15U teams, Brittany Jackson (to FBC Southeast Elite) and their shot at becoming relevant once again. Affiliation: None Program Director: Dean Mosley www.orlandocomets.org

10) Blue Star Florida - Top Players - Tiffany Suarez (Lourdes) 2013; Kiara Palmer (Lourdes) 2013; Alexis Sams (Lake Brantley) 2012 - Formerly DEBO, a year too late to have All American Morgan Jones and a day late for the heyday of basketball in Seminole County, Blue Star is trying to carve a new tradition in Seminole County. While their portfolio of players is not up to some of the top teams in the state now, Darren Evans’s 14U team could possibly put them into relevance in two years as he has some of the best young kids in the state. Program Director: Lisa Nuxol Affilition: Blue Star www.bluestar-florida.com

Top Middle School Programs Super 6

1. Florida Vision (Jerry Ellis)
2. Miami Suns - Team Larkin (Paul Torres)
3. Jacksonville Lady Rams (Tony Bannister)
4. Blue Star Florida 3D Elite (Darren Evans)
5. Florida Angels (Kevin Thingpen)
6. Florida Lady Comets (Bennie Shaw)

Want to vote starting March 15? If you are an AAU coach email kennykallina@gmail.com to be apart of Florida’s main basketball blog.

Florida 1A & 2A

2011-02-28T05:56:00.000-08:00

Well the 1A and 2A was pretty good relative to the rest of the state in Lakeland

MOP 1A: Danielle McCray - Trinity Christian Ole Miss- Mccray's patten spin put 40 points on Hollywood in the 1A Final but was no enough as Trinity fell to Hollywood Christian

Best of 1A: Rebecca Lyttle 2012 Hollywood Christian (Michigan) had a strong tournament scoring a lot of 2nd half points versus Trinity. Ariah Osceola is one of the better shooters in the state and hit a dagger three with under 2 minutes remaining to put Trinity out of reach. Jaitesha Hanson (seffner christian) 2013 is a young star which if they can keep their team together it wont be the last time they make it to Lakeland. Alicia McCray 2013 LW Trinity could keep dad (Luke McCray) around after Danielle graduates to make another run at state.

Other Thoughts:Hollywood Christian with Dr Phillips beating Lake Mary should get the bid to go to the NHSI in Washington DC this year, aside from Potters House Hollywood has had the best resume of any team in the state this year and only graduate one player.

2A

Best of the Best: Michelle Woods Community School is the best player in 2A. Woods only had 11 points in the final but the Miami signee has put two banners in the gym of Community School

Best of 2A: Caitlin Schwartz Community School knocked down 4 3's and had 24 points in the final. Eva Myers 2013 Sagemont had 15 points for a Sagemont team who just didnt ever get out of a zone to match up with Community School. The one woman show also known as Mayo Lafyette saw Cartesha Macklin (unsigned senior) score 33 points and pull down 13 rebounds in their state semi final loss. While they've lost some good kids the last few years the new rural division makes them a contender next year once again in Mayo.

Other thoughts: Dads both coached in the finals of 1A (Luke McCray) and 2A (Community School - Mitch Woods) now that their top level kids have graduated will they continue to coach? Both kids played for Essence at one point but did not play with them this past summer. It looks like Eva Myers is the best up and coming player in 1A or 2A and Hollywood Christian will be very strong next year even with the loss of Kaley Howard who is another pretty good D1 unsigned senior.

Monday: - 1A & 2A
Tuesday - 3A & 4A
Wednesday - 5A & 6A
Thursday - All Lakeland Team
Saturday - Best of Florida 2011
Sunday - Georgia Region Tournament @ S Effingham & Groves & Region Tournaments
Monday - ASun Tournament

Florida Finals Part 1

2011-02-27T11:40:00.000-08:00

I was out at the Lakeland Center for the Florida Finals this week. My first blog entry will be on the overall atmosphere and thoughts. You are entering the no agenda zone by Kenny Kallina

1) - Poor Crowds - One way or another the state has to figure out how to make a better product whether it be actually pay coaches decently, down size classes, put it with the boys or whatever else you want to come up with what I saw this weekend was not very good.

2) - Lack of College Coaches - Of the Florida Insider Subscribers everyone in Florida showed up USF, FSU, Miami, UCF, Jacksonville, and FAU but the University of Florida didnt show up (now this might be part of their travel issues but still ... you cant be the headline state university in your state and not go to the state tournament).

3) - Basketball IQ!!!! I was sitting with two national evaluators that have the ear of college coaches both really saw how poor of a product the Florida High School Teams were (not all but most) they continued to comment on situational stuff and how players in Florida just dont make the right decisions in the right circumstances.

4) - Wear the right uniform - Four games had teams wearing the "AWAY" dark uniform and had to play dark vs dark in the game come on FHSAA can we get that right?

5) - Shout Out to Fred Southern Kitchen for having the best food location in Lakeland during the 3 hour intermissions between games on Championship days.

Faces in the Crowd - In Florida you cant just recruit one specific area unless you're going to own south Florida for AAU but here are some of the people who were at the Lakeland Center

"Basketball Bob" Corwin - Evaluator for the FLorida Insider & TOC Selection Committee

David Hudson - Head Coach Creedside High School...8 time state champion at Jacksonville Ribault and proponant of intelligent play.

James Henry - Essence consultant and website owner

Clyde Glover - Miramar - Former Multi Time State Champ at Miami Pace

Jimmy Mincey - Retired - Former Orlando Jones Coach

Cassandra Rhamming - Former Iowa Star and Palm Beach Lakes Coach

Carla Harris Curry - Multi Time State Champ & Miami Norland Head Coach

Herb THomas & Darnell Haney of Orlando Jones looking to make a showing in Lakeland next year.

Keil Moore - National Evaluator

Kim Davis-Powell - Essence

Reggie Lawrence - Tampa Tech/Essence

Chris Springs/Shrell Chamberlain - Orlando Comets/Olympia

Misty Cox - West Orange HC former Boone Coach

Al Honor - Central Florida Elite/Orlando Comets/Essence not quite sure?

Top Players on Hand: Destiny Walker (Lake Highland 2015); Dominique Simpson 2014 Orlando Jones; Trimaine McCullough 2013 Edgewater; Simiah Blount 2012 West Orange; Kiki Baxter 2012 Wekiva; January Miller 2012 University; Ciara Cumbie 2015 future star; Jakarra Barrett 2013 Ocoee.

I am working on having a short blog each day to keep you updated on Basketball hopefully you enjoy!

Monday - 1A & 2A
Tuesday - 3A & 4A
Thursday - 5A & 6A
Friday - Best of Lakeland 2011
Saturday - Best of Florida 2011
Sunday - Georgia Region Tournament @ S Effingham & Groves & Region Tournaments
Monday - ASun Tournament

Fresh 2014 Faces

2011-01-09T12:56:00.000-08:00

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This will go up later this week on Full Court Press obviously edited but here's an advanced copy of it....likely major leaguers, all americans, future top 10 players, and USA basketball participants in 2014.

Fresh 2014 Faces - A Collection of the Top Freshmen in America

After traveling from sea to shining sea one thing was very apparent, the future of the game looks to be in good hands. In July I traveled across the south between Atlanta and Tennessee and saw more then 100 summer games then this winter I spent extensive time in my home state of Florida before going to Atlanta twice, Baltimore, Phoenix, and to a National Tournament in Naples. Here are some of the fresh faces of the game I picked up in our fresh faces, 12 freshmen to watch from around the country.

Rhamat Alhassan 6-4 F Holy Cross (MD) - A candidate for #1 some day, Alhassan is long as the day and causes major difficulties for whomever she guards, big or small. Alhassan finishes well around the basket and is athletic enough to be the first player down the floor on offense or defense. While she is in the infancy of her game, as she adds strength and experience her package of size and athletic ability already makes her a near lock to be an All American. (Breezy Bishop December 2010)

Jordin Canada 5-7 G Windward Academy (Orange County, CA) - One of if not the most polished point guards in the class. Canada is a great passer and sees things as the develop a play or two ahead of her teammates and the competition. Rather in control for being such a great athlete if Canada can add some to her jump shot she could be the face of this class in the backcourt for the next four years. (Nike TOC December 2010)

Sierra Calhoun 6-0 F Christ the King (Middle Village, NY) - Long athletic forward who lacks a position right now but her overall skill set is just too good to leave her off the list. You can call her a very skilled 4 or developing three regardless when you attend Christ the King all eyes from around the country are on you. Ranked as high as #2 nationally by some publications, I am not yet there yet with that but a great prospect and deserving of being on this list. (Nike TOC December 2010)

Ayanna Edwards 6-2 F/C Sacramento High School (CA) - Big powerful center who has great size and hands. Like a lot of posts at this age you are rating them more on what they could be then what they currently are but this kid could be very very good like other big posts to come out of the Bay Area. Edwards plays as hard as any kid on the floor with great size look for her to have a lot of new friends in the college ranks. (Nike TOC December 2010)

Keyanna Harris 6-0 G Dwyer (Palm Beach, Fl) - Long athletic wing player who’s handles have greatly improved since the summer. Harris can stick outside shots and has real size for playing the 2 or 3 spot on the floor. Could be a great defender because of how athletic she is she is just tapping into the beginning of her potential as a player. Likely the marquee wing in the south for the 2014 class. (Basketball Brothers Invitational December 2010)

