Friday Nike TOC: Top Guards I Saw
Friday was the first day of the Nike TOC session 2 in Indy. There were many good teams in action and many great performances. I tried to make sure I saw a few new teams and a few that…
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Friday was the first day of the Nike TOC session 2 in Indy. There were many good teams in action and many great performances. I tried to make sure I saw a few new teams and a few that did not play the previous tourneys. I immediately had some guards jumping off the screen having a good day, so here is a run down of a few that caught my eye.
- Lamiya Terrell Lamiya Terrell 5'7" | CG Belleville West | 2022 State IL is a 5’8 2022 Guard from Belleville West and Lady Brad Beal Elite 2022. Lamiyah was really effective early on in this game on the offensive end. She was able to take advantage of the other team playing zone to hit two 3-pointers. She was also able to find openings in the open floor to get to the rim and score. Lamiyah is a long athlete that can excel on both ends of the floor.
- Karley Hawkins is a 5’2 2024 Guard from Chatham Glenwood and Central Illinois Predators 16U. Karley is a shifty young point guard that was playing 2 years up, then her team was playing against a 17U team. While this would be quite a task for most players, especially those that have not been blessed to put on much weight yet, Karley did not play scared. She handles it well enough that she could keep her head up and avoid being trapped. Karley is creative enough with the ball to get to the hole. She led her team with 7 points and should walk away proud of that effort. There is more to come from this young player.
- Macy Silvey is a 5’9 2022 Guard from Edwardsville and Blue Star 16U. Macy has grown up around the game and had great experiences so she is a smart player that can do many things for her team. But, at the heart of Macy and her game is that she is a shooter. So, when a shooter breaks out of a bit of a slump and gets hot, it is fun to watch. Macy had 16 points in the first game of the day for the team, including 3/5 behind the arc. I saw a different approach that game and even carrying over to the night game. The confidence was there and just like anyone else, a little success goes a long way.
- Saniah Tyler Saniah Tyler 5'7" | PG Incarnate Word Academy | 2022 State #43 Nation MO is a 5’7 2022 Guard from Incarnate Word and Brad Beal Elite 2021. Saniah has always been an outstanding point guard. She has the handles and the court vision to lead her team and distribute the ball. But, what impressed me when I watched her yesterday was her improved shooting. In the past teams have tried to play off her to keep her out of the lane which left her with open jump shots she struggled at times to make. That strategy won’t work any more. Saniah has put the time in and you can see it. She drained multiple 3’s and hit many shots in the lane. Saniah is on a whole new level now.
- Laila Blakney is a 5’7 2023 Guard from Lutheran North and Phenom 15U Blue. Laila was just all over the place in the game I watched. She had 24 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals. She is a strong player that is athletic and very comfortable in an up and down open court type of game. She is aggressive and will go get the ball. On offense she can get hit the 3-point shot and also score at the rim very well.
- Leah Wilsmeyer is a 5’7 2023 Guard from Timberland and Phenom 15U Blue. Leah is a very smooth and athletic guard that initially caught my eye with her shooting. She can hit from behind the 3-point line with a nice and repeatable shot. She is quick enough side to side to be very good defensively. Leah led Tomberland in scoring as a freshman at just over 10 points per game and will look to keep building on that.
- Janyla Bush is a 5’4 2024 Guard from Cardinal Ritter and Lady Brad Beal Elite 2024. Janyla is a very quick ball handler that can create space for a shot or get to the lane against most any defender. She is a smart player that reads opportunities to pass or shoot very well. The range on her outside shot is very good for an incoming freshman. Janyla is fun to watch and should attract plenty of attention to Cardinal Ritter over the next 4 years.
- Chantrel Clayton is a 5’6 2024 Guard from Cardinal Ritter and Lady Brad Beal Elite 2024. Chantrel is an explosive scorer that uses her ball handling and speed to get into the lane. She is especially effective in the open court where she can shift directions while on the move. Chantrel and Janyla play well off each other and can switch roles or fill in for each other as both can be the facilitator and both can score. Chantrel is a little bigger and stronger which will certainly help in her transition to high school ball.
- Alyssa Lewis is a 5’7 2024 Guard from Pattonville and Lady Brad Beal Elite 2024. Alyssa is a same but different version of her two teammates. The other two are more slender and quick, while still athletic Alyssa has plenty and strength and power to her build. This allows to handle contact a little differently and also force her way into certain spots on the floor. Alyssa has plenty of skill and can shoot the ball and handle it at advanced level for an incoming freshman. She will definitely be able to find ways to score on just about any team and is obviously used to playing with talented players and having to pick her spots.
As day two begins, we put a wrap on day one. These guards and more had great first days, I cannot wait to see more from this talented group of players.