Imani Littleton 6-3 F The Bishop’s School (La Jolla, CA) - Big athletic forward who looks the part. Dominant already on defense and defends very well in a full court defensive setting and on the perimeter for her size. Offensive development is needed but you just don’t see this type of athlete regularly at this age. (December 2010 - Nike TOC)

Alexa Middleton 5-8 G Riverdale (Murfreesboro, TN) - Relatively athletic well built guard who can attack the basket and conduct the offense, Middleton is the next in a long line of high level guards from Middle Tennessee. Middleton is a step or skill away from being one of the best guards in the class but has all the time to get those things together. Middleton has been an anchor in the backcourt for top 5 national high school Murfreesboro Riverdale this season. (Hillsboro v Riverdale TN - December 2010)

Brianna Turner 6-3 F Westbury Christian (Houston, TX) - Turner has set the bar in many peoples eye for the class of 2013. A big long athletic wing forward can score inside and from the perimeter. Good off the drive her size makes her unique to the 3 position and her athletic ability and size still allows her to be very effective inside. (Nike Nationals July 2010)

Mikayla Venson 5-6 G (VA) - Skilled guard worth the price of admission. Venson has a great feel of spacing on the floor and really can shoot the ball. Venson needs to get stronger to fulfill her potential but she is one of the most exciting players to watch in the country. (Fab 5 Camp July 2010)

Jatarie White 6-3 F/C Providence Day (Charlotte, NC) - Big athletic post who is very good still has a lot to do become more fluid on the offensive end but played on a very good Boo Williams squad all summer. Paired with 2012 star Tiffany Mitchell makes Providence Day likely to be a contender in North Carolina once again.

Aunesha Williams 6-1 PF Cherokee (Canton, GA) - The best rebounder I have seen in a long long time. Williams has a great body and athletic package which makes her the elite front court player in the class of 2014 in Georgia and one of the top forwards in the country. Williams has had 20 or more rebounds in more then half of the high school games she played this season. Finishing has been somewhat of an issue for the future All American but as that comes it wont be surprising to see a lot of 30/30 stat nights for the North Atlanta area player. (December 2010 Cherokee v Sprayberry)

Sarah Woods 6-1 F Good Council (MD) - Very similar to Calhoun but has some more aggression to her game going to the basket. Played very well in the Naples Daily News Holiday Shootout helping her team overcome national power Germantown Academy (Ft Washington, PA) with 12 fourth quarter points Woods is a good shooter and great to the basket with good size. Keep an eye on this DC product. (January 2011 Naples Daily News Holiday Shootout)

Naples Daily News

2011-01-01T16:50:00.000-08:00

Naples Dailey News Holiday Shootout

December 30 2010-Jan 1, 2011

Best of the Best

Trimaine McCullough 5-8 G 2013 Orlando Edgewater - A lot of hype has been around a lot of different people in the class of 2013 but Naples was a coming out show for the super fast 2013 guard out of Orlando. McCullough scored a team high 19 points in a loss to likely 2A Champ Community School of Naples after having 25 points versus Barron Collier in a big win for the Eagles. McCullough mixes her long range game with a creating driving game which even the best defenders cant stop. People in Southwest Florida could not stop raving about possibly the top sophomore in the entire state. All the more impressive McCullough saw Box & 1 and carried her team to being competitive in one of the best events in the country.

Top 2 Seniors

Alexa Gallagher 6-2 F Germantown Academy Ft Washington PA (DePaul) - An athletic guard/forward who is all over the floor. Gallagher is a very good athlete and can get to the basket at will and can shoot from the perimeter. An anchor for Germantown on offense and defense, Gallagher’s play led Germantown to success in the shootout and should be an immediate impact player at DePaul.

Michelle Woods 5-8 G Community School of Naples (Miami) Woods has carried her team into relevance in the state basketball scene over the past several years at Community School of Naples playing for her father. Woods carried Community to wins over Edgewater and defending 2A State Champions PK Yonge. Woods showed up as one of the top players in the entire event in her last appearance at the Shootout.

Top Juniors

Maddie Stock 6-1 G St Joseph’s Missouri - A monster semi-final game versus Oakton VA, has the entire gym in a buzz about the highly regarded junior from the showme state. Stock shot the ball lights out and even has to handle point guard duties which is out of her comfort zone. Stock who’s now in her third high school season since coming on the national scene at the Nike TOC as freshman has greatly improved and is one of the top junior prospects in the Midwest.

Jayne Garner 5-8 G Germantown Academy Fort Washington PA - Playing out of position the athletic guard is the motor that makes Germantown go as they showed well this year in the Naples Dailey News Holiday Shootout. Garner did a great job of creating off the dribble and sticking tough jump shots. Likely major D1 recruit on the wing Garner’s commitment to defend and guard the opponents best player makes her one of the top players in the entire event.

Top Sophomores

Lindsey Spann 5-7 G Good Council Washington DC - the floor general for Good Council, this athletic guard can score the ball as well as distribute. A strong athletic guard Spann also is a danger from long range as she knocked down 2 big threes versus Mercy (KY) in the quarter finals which essentially ended their bid at the tournament championship and handed them their first loss of the season.

Sydney Stipanovich 6-3 C St. Josephs Academy St Louis MO - Long athletic forward who’s game is still developing did a great job doing a lot of different things for her team including rebounding, defending, and scoring the ball. A major division I prospect Sydney has a high ceiling for what her development could be and how great she could be at the next level.

Top Freshmen

Sarah Woods 6-1 F Good Council Washington DC - Reminds me of Sierra Calhoun 2014 6-1 F Christ the King NY - Woods had a big ending for Good Council when fending off previously undefeated Mercy. Woods, an athletic forward can get to the rim and knock down the mid range shots. As she develops in the front or backcourt she will end up being a likely major big time prospect a lot of schools will be chasing after.

Candice Williams 5-5 PG Fayette County High School Fayetteville, GA - The next great guard for the Tigers of Fayette County gets limited time behind Uconn signee Brianna Banks and top talented junior Mercedez Jenkins. Williams is small in stature but comes up big in games where she will be relied heavily if Fayette wants to have another deep playoff run in Georgia.

Injured Reserve: Alexis Prince 6-2 F 2012 out of Orlando Edgewater still has not played a regular season game of yet. Prince has been nursing a stress fracture in her foot which could sideline her well into January. If Edgewater gets her back they will be a likely a favorite to win 6A State. Tabitha Mitchell 6-2 F 2014 Dupont Manual sat out the tournament injured as well, a disappointment for Dupont who’s rated as one of the top teams in Kentucky struggled without much of their interior help from the talented freshman.

Basketball Brothers

2011-01-01T16:46:00.000-08:00

Basketball Brothers Invitational Ft Myers, Fl

December 28 & Dec 29

From the desert of Phoenix hanging with cacti to the sunny warmth of Southwest Florida and palm trees of Ft. Myers we bring you more high school basketball action from after Christmas
Coming from the Nike TOC, to here is somewhat tough because you have such a great combination of teams and talent while in Florida there is great talent but less team.

Best of the Best

LaDeyah Forte 5-3 PG 2011 Pensacola (Colorado State) - An absolute steal for the people at Colorado State. Forte might be the steadiest point guard I’ve seen all year. Shoots it well, lefty, great defender, and great decision maker she should be an immediate impact. If she wasn’t 5-3 you would see her at a major Division I program in the fall but just make sure that you remember this when you see her at the top of the point guard ranks in college next year. In day 2 Forte completely dominated University High School and junior Florida commit January Miller.

Star of the Day 1

Erica Lanier 5-5 PG 2011 Winter Haven - Not a whole lot to say but a tournament record 46 points, completely carved up Dwyer driving through their defense and finishing, hitting 3’s and finding her teammates. One of the main reasons they were able to pull the upset last night and lastly college coaches….shes unsigned!

Star of the Day 2

Amber Henson 6-3 F 2011 Sickles (Tampa) - Recovering from some issues with her knee, Henson had struggled and missed some games this year. Henson showed great touch all the way out to the three point line. Henson also did a great job passing the ball and finding open teammates. On a struggling team with little concept of how to use her skills she’s doing the best she can and getting ready to be an impact player at Duke next year.

Star Watch

Jenna Crittenton 5-9 G 2012 Ryle (KY) - Strong shooting guard who’s skills and long range game got them to 2-1 in the event with wins over some of Florida’s best in Lakewood and Dwyer who they beat in double OT.
Shanovia Dove 5-8 G 2013 Palm Beach Lakes - Powerful, strong, athletic guard is a major Division I prospect. Dove can handle get to the basket and really defend. Somewhat under the radar after playing a younger notch of club ball last year, look for a lot of people to jump on the bandwagon quick once they get a solid viewing of her.

Jessica Goble 5-10 G 2011 Buchholz (Gainesville, Fl) - A really good unsigned prospect who’s deciding soon about her future. Long athletic really good passser who understands the game. On Tuesday she had control of the game with two hands as she dropped passes to teammates hit shots and made plays on defense to power Buchholz over Lakewood.

Keyanna Harris 6-0 W 2014 Dwyer (West Palm Beach, Fl) - The state’s top freshman has really tightened her handle up and just because she’s tall doesn’t mean she’ll be sitting inside the paint. A little more advanced with her floor game then Sierra Calhoun (Christ the King NY) Harris is in the running for top 5 nationally in 2014. Harris was able to create off the dribble, find open teammates, and knock down shots but it was not enough as Dwyer fell to Winter Haven.

Kai James 6-5 C 2013 Dwyer (West Palm Beach, Fl) - A big time post prospect has slimmed down some and runs better. A great body and set of hands on her could be a top 20 recruit if she gets her footwork and works a little harder. Her brother is 6-10 and on the way to a major school for boy’s basketball.

Raigyne Moncrief 5-8 PG 2013 American Heritage (Plantation, Fl) Super quick guard who can get to the rim, control tempo and lock down on defense. Moncrief led her team to the championship game of the Basketball Brothers Event but fell short versus Pensacola Washington in the final. Moncrief should be on every school in the country’s list in the 2013 class.

Ashley Perry 5-10 W 2013 Leesburg (FL) - Rough first 3 quarters for the sophomore star from Leesburg but scored 15 fourth quarter points in a near upset of Pensacola Washington. Perry is a long athletic wing who can take the ball coast and knock down the 3. One of the few players I’ve ever seen that dribbles and is right hand dominant with the ball but shoots left handed. A sure major has gotten a lot of interest already should be fun to see how good she gets.

Alyssa Rice 6-3 F/C 2014 Reynoldsburg (OH) - Big long athletic forward who is continuing to improve. A national level player who could end up playing for the Buckeyes.
　
Top Games

Winter Haven vs. Dwyer (West Palm Beach, Fl) - A perfect display of team versus talent. Winter Haven has traditionally had one of the best programs in Florida. Dwyer sports top 10 Keyanna Harris 2014, top 20 Kia James 2013, and well regarded sophomore Samantha Glodis. Winter Haven had great point guard play out of senior guard Erica Lanier who really out played Mercer signee Precious Bridges scoring a tournament record 46 points. Winter Haven was up low double digits most of the game, Dwyer behind Kia James and Keyanna Harris cut the lead to as few as 4 in the fourth quarter but couldn’t overcome Erica Lanier’s career night. Winter Haven 80

Buchholz (Gainesville, Fl) vs. Lakewood (St. Petersburg, Fl) - Another game of talented players. Lakewood is coached by former Iowa star Necole Tunsil who was an All American at Lakewood in high school. Lakewood’s star was sophomore Tiannah Alvarado 5-9 2013 who hit tough shot after tough shot to keep Lakewood within striking distance. Jessica Goble 2011 did it all for Buchholz passing the ball hitting shots and controlling the tempo of the game. Jessica Thomas 5-4 2013 guard has gotten a lot of attention from major schools and showed why last night hitting shots from all over and forcing tempo with the ball. Lakewood needed other players to step up and they just never did after being able to stay with in single digits most of the game Buchholz took control of the game and in the end Buchholz 77 Lakewood 72.

TOC Day 3 Night to Remember

2010-12-22T08:38:00.001-08:00

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A Night To Remember…. Day 3 Nike TOC

While the first two days of the tournament were filled with talent but in the end rather uncompetitive games, the nay sayers were silenced last night with two epic battles of some of the top basketball players in the country.

In the first semi-final put two Southern California programs with a lot of reputation and pride. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) who had been the darling of Southern California, 3 players on the USA U17, ranked number 1 nationally and all but set to try to collect their second Nike Tournament of Champions trophy. Unfortunately for them there were three people who stood in the way of that - Carl Buggs (Head Coach Long Beach Poly), Sheila Boykin (Center - Long Beach Poly) and Ariya Crook Williams (Guard Long Beach Poly). Between the 3 of them they over came a classic 1st half performance by Kaleena Lewis which saw her make 5 three pointers, shoot 8 for 10 from the field with 25 points. Leading at halftime 35-28 Mater Dei was all but set to romp the Jackrabbitts and advance to the final until Ariya Crook Williams stepped up and matched Lewis’s 1st half performance with 13 points in the 3rd quarter and 9 points in the 4th quarter including some big free throws down the stretch. Poly put together a 18-7 third quarter which saw their deficit at half go from 7 to leading by 4 when the fourth period started. Williams was one of the few kids I’ve ever seen be able to jab step and pull back and hit shots with some accuracy, you could see that Michael Cooper and Michael Cooper JR sitting in the stands from Southern Cal were all smiles about Williams performance. As Crook Williams and Lewis stars some stars were noticeably absent, top 5 2012 player Jordan Adams only scored 6 points and shot 2 for 9 from the field as well as missing 3 free throws in crunch time. Alexyz Vaioletama finished with 8 points only 5 attempts from the field. Sheila Boykin over shadowed the two All Americans with 16 points of her own. Crook Williams finished the game with 24 points as Lewis led all scorers with 33 in a long awaited 61-56 win for Long Beach Poly who advanced to the final of the Nike Tournament of Champions.

In semi-final number two it saw Bolingbrook of Illinois versus Brea Olinda of Southern California for a chance to have another all California final.

In the first half Brea Olinda and Bolingbrook basically played to a standstill with Brea having a slight advantage with 22-21 at the half. Brea and Bolingbrook have very different make ups of their team, in the first half Brea saw 5 different player score their 22 points while Bolingbrook saw Morgan Tuck and Ariel Massengale score 15 of their 21 first half points. Brea in the first half went out playing man to man which gained them a slight advantage but in the second half they zoned Bolingbrook which caused a whole world of problems for the Raiders. At the end of 3 Bolingbrook took a 2 point lead at 34-32 behind Ariel Massengale who scored 9 of their 13 third quarter points. In the fourth quarter as much as the game the game went back and forth and eventually Bolingbrook had the ball tied with 3 seconds left. After a Tony Smith timeout Bolingbrook threw the ball out of bounds and gave Brea a chance for the win. Brea’s Alexis Riley-Perry took the ball to the basket and finished the ball with a floater as time expired but the slot official dramatically ran to half court waived off the basket and called traveling which sent us to our first overtime. Massengale only had 2 points and went 2-6 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter and did not score field goal. In the first overtime Brea led by four but wasted away the lead and Bolingbrook had their second chance to win the game which saw Morgan Tuck get blocked by Justine Hartman as time expired as we entered our final period of the day nearly two hours after the game had tipped. In the final overtime Ariel Massengale did not score and Morgan Tuck only had 2 points until the game was out of reach and she hit a long 3 with less then a minute left leaving her 2-5 from the field in the period with only 5 points. The balance of Brea and zone defense wore out the Raiders who just couldn’t score in the fourth quarter and in overtime. Bolingbrook only scored 20 points in the fourth quarter and two overtimes versus the staunch Brea defense. On offense in the second half Brea was pretty balanced Taylor Spears had 5 points, Alexis Riley-Perry had 6 points, Justine Hartman had 10, Keitra Wallace had 5, and Jeanier Olukemi had 9 points including shooting 7 of 9 from the foul line and did not have a single point until the overtime. While Brea had balance the stars did not quite show up for Bolingbrook Ariel Massengale only had 2 points in the 4th quarter and overtime and Morgan Tuck had 11 but shot only 5 of 13 from the field which combined to be 13 of Bolingbrooks 20 points for the combined periods.

Tonight you will two of Southern California’s finest in the finals but not quite what people expected as Brea takes on Long Beach Poly. If Ariya Crook Williams can replicate last night’s performance its going to be a long night for Brea. Brea has the athletes to defend Williams but it’ll be much different then the passive zone the played against Bolingbrook and Ariel Massengale. Poly has to stay out of foul trouble and really play solid half court defense. Poly’s press will likely be inaffective against Alexis Riley Perry who’s really been the anchor for Brea in the backcourt and has to be one of the top unsigned seniors left in 2011. I expect Poly’s stars to shine bright and overcome another Southern California team tonight in a 60-57 win over Brea in the final.

While many wished to see Bolingbrook versus Mater Dei today they are going to get what they asked for but in a different situation, the third place game. The game will feature 5 players from the U17 USA Basketball team and at least a dozen Division I recruits.

Other Notes: While this year’s TOC lacked the great early round games like the NCAA Tournament last night did not dissapoint, Hamilton High School was packed with high school players, coaches, college coaches, and fans to see the best night of high school basketball so far this year.

Nike TOC Day 2

2010-12-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

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Nike TOC Day 2 Monday December 20, 2010

Joe Smith Division

The Joe Smith Division has been like the rest of the women’s basketball word of late, pretty predicable. In the quarter finals today Mater Dei (Santa Anna, CA) defeated Monarch (Louisville, CO) rather easily 64-46. In quarter final number 2 California Power Long Beach Poly (Long Beach, CA) defeated Memphis Central (Memphis, TN) 61-49, a disappointing loss for Central who saw Danielle Ballard (2012) sit the final 4 minutes of the game after not hustling back on a turnover and never re-entered the game. Brea Olinda (Brea, CA) 65 St. Mary’s (Stockton CA) 55 in the closest semi-final in the Joe Smith Division. A game which saw Brea out to a big lead cut by St. Mary’s but in the end St. Mary’s was just short on beating a consensus top 5 team nationally. The night cap so a very physical game between Bolingbrook (IL) 67 Riverdale Baptist 44, saw a close game as Ariel Massengale (Bolingbrook) took a hit that would have drawn a 15 yard penalty and a $25,000 fine in the NFL. Massengale ended up finishing the game and Bolingbrook won as there is some hope in the gala that there will be some competitive games tomorrow.

3 Stars

Morgan Tuck & Ariel Massengale (Bolingbrook) - The only place you might be able to see Tennessee (Massengale) and Uconn (Tuck) on the same floor might be at a Bolingbrook game but both Massangle (PG) and Tuck (F) went to work on a talented Riverdale team which saw why they were both on the U17 national team last summer. Tuck showed a variety of skills from attacking the basket to facing up and hitting jumpers. Massengales ability to control the tempo of the game and get to the basket at will eased Bolingbrook into the semi finals tomorrow.

Ariya Crook Williams 2011 USC - Long Beach Poly - Just sliced and diced an athletic Memphis Central on the way to a double digit win in the quarter finals of the Nike Tournament of Champions. Crook Williams shot it, drove it, passed it and really had her way with a very athletic Central team.

Other Gyms

In the real game of the day, 42-41 tucked away at Perry High School, Windward (Los Angeles, CA) defeated Carondelet (Concord, CA). A back an forth game between two of the top teams in the entire event. Carondelet featured Stanford signee Erica Payne 6-2 F and one of the top shooters in the 2012 class in Hannah Huffman. Windward won despite being without their top prospect Imani Stafford 6-7 2012. Don’t be misled Windward is loaded, led by freshman Jordin Canada 5-7 PG, who’s one of the top 2014 guards nationally Windward also has unsigned senior many college coaches were after in Milica Osmotic a 6-2 wing forward. Along with those two Paris Baird (2012) and Kristen Simon (2014) round out a team which could have as many as 7 D1 signees. Windward played a lot of players and Carondelet was always on the verge of taking the game but in the end Windward squeaked it out to advance to the Anderson Division semi-finals.

Fab Frosh

TOC is always a coming out show for some top tier freshmen here are a few that caught my eye.

Jordin Canada 5-7 G Windward (Los Angeles, CA) One of the two best guards I’ve seen in the 2014 class, can really pass the ball and has a great feel for the game isn’t quite yet there with her shot but has a good amount of athleticism and tons of upside will end up at a school of her choice most likely.

Imani Littleton 6-3 F The Bishop’s School (La Jolla, CA) - Big time athlete reminds me of some of the elite posts in the game, runs the floor well and is a beast on defense her offensive game is still developing but look out for her in the freshman class.

Sierra Calhoun 6-0 F Christ the King (Middle Village NY)Strong long athletic wing player who knocks down shots and can get to the basket the next heir apparent to the Christ the King girl's basketball throne of New York.

Ayanna Edwards 6-2 PF Sacramento (CA) Big post who’s playing hard as a young player, has great hands finishes around the basket a very good rebounder with great hands.

Off the Grid

Kailee Johnson 6-4 W/F 2013 Central Catholic (Portland, OR) - Well, no service had her written up as a top player or recognized this is likely one of the top 5 players in the class of 2013. Hopefully after big performances against alleged top 10 2013 Kendall Cooper (St Anthony’s CA) on Saturday in a 50 point win and Windward (CA) today people will wake up on a kid who could end up being #1 overall in this class. A 6-4 kid who’s long athletic and has both facets of the game where she can score around the basket (great post moves and footwork) as well as be a threat from the perimeter how this player from Portland, Oregon has gone unnoticed for 2 years of high school basketball makes one wonder what we all are watching?

Jonquel Jones 6-2 F 2012 Riverdale Baptist (Upper Marlborough, MD) Long athletic forward one college coach said had a little “Natasha Howard (FSU Frosh)” in her struggled in day 2 of TOC but many have her no where to be found on national services has a ton of upside at the next level and if people sleep on her she’ll make someone very happy in 2012.

All I want for Christmas….

Kelsey Plum 5-9 G La Jolla Country Day - Big time stud who I wasn’t able to see was to be the next Sue Bird, lost her two front teeth Country Day’s win today. Look for Plum to be one of the top 2013’s nationally.

Nikki Brey (Coach Memphis Central) - Down less then 10, Danielle Ballard just showed little to no emotion as she didn’t cheer her teammates on in the last 4 minutes after she didn’t hustle back after a turnover. All Nikki Brey wants for Christmas is Danielle Ballard to play hard, is it that hard?

BreezyBishop

2010-12-17T15:27:00.000-08:00

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I spent last weekend at the Breezy Bishop Event at Western High School in Baltimore MD. Ironically my grandmother went to Western High School. The event is really well set up playing each game opposite eachother at Poly and Western High School gyms which sit on the same piece of property. Western is the oldist public girl's only school in the country. Thanks to COach Silver and Coach Burley for the great hospitality.

Senior Star Watch The "A" List: Akilah Bethel 6-0 W Holy Cross (West Virginia) - If you've ever seen West Virginia Play Bethel fits the system perfectly. A strong athletic defender who can shoot the ball and has good size should be able to get out on the wing for the Lady Mountaineers pretty quickly.

Top Seniors
Tyonna Williams 5-6 G Riverdale Baptist (MD) Temple
Jasmine Odom 5-8 G South Shore (NY)
Bre'Shay Ali 5-11 W Nazareth (NY)

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Junior Star Watch: Jonquel Jones 6-1 F Riverdale Baptist (MD) Long athletic player who one college coach said had a little "Natasha Howard" in her shouldnt be taken lightly many have the 6-1 W/F lower ranked then her teammates hopefully coaches find out before she gets to the next level that she is ... the Real Deal.

Top Juniors
Kelila Atkinson 6-0 G Riverdale Baptist (MD)
Diana Logan 5-9 G Riverdale Baptist (MD) (Georgetown)
Jeannie Simms 5-10 F Riverdale Baptist (MD)
Lexie Carpenter 5-8 G Forest Park (MD)
Angela Mickens 5-5 PG Robert E Lee (VA)
Jade Clark 6-0 PF St Johns College (DC)
Rahni Bell 5-10 G HD Woodson (DC)
Lanay Montgomery 6-4 C Holy Cross (MD)
Brianna Sidney 5-9 G Nazareth (NY)
Lisa Blair 6-7 C Nazareth (NY)
Darius Faulk 5-9 W Nazareth (NY)

Sophomore Star Watch The "A" List: Lindsay Allen 5-7 CG St. Johns College DC - Athletic guard who could be a top flight defender just about anywhere has a good stroke and is good off the dribble still has tons of upside and a very high roof for development.

Top Sophomores
Camille Calhoun 5-10 F Archbishop Spalding (MD)
Dalisha Griffin 5-11 F Western Branch (MD)
Alexus Harrison 5-9 G Digital Harbor (MD) - Maryland
Tyshell King 5-9 G St Frances Academy (MD)
Aaliyah Lewis 5-3 PG Bishop Ford (NY)

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Freshman Star Watch: Rhamat Alhassan 6-4 F Holy Cross (MD)- Never seen a track athlete who can run like this kid at 6-4, the #1 draft pick in my opinion for the entire event rumored to be focused towards a high academic school has a short list already. Alhassan is still going to need a lot of work but is the first kid down the floor on both ends, catches, finishes, and can guard. During Holy Cross's games she played the top of their zone trap? Is there anything she cant do?

Top Freshmen
Auteaonna Gilmore 5-6 PG Riverdale Baptist (MD)
Bianca Cuevas 5-5 PG Nazareth (NY)
Dyzhaney Burton 5-2 PG Baltimore City College (MD)

TOC Predictions

2010-12-17T14:53:00.000-08:00

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Sitting here with genius guru Bob Corwin he and I preview and make some predictions about the Nike TOC in Phoenix

Round 1

Mater Dei over Bishop Gorman
St. Mary's AZ over Monarch CO
Memphis Central over Bishop O'Dowd
Long Beach Poly over Mt Lebanon
Brea Olinda over St Mary's (ON)
Christ the King over St Mary's CA
Riverdale Baptist over Highlands Ranch
Bolingbrook IL over Santa Monica

Quarter Finals
Mater Dei over St. Mary's AZ
Long Beach Poly over Memphis Central
Brea Olinda over Christ the King
Riverdale Baptist over Bolingbrook

Semi Finals
Long Beach Poly over Mater Dei
Brea Olinda over Riverdale Baptist

Finals
Brea Olinda over Long Beach Poly

I will do write ups each day from Phoenix going to more then just the top gym.

December 2 2010

2010-12-02T15:16:00.000-08:00

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Jacksonville 76 Stetson 61

Here tonight at Jacksonville versus Stetson to kick off A-Sun play here in the Sunshine State. Jacksonville was picked real low in the pre-season A-Sun poll but has played real well so far this year 4-1 with wins over Hampton, Georgia Southern, Florida Atlantic, and Howard. Stetson, well Stetson isnt as bad as they have been last year they started the season 0 and a few. So far they are 2-3 with only 1 Division I win but relative to last year that is good. (They lost to the D2 school last year.

Both teams came out pretty slow, the point guard play which I thought would really hurt JU during the year had been pretty stellar early in the season with Jeissca George being one of their best players. Through the first two media timeouts George and freshman Ronisha Mitchell had not scored a basket and only accounted for one team assist. Stetson was playing a pretty aggressive zone and being physical on the perimeter.

JU pulled away a little in the first half leading 30-19 before Sasha Simms (one of the two bright spots for Stetson) hit a 3 with time expiring. Gigi Thomas and Lyndsay Paschall probably JU's top players only played 23 total minutes in the first half because of foul trouble. JU was able to attempt 10 more shots then Stetson because of 12 offensive rebounds and 11 forced turnovers. Ashanti Williams came in and scored 5 points off the bench providing a good scoring spark as she has all season for JU.

Victoria Mcgowan a transfer from Bowling Green was aggressive getting to the basket and do the free throw line scoring 9 first half points and having 2 and 1's.

Both team s puddled around with a 9 point JU lead until the 1st media timeout of the 2nd half and out of the timeout JU went on a 5-0 run off of a GiGi Thomas 3 and Ashanti Williams breakaway steal to stretch the lead out to 42-32.

Stetson went on a minor run to cut it to 6 at one point with less then 10 minutes to go in the 2nd half but it ballooned back up to 11 pretty quick.

In the end Stetson couldnt really score consistantly enough to stay with JU who was pretty balanced through out the game. Stetson is better there is no doubt about that but they still have a ways to go to play as a cohesive unit. You can tell JU's two or 3 best player are upper classmen with the continuity and intelligence they play with.

The Good...

Sitting on Press Row - Changed my life, new angle on the game good for sitting on Facebook during the game as well.

Jessica George (JU) - I was never a George fan but she's really played within her self this year she is the reason Jacksonville is better Kudos to her.

Sasha Sims (Stetson) - A versitile forward who will do a lot for Stetson in the face up and wing game. She is pretty good.

GiGi Thomas (JU) - The best wing in the A-Sun...just as good on offense as defense.

Stetson Guard Play - Victoria McGowan has really stepped into the PG role Stetson needed so badly.

Veterans Memorial Arena - Best Venue in the ASun really a great facility.

The Bad...

Attendance - Two games at the same time on the same night in Jacksonville for women's basketball and there were 38 people (yes I counted).

Media Timeouts - Can we get any flow to the game?? No one is listening or watching this common!

Natasha Graboski - This kid transfered from Cincinnati and had 1 point in 20 minutes for Stetson...I am sure Coach Bria expected alot more.

JU Injuries - Jenel Osborn a talented freshman from Georgia seems to be injured and is in a sling she was a big part of the JU post rotation.

5 O'Clock Games - Well maybe they were expecting no one to show up?

Turnovers - 40+ turnovers in the game, I mean its early but really?

If I was picking the ASUN

1. Fla Gulf Coast
2. ETSU
3. JU
4. USC Upstate

Would be my top four right now...

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Recruiting Round Up - Stories About the Top Prospects Around the Country

Taya Reimer 2013 IN - Game Story
Malina Howard 2012 OH - Top Teams & Players Story
Chandler Cooper 2012 TN - Turkey Jam Story
Aaliyah Whiteside 2012 Tn - TUrkey Jam Story
Danielle Ballard 2012 TN - Turkey Jamm Story
Brittany Jackson 2012 FL - Game Story
Jewel Lloyd 2012 IL - Picture & Story
Raeshaun Gaffney 2012 OH - Transfer Story
Taya Reimer 2013 IN - Game Story
N'Dea Bryant 2012 SC - Player Story
Alexis Prince 2012 FL - Pre-Season Orlando Preview
Bianca Cuevas "The Natural" 2014 NY - Game Story Naz vs Ford
Bianca Cuevas 2014 NY - Ford vs Naz Story
Breanna Stewart 2012 NY - Pre-Season Story
Shacobia Barbie 2013 TN - Pre-Season Story
Azia Dozier 2012 SC - Pre-Season Story
Kira Gordon 2012 GA - Game Story
Mikaya Cowling 2014 CA
Erin Mathias 2014 PA - Individual Story
Cedra Evans 2012 OH - Season Preview
Bashaara Graves 2012 TN - Game Story
Bashaara Graves 2012 TN - Game Story
Bashaara Graves 2012 TN - Turkey Jam
Bashaara Graves 2012 TN - USA TODAY
Kira Gordon 2012 GA
Bianca Cuevas 2014 NY (Top 50 Freshman in NY)
Nirra Fields 2012 VA (Oak Hill Story & Big Game)
Taya Reimer 2013 IN - Game Story
Taya Reimer 2013 IN - Message Board Post
Taya Reimer 2013 IN - Game Story
Kia James 2013 FL Keyanna Harris 2014 FL - Game Story
Shavontae Naylor 2012 GA (USF) - Athlete of the Week
Bianca Cuevas 2014 NY - NYC Thread
Makayla Epps 2013 KY (Pre-Season Story)
Amber Henson 2011 - FL (DUKE) Injury Update
Malina Howard 2012 - OH *GAME STORY*
Trimaine McCullough 2013 FL (Area Round Up)
Tiffany Mitchell 2012 NC (Pre-Season Story)
Sydney Moss 2012 KY - (KY Thread)
Je Zhe Newton 2012 AZ (Top 10 Players Story)
Taya Reimer 2013 IN - (Pre-Game Story)
Breanna Steart 2012 NY (Game Story)
Brianna Banks 2011 GA; Nigia Green 2013 GA; Shavontae Naylor 2012 GA; Elem Ibiam 2011 GA - Game Story SACA v Fayette County

Part 2 Diamond DeShields

2010-11-30T19:04:00.000-08:00

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Continued from Monday’s indepth interview here is Part 2 of the Diamond DeShields Telling it How it is interview.

Kenny: What player (professional or college) men’s or women’s do you think your game is most similar to?

Diamond: Well I model my game after guys players not girls actually. I spend countless hours on you tube watching great players like Michael Jordan, Dwayne Wade, Derrick Rose, and Allen Iverson.
My favorite player is not even actually in the NBA, its Ryan Harlow who is a freshman at North Carolina State. He just graduate from Walton High School (GA) and is super smooth. We are both skinny so I guess we both can relate.

Kenny: A lot has been made out about your fall out with the Georgia Ice and Kaela Davis, would you ever play with Kaela again?

Diamond: Okay Kaela Davis my arch-enemy? Why people say that I have no idea Kalea is one of my best friends, I love that girl like my sister. I wouldn’t mind playing with Kaela at all, playing with her isn’t an issue. We have been on a visit twice together to the University of Tennessee. Kaela is one of the people since day one I have been the best of friends, and we will continue to be just that, forever. So all of the rumors about us hating each other would be just very thankful for them to stop. Kaela and I will meet up someday on the court together, we may be in the same jersey we may not. But after everything she is one of my best friends and people have a complete misconception about our relationship.

Kenny: So if you really knew Diamond DeShields what would you know?

Diamond: I have always wanted to take a vacation to Fiji.

Kenny: So list a coach who’s been recruiting you for each of the following catagories 1) Most Intelligent 2) Most Funny 3) Best Relationship with their players 4) Coach who keeps it real with you when you talk 5) The coach you think will make Diamond Deshields legendary the best player she could be.

Diamond:

1 - Coach Pat Summitt at Tennessee
2- Coach Tasha Butts (UCLA) and the whole Clemso
n staff especially coach Yolette McCain.
3- Coach Andy Landers at the University of Georgia.
4- Uconn Coach Geno Auriemma
5- Another tough one I think they wall want me to be the best I can be so we will see how that turns out.

Kenny: What does Diamond DeShields want out of basketball in the end? What is your overall goal?

Diamond: My goal in life is to become legendary. To become inspirational to young girls around the world as a person not just a player. My goal since childhood has been to travel the world and expand my horizons, see things I never that I never thought I would see and do things I never thought that I would do. Over the last few years I learned so much that basketball can help me do and much more. I plan on getting the best education I can and do the most I can with my God given ability. My motivation in life has been my mom, dad, and big brother Delino. My mom, she is just awesome, with four kids, she’s balanced our crazy lifestyles amazingly she is just a superwoman to me. I hope one day I am as blessed as she is. My dad , well he’s been to the top and he just always has the best advice for me whenever I need it. My brother, well he is my best friend in the whole world, and growing up watching him I see all the blood sweat and tears it actually takes to get to the top. So all in all, I have to say where I get my inspiration from is my very own family, they are the best.

Diamond DeShields Tells It How It Is Part 1

2010-11-29T06:33:00.000-08:00

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Diamond DeShields is a sophomore at Norcross High School in Georgia and one of the top women’s basketball prospects in America. DeShields has often been linked as a player the last two years with Kaela Davis who is already committed to the University of Tennessee. Diamond’s father Delino spent 13 seasons playing major league baseball, her brother Delino Jr was the 8th pick in the MLB draft this year after just finishing high school and her mother was a track star at the University of Tennessee. Kaela and Diamond were said to be like sisters but prior to the summer Diamond left the Georgia Ice club team coached by Kaela’s father Antonio Davis who played in the NBA. Shortly after Kaela left Norcross High School and transferred to Buford High School with Andraya Carter (another Tennessee commit). There has been a lot of talk surrounding both departures and a relationship which leaves the recruiting world on edge. Diamond Deshields takes this opportunity to sit down and talk with Kenny Kallina about who Diamond Deshields really is and her view on a lot of the events that have transpired in the last 2 years. Diamond talks about her goals, what motivates her, the spotlight, and what she wants out of life in basketball as Diamond DeShields tells it how it is with Kenny Kallina.

Diamond DeShields with Maya Moore when she visited UConn.

Kenny: What schools have you visited so far in the recruiting process and what are you looking for in the school of your choice?

Diamond: Uconn, Tennessee. Clemson, Texas, Georgia and I went to Xavier over the summer with my travel team. I still am very open and want to visit more schools I am not totally sure which schools yet right now I am most focused on high school basketball. I do not have a top schools list and don’t totally know what I want yet out of the recruiting process. A lot of people have been asking me what I think and right now I just don’t know. Hopefully or maybe at this time next year I will be able to tell you but now I am just not sure. Right now I am focused on Norcross basketball that is my main thing.

Kenny: So with all the attention regarding basketball, is that something you like or you just wish people would leave you alone or do you like the spotlight?

Diamond: I don’t want to be one of those kids who say the wrong thing. I feel like I have control over my situation and with whom I associate with. I didn’t come into this blindly and I knew the more attention I got the more responsibility I have. The spotlight not only shows my character but the character of others. The attention which I have been given has showed me which people have my best interest at heart and who doesn’t. I think the “spotlight” has been very humbling for me and my family. Not only for them but also my friends I have the best support system out here because of the attention that I’ve been given. Some people let it get overwhelming but I have a humble group of people around me who always bring me back to earth. My high school coach Angie Hembree is the one I give the most credit for that. She always tells me attention is nearly a compliment, take it, feed off of it, learn from it, but don’t ever abuse it. That’s what I always think and that will continue to keep me grounded. I mean people will always talk. Geno (Auriemma - Uconn Head Coach) told me out of all the people you know, 50% will love you and 50% will absolutely hate you. That is just how it is, and the more attention that I have been getting it becomes more and more apparent. In the end it just helps you pick and chose who to associate yourself with and who not to.

Kenny: What brings out the best of Diamond DeShields from a coach and on the court?

Diamond: My teammates are my motivation, I come on the court every day wanting to give the best effort for them and for all of us to share success together. I get so pumped up with they make great plays like hitting a 3 or making a big play on defense. I just really enjoy my teammates they are my best friends.

Kenny: A lot of women’s basketball experts have you ranked as the #1 player in the country. Do you think you are the #1 player in the country? Who are some of the best players you’ve played with or against in your opinion?

Diamond: Well people can say what ever they want. The only person who really matters is me, how much work and how hard I work. Michael Jordan to me is the best hands down ever to play the game. From what I know Jordan was always the last one to leave the gym, always putting up extra shots, and he always worked himself past his own limits. He worked for his respect and I hope to do the same thing. I don’t really care about rankings. I am playing for the love of the game. I hope some day to be the best, and I am going to train until I get there. Once again all the attention is just a compliment and motivates me. Nothing More nothing less. I would have to say it’s a tie between the best player I have played with. The best people I have played with are Chiney Ogwumike (Stanford), Bria Hartley (Uconn), and Alexis Jones (2012-TX). All three of them I had the opportunity to play with on the U18 FIBA gold medal team and after that experience I can say they have all become like sisters to me. The best person I played against is Moriah Jefferson (2012-TX). Moriah is a true point guard; quick, versatile, great court vision, and for someone who has such a small body she packs a big punch. Moriah’s become one of my very good friends.

Diamond DeShields with Kiah Stokes, Kaleena Lewis, Moriah Jefferson, Brianna Banks on an unofficial visit this fall

Kenny: Really so out of all of them if you could play with anyone in college who would it be?

Diamond: Well in college I am really set on playing with a great point guard so Bria (Hartley - Uconn), Alexis Jones (2012 TX) and Mariah (Jefferson) are all great point guards so I am not totally sure because my mind is no where near made up but I know I want to play with a great point guard.

Part two will be posted on Wednesday where Diamond talks about her relationship with Kaela Davis, what players she model’s her own game after, her overall goals for basketball and life as well as what traits she likes the best out of the college coaches she has met so far.

Sunday Supper & Recruiting Notebook 11/28/10

2010-11-28T11:40:00.000-08:00

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I was at Morehead State's second game in my state this time against Western Michigan. Two teams with different early season expectations but similar starts so far. Coming into the game Western Michigan was picked 6th in the MAC West which isnt a very good sign and is 1-4 coming off a pretty close loss on Friday night to Indiana State. Morehead opened up with Notre Dame and Kentucky before picking up 3 wins in their own tournament.

Early in the season we had Chyna Bozeman a pre-season Mid-Major All American without seeing her, and one of the main reason I traveled down to Miami aside from the weather was to see how good Bozeman really was. On Friday, Bozemans poor shooting cost the Lady Eagles the game against FIU during a big 10-0 run in the last few minutes of the first half. The real MVP for Morehead State is Ashar Harris a 5-11 sophomore out of Columbus Ohio who was Bozeman's teammate in high school. While Bozeman was the pre Season conference player of the year, Harris's 20 & 20 game would be one of the few games in the college basketball season where anyone tallies 20 points and 20 rebounds especially in a loss. Unlike Bozeman who struts around with attitude throwing shots from center field Harris is a work horse sophomore who is strong around the basket and does a lot without needing the ball.

Some of the Top Mid Major Players so far this season...

Chelsea McMillan (SR - South Carolina Upstate) Leading the nation in rebounding currently with 14 per game to go along with 10.8 pionts per game.

Ashar Harris (soph Morehead State) 11.4 PPG 8.8 RPG had a 20/20 game vs FIU

Elena Delledonne (Soph Deleware) 34 PPG shooting more then 50% from the field...dont you think UConn wishes she was there now?

Some of the Top Mid Major Freshman so far this season...

Shawn Randall (FR - ETSU) Back to back double digit games versus powers Middle Tennessee and Ohio State.

Jerica Coley (FR - FIU) Averaging double figures for a 3-2 FIU team, a spark on offensive and defense from the Tampa Bay area.

Jamierra Faulkner (FR - Southern Miss) averaging more then 10 points and 6 assist per game for Southern Miss in nearly 30 minutes per game.

Ebony Rowe (FR - MTSU) - 17 and 11 isnt a bad way to start a career for the Kentucky native at Middle Tennessee.

Top Mid's Struggling...

Dawn Evans (SR - James Madison) - Alot of poeple expected her to be a high WNBA draft pick but is only shooting 32% from the field so far this year.

Chynna Bozeman (SR - Morehead State) - Like Evans shooting right around 30% from the field. Hurting any chance she had of possibly dipping from the mids to the W.

ReShaun Gaffney 2012 OH -
Lakota West girls turn back feisty Mount Notre Dame 44-40 in season opener
ReShaun Gaffney - 2012 OH (Big Game) - Prep briefs from Saturday's games
Brianna Sidney 2012 NY & Bianca Cuevas 2014 NY
Amber Henson 2011 - FL (Duke) - Injury - Jefferson girls win tournament title
Khadijah Sessions Xylina McDaniel & Azia Dozier 2012 SC - Girl's Basketball Season Preview
Khadijah Sessions Xylina McDaniel & Azia Dozier 2012 SC - Myrtle Beach girls basketball team has all 5 back for run at 2nd
Bianca Cuevas 2014; Bre Sidney 2012 NY - Girls basketball roundup: Nazareth runs past Kennedy « Realtime Hubs
Danielle Ballard & Aaliyah Whiteside 2012 TN - Memphis Central girls pick up win in Turkey Jamm
ReShaun Gaffney 2012 OH - Turnover-plagued third quarter dooms Valey View
Diamond DeShields 2013 GA - All-County 2010-11 Preseason Teams
Erin Mathias 2014 - Super Frosh Story

Recruiting Notebook 11/27

2010-11-27T07:19:00.000-08:00

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Here is today's edition of the recruiting notebook.

2014-Orlando Jones Soph #0 Dominique Simpson is a major D1 recruit from Orlando. A class which isnt super strong in Florida Simpson could end up being one of the top recruits in the south.

Raiders motivated to take the next step - Cincinnati.com (blog) (Sydney Moss 2012 KY)
Prep Talk: MB's Sessions throws recruiting curve ball, and Week 14 ... (Khadijah Sessions 2012 SC)

Aaliyah Whiteside 2012 TN Photo by Nikki Boertman
American Chronicle | Prep Girls Basketball Overview / Brutal(Aaliyah Whiteside 2012 TN)
Royals get tough Mudsock victory - The Times of Noblesville, IN ... (Taya Reimer 2013 IN)
Girls basketball players to watch - cleveland.com (Malina Howard 2012 OH)
Pendulum swings back to the north - Cincinnati.com (Reshaun Gaffney - 2012 OH)
TCPalm.com : PrepZone (Brandi Montgomery 2013 FL)
Panthers top Canes - South Lake Press - Clermont, FL (Ashley Perry 2013 FL)
Nazareth, Ford to do battle Sunday at Brooklyn Day - New York Post (blog) (Bianca Cuevas 2014 NY; Tiffany Jones 2011 NY)

2012 KY Sydney Moss - Daughter of Randy Moss Photo Courtsey of Courier-Journal
Moss and Rebels know Ryle looms | WOPULAR - Sydney Moss 2012 KY
Kentucky's top players - Girls - 2010 High School Basketball ... (Sydney Moss 2012 KY)

FIU/Morehead

2010-11-26T16:47:00.000-08:00

Down SEC?

Auburn’s slide … many people thought coming into the year the Tigers would probably lose to Florida State and Duke but losses at South Florida (by nearly 20 points) and now against Sacred Heart has a team picked in the top half of the SEC looking for answers. Auburn has too many one dimensional players who are either strictly shooters or strictly to the basket. Will they be able to find their groove as the season progresses?

Stanford 70 South Carolina 32 - South Carolina everyone knew would be reliant on Marah Strickland to score some points but at this point in the season she’s done very little.

Florida continues to get by sketchy opponents with single digit wins now versus Charlotte, North Florida, and South Alabama one has to wonder what will happen to the Gators when the face someone in a major Division I conference.

Tonight I was at the Florida International versus Morehead State game at the FIU Thanksgiving Tournament.

A few things I observed…

1) - No wonder Mike Bradbury left Morehead State….Chyna Bozeman I had pictured as some Jessica Breland type player and is more like 5-10 volume shooter who is just ok off the handle. Aside from her they really don’t have much talent and for a team who won 20 games last year it’s a rebuilding job for Tom Hodges who comes from Middle Tennessee and a completely different breed of player. I think Morehead can have some success in the Ohio Valley because they’re quick as anything but they’re really going to have to rebuild this roster.

2) - Florida Big Time Schools! why didn’t you recruit Jerica Coley??? I saw the FIU freshman in high school and she is a long athletic guard with a high motor but because she wasn’t on a popular list she’s playing at FIU…big time steal for them.

Other then Coley I am not sure what real impact players FIU has, FIU has a really nice campus secluded away from the rough part of Miami and it surprises me they can get more players here. The Staff at FIU made a living off of recruiting foreign players before it was a popular thing to do. Now just about every school in the country recruits internationally and FIU’s cut of player from overseas has decreased little by little.

3) - Morehead might have played the worst 15 minutes of basketball I had seen all season by only trailed FIU by 6 with 5 minutes to go in the half. This included 11 turnovers and shooting 4 for 15 from the field. Eventually that caught up with them trailing 38-21 at the break and attempting more 3’s ( 13) then 2’s (8) and turning it over 16 times.

4) Things didn’t get much better for Morehead in the second half where they trailed by high double figures most of the game. The final score ended up being 78-65

While FIU won the game I have seen FAU and think that FAU is better then FIU at this point. They have more strength and athleticism inside and better scorers on the wing. Both are pretty weak at point. Both teams ability to stay healthy will determine the outcome of their season.

I havnt seen much OVC ball but Morehead is going to have to get it together to win some games there this season.

2010-11-26T07:53:00.000-08:00

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Ashlee Mitchell is one of the top players in the state of Tennessee. Freshman year- 8 steals one game (2nd in school history), 9 Assists one game(school record), single season assist 103 (2nd in school history), 144 single season steals (broke record by 19). By the time she graduates she will have broken all of these records and be the career leader in steals, assists, and scores about 15 a game and pulls down 6-7 rebounds. This high school produced Courtney McDaniel (UT) and Courtney Watkins (Liberty Univ).

Kenny : What are your Goals for Upcoming season?

Ashlee : To win the state championship. To earn MVP in the conference. To break my single season steals record I set last year and also break the assist record.(missed it by two last season)

Kenny : What parts of my game are you working hardest to improve?

Ashlee: Being confident in my shooting skills and using my left hand. Also
finishing in the paint consistently.

Kenny : How is your recruiting going?

Ashlee : I am still too young to focus on this. I have gotten letters from
Wright State, Vanderbilt, and Eastern Michiganbut no active notice just yet. I just want to go to a school where I can add to the team as a freshman. My grades are good and I take honor classes. My top choices are Vanderbilt, UT and Ky.

Kenny: Who is the best player you have played against?

Ashlee : The best player I have played against have been many. I try not to be in awe, I just play my game.

Kenny : What NBA or WNBA player do I play most like ?

Ashlee : I think I play most like Chris Paul. He distributes well to his team, he takes it to the hole, and he plays great defense.

Kenny: Who has most inspired you to become the player you are today ?

Ashlee : The one who has most inspired me to be the player I am now has been my AAU coach, Don Brown of the Knoxville Panthers. He knows the game so well and he believes in me as a player. I love my team. And if you love the game you will go far...

Recruiting Notebook 11/26

2010-11-26T07:48:00.000-08:00

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About to hit the road to Miami to see All-World 2013 Prospect Ieshia Small 2013 Dr Krop then go to the FIU tournament. I spoke with Diamond DeShields and I will be doing an exclusive interview with her this week. Stay tuned!

Girls' top 25 teams Lexington Herald Leader (Makayla Epps 2013 KY)
Chandler high school boys, girls basketball preview (Je Zhe Newton 2012 AZ)
Girls' top players - Lexington Herald Leader (Sydney Moss 2012 KY)
Ronni Williams 2013 FL Personal Website
Underclassmen show a wealth of potential | cincinnati.com ... - ReShaun Gaffney (2012 OH)
Central takes on nation's best girls teams now in hopes of toppling the best ...Memphis Commercial Appeal (Danielle Ballard 2012 TN; Aaliyah Whiteside 2012 TN Nina Davis 2013 TN)
2010-11 Memphis-area Prep Girls Basketball Dandy Dozen(Danielle Ballard 2012 TN; Aaliyah Whiteside 2012 TN Nina Davis 2013 TN)
Howland opponents better beware - Warren Tribune Chronicle (Malina Howard 2012 OH)
Girls basketball players to watch - Plain Dealer (Malina Howard 2012 OH)
High school girls basketball preseason Top 25 - Plain Dealer (Malina Howard 2012 OH)

Recruiting Notebook 11/25

2010-11-25T18:05:00.000-08:00

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I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Here is today’s recruiting notebook! Enjoy!

Ohio Girl’s Basketball Season Preview – Cincinnati.com – ReShaun Gaffney 2012 OH
Dawgs win in Harris' debut - The Daily Herald (Alexia Middleton 2013 TN & Shacobia Barbie 2012 TN)
Diamond DeShields Mix Tape

Diamond DeShields MixTape
- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

Aaliyah Whiteside Memphis Central Photo 2012 TN
Niles West's Loyd nets 45, but Hersey triumphs :: High School (Jewel Loyd 2012 IL)
Girls basketball | Chicago Tribune Top 20: Bolingbrook, Young (Morgan Tuck 2012 IL Jewel Loyd 2012 IL)
Tiger girls basketball reloaded for season (Malina Howard 2012 OH)
Girls' basketball | Coaches' regional team and player rankings ... (Makayla Epps 2013 KY)
Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans (Peyton Whitted 2013 GA; Kristina Nelson 2013 GA Shannon Cranshaw 2013 GA)
East Valley faces tough road to retain 5A - AIA 365 - Bringing ... (Je Zhe Newton 2012 AZ)
Wildcats hand Northeast early season district loss | tennessean ... (Jessy Ward 2012 TN; Bashaara Graves 2012 TN; Chandler Cooper 2012 TN)
ESPN RISE Girls High School Basketball - ESPN RISE | HIGH SCHOOL (Kaela Davis 2013 GA Diamond DeShields 2013 GA)
Girls basketball: Top players in NKY | cincinnati.com | Cincinnati.Com (Sydney Moss 2012 KY)
Indy Roundball Review Message Board (Taya Reimer 2013 IN)

ThanksgivingWeekendGamePicks

2010-11-25T17:41:00.001-08:00

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Weekend Game Picks & Previews – I will be in Miami this weekend for a high school event, the Miami Thanksgiving Event, and the Florida International event while I will be having the positive end of the national weather I wont be of the national talent. I think this should be a really pretender contender weekend when we find out who is going to have success at the top of their conferences in early 2011.

3 Pack – Top 3 Games

Black Friday November 26, 2010

Florida State 66 Alabama 62 – This is Alabama’s chance to prove they are for real against a national level team. Florida State has already beaten SEC rival for Alabama Auburn but had a close run in with the Tigers. Florida State has a big advantage with Cierra Brevard and Natasha Howard in the front court and Courtney Ward at point but Tierney Jenkins could be the X factor with Kaneisha Horn because Florida State’s weakness is at the wing spots. Look for FSU just to have too much experience but this Alabama team is undefeated and looking like their first NCAA Tournament in a good deal of time.

Princeton 57 USC 52 – Earlier in the year I picked Princeton to upset Rutgers and was 2 points away from being right, before the end of the non-conference I expect that Princeton will get that “W” over a BCS school and I think it will be this weekend. USC is coming off a high winning at Georgia but this will be a much different game then playing the Lady Dawgs.

Tennessee 70 Georgia Tech 57 – Georgia Tech and Tennessee also feature two of the best freshman in the country with Meighan Simmons (Tennessee) and back to back ACC FOTW Tyanna Marshall who had 20 points versus UConn. While I don’t expect Tech to win the game, they are a very good defensive team and should be able to hang in physically versus Tennessee. Should be one of the better match ups on Friday.

Other Picks

Western Kentucky over Michigan State 70-67
West Virginia over Virginia 63-52
Iowa State over TCU 66-63
South Florida 81 UAB 70
Morehead State 67 Florida International 60
Miami 81 Florida Atlantic 68
Louisville 70 Old Dominion 66
Middle Tennessee 88 East Tennessee 82

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Saturday November 27

3 Pack

Tennessee 80 Georgetown 67 – This is a real bad match up for Georgetown because of how big Tennessee is and their size. Tennessee’s point guard play will have to be on point because Georgetown is very athletic in the backcourt but I would assume Coach Summitt will have everyone focused to take on a top 15 ranked team like the Hoyas. Look for the match up of Simmons and Rogers to be one of the top freshmen versus one of the top sophomores in the country. Should be a treat.

West Virginia 55 Iowa State 50 – Two similar paced teams but contrasting styles. I think defense in these match ups wins over offense so I will take West Virginia with the “W”.

Memphis 70 Kansas 65 – Memphis lost an opportunity to beat a Big 12 program early in the season at home against Missouri but I don’t think they’ll let that happen twice, after beating Indiana on the road last weekend Memphis is looking more like the team that people picked to win Conference USA at the beginning of the year.

Other Picks

Duke 71 other Charlotte 55
Virginia 67 TCU 60
Texas A&M 77 Michigan 70
South Florida 76 Samford 68
Notre Dame 87 Wake Forest 62

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Sunday November 28, 2010

3 Pack

Middle Tennessee 77 South Dakota State 72 – Two very good mid majors, Middle travels out to South Dakota State where they got beat in the past. This Middle team has less star power and more balance. Trust me after a disappointing loss to Arkansas they better be ready to get some wins this week.

Stanford 87 Texas 70 – Texas seems to be a little overrated and Stanford is going to want to show a little more than they did versus Gonzaga I think Stanford has a feast and wins this one big. The front court of Stanford will get some chemistry eventually and possibly the best we have in the country this year.

UConn 88 LSU 61 – LSU is struggling and this wont make it much better at some level this score isn’t that bad compared to some of their previous scores (scoring 52 versus Tulane) and I think eventually the Tiger offense will get together but not in Storrs and not versus UConn. Look for Bria Hartley to really own the backcourt of LSU in a route on Sunday.

Other Picks

UCLA 70 Temple 67
North Dakota State 67 Memphis 62

Recruiting Notebook 11/24

2010-11-24T08:09:00.000-08:00

Here is some of the top stories around the country for basketball recruiting.

USC-bound Welch, Goose Creek atop girls basketball poll - Xylina McDaniel; Khadijah Sessions; N'Dea Bryant
USC-bound Welch, Goose Creek atop girls basketball poll - N'Dea Bryant Lisa Welch
Charlotte Girl's Basketball Preivew - Tiffany Mitchell & Jatarie White
Tiffany Mitchell & Jatarie White - Prov Day Looks To Repeat
Teams Prepare For New Season - Charlotte Observer - Tiffany Mitchell Jatarie White
Tennessean Girl's Basketball Preview - Chandler Cooper, Bashaara Graves & More
GBB Preview - Tennessee - Chandler Cooper & Bashaara Graves
Tennessee - Aaliyah Whiteside Article
Kaela Davis - Top Georgia Players Article
North Georgia Preview - Kaela Davis
Gainesville Times Girl's Basketball Preview - Kaela Davis & More
Girlz Hoop Report Brianna Turner That Good?
Parkview Falls to North Cobb - Kira Gordon 2012 GA
Game Story Kira Gordon 2012 GA - Marietta Newspaper
Cincinnati.com Reshaun Gaffey - Recruiting Story
Cincinnati.com ReShaun Gaffney Story - Regarding her Transfer
FW Telegraham Star - Chelsea Jennings 2012 TX Player To Watch
Girlz Prep Report - Under the Spot Light - Chelsea Jennings 2012 TX
NY'er Getting Attention - Breanna Stewart 2012 NY
Bashaara Graves Game Story 2012 TN
Riverdale Crushes Hillsboro - Tennessean - Isabelle Harrison, Shacobia Barbie
Myrtle Beach Khadijah Sessions
Brittany Jackson - Game Story
Diamond Deshields Top Players
Brandi Montgomery Game Summary 2013 FL
Tasia Butler 2013 MD - Player Story

RecruitingNotebook1123

2010-11-23T10:33:00.000-08:00

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Recruiting Notebook

The Women’s National Basketball Insider a few times a week will provide a recruiting notebook with some notes and top stories around the country about Women’s Basketball Recruits….enjoy

Brianna Turner 2014 TX - Recruiting Story
Brianna Turner - Westbury Christian Season Preview
Brianna Turner 2014 - TX - HS Game Story

Maykayla Epps 2013 KY - Recruiting Story
Makayla Epps 2013 KY - Season Preview
Makayla Epps - 2013 KY - Top Players in Kentucky
Breanna Stewart 2013 NY - Mentioned in Morgan Tuck Article
Imani Stafford Article - LA Times
Taya Reimer HS Preview 2013 IN - Indy Star
Taya Reimer 2013 IN - HS Bball story Indy Star
Diamond DeShields 2013 GA - Game Story Gwinnett Post
Sierra Calhoun - 2014 NY - New York Post Preview
Bashaara Graves 2012 TN - Pre Season Story
Bashaara Graves 2012 TN Game Story
Bashaara Graves 2012 TN - Season Preview Story
Moriah Jefferson 2012 TX - UConn Baylor Story
Moriah Jefferson 2012 TX - One of Texas's Top Players
Moriah Jefferson 2012-TX - Unofficial Visit to UConn Story
Sydney Moss Story 2012 KY - Offers & Interst Included
Sydney Moss 2012 - KY - KY's Top Players
Sydney Moss 2012-KY - More Top Players in Kentucky
Sydney Moss 2012 KY - Feature Story On Moss

Sydney Moss 2012 KY - About her and her father Randy Moss

Nov232425NCAAGames

2010-11-22T12:11:00.000-08:00

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Game of the Day Tues Nov 23 : Xavier vs Louisville - Xavier comes in with wins over the Big 10, Southeastern Conference, and now eyes the Big East. Xavier has played two pretty competitive games and Louisville’s schedule hasn’t been anything to laugh at either as they opened up with Tennessee. Xavier plays a pretty deliberate style which is going to limit possessions and place value on making good decisions, something that isnt yet a trait of freshman point guard Shoni Schimmel of Louisville. At some point Xavier has to lose? But it wont likely be here as they face Stanford and Duke in the near future….The Pick: Xavier 87 Louisville 79

Other Games

USC vs Georgia - The Pick: Georgia 68 USC 61

NC State vs ODU - The Pick: ODU 71 NC State 68

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Game of the Day Wed/Thurs Nov 24/25: TCU vs West Virginia - Battle of ranked teams on Thanksgiving Day in St. Thomas USVI. West Virginia has high expectations finishing 2nd in the Big East last year and adding Ayanna Dunning (Ohio State) which makes a very strong front line with Asya Bussy returning for her sophomore year as well. West Virginia kicked off the year 3-0, as is TCU the strong team out of the Mountain West. This should be a good game but I like West Virginia to celebrate a thanksgiving feast with a win West Virginia 59 TCU 53

Other Games

UVA vs Iowa State - The Pick Iowa State 70 UVA 66

Virginia Tech vs Florida Gulf Coast The Pick Florida Gulf Coast 66 Virginia Tech 61

Iowa vs James Madison The Pick: James Madison 82 Iowa 77

Georgetown vs Georgia Tech The Pick Georgia Tech 57 Georgetown 54

Tennessee vs Missouri The Pick Tennessee 71 Missouri 55

RiverdaleBaptvsPottersHouse

2010-11-22T06:54:00.000-08:00

Video from #6 ESPN Potter’s House Christian vs #7 ESPN Riverdale Baptist from Saturday Night in Jacksonville.

Potter’s House pulled out the home win in the game 88-65.

Potters House (Black Jersey)

#5 Alexis Brown 2011 - Seton Hall (Signed)
#15 Antoinette Bannister 2012 - North Carolina (Committed)
#23 Shalethia Stringfield 2011 - South Florida (Signed)
#1 Loliya Briggs 2011 - Pitt (Signed)
#12 Brittany Rountree 2011 - North Carolina (Signed)
#24 Hillary Fuller 2012 - Top 30 By ESPN

Riverdale Baptist (White Jersey)

#11 Jonquel Jones 2012 - National Top 100 Player
#21 Jeanie Sims 2012 - National Top 60 Player
#23 Tyanna Williams 2011- Signed at Temple
#20 Diana Logan 2012 - Committed to Georgetown
#24 Maya Singleton 2013 - Major D1 Player

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1on1TayaReimer

2010-11-22T06:36:00.000-08:00

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Taya Reimer is a consensus top 10 prospect in the class of 2013 who heralds from the Hoosier state. Reimer, a lefty is a versitile forward who can step out and hit the jumper as well as do work in the paint. Reimer is being recruited by the Nation's elite teams and takes this chance to go one on one with the Women's Basketball Insider.

Taya Reimer pictured (center) with Lexie Brown 2013-GA Maryland Commit (Left) and Kylee Smith 2013 Alpharetta GA (Right)at EBA All American Camp

Kenny: What are you goals for this coming high school basketball season?

Taya: My goals for this season are to win sectionals and state, and personally to average a double double.

Kenny: What aspects of your game have you been working on to improve the most?

Taya: I've been working the hardest on improving my range, and becoming more comfortable with my ballhandling.

Kenny: How is your recruiting going? What details can you give us about your possible future schools?

Taya: The recruiting process has been fun for me so far, I enjoy talking to all of the different schools. I recently visited Oklahoma, Texas, and Baylor. I hope to get to UConn and Duke sometime during the season. After I visit some more schools, I will probably have my top ten list.

Kenny: Who's the best player you've ever played against?

Taya: The best player I have ever played against would probably be Moriah Jefferson or Cierra Burdick.

Kenny: Who's inspired you the most to become the person and player you are today?

Taya: The person who has inspired me the most to become the person/player I am today would be my mother.

Kenny: Do you think that Lebron made a good decision to join the Miami Heat?

Taya: I think it could be looked at either way. He wants to win a Championship over everything else, and I guess he felt he had the best opportunity to do so in Miami.

Kenny: What professional player do you think you play like most?

Taya: Candace Parker.

Kenny: Who do you think will win the NCAA Women's National Championship this year?

Taya: I think that UConn will pull it out again this year.

Welcome

2010-11-22T05:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the National Womne's Basketball Insider! The Florida Insider Media Page was a great start to my work in the media of Women's Grassroots Basketball Recruiting information for the general public as well as Women's College Basketball Information. From something that started as a simple website in 2003, I have spent nearly 8 years invovled in the basketball community and from that comes this site which will cover the Nations top college prospects as well as Women's College Basketball.

I appreciate you visiting.

Kenny Kallina
The National Women's Basketball Insider
@KennyKallina on Twitter
facebook.com/kennekall on Facebook
KennyKallina@gmail.com