BallNGems Reno Fall Showcase: Top 2021s
Grassroots basketball events have been popping up all over the country recently with high school basketball still relatively postponed, and this weekend Reno, NV played host to the BallNGems Fall Showcase. The two-day event featured some of the top talent…
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Continue ReadingGrassroots basketball events have been popping up all over the country recently with high school basketball still relatively postponed, and this weekend Reno, NV played host to the BallNGems Fall Showcase.
The two-day event featured some of the top talent from the Northern California area as well as players from neighboring areas such as Washington and Nevada. Each class was well represented from 2021 all the way down to 2025/26. I attended the event both Sat Oct. 17 and Sun Oct. 18. Here’s a look at some of the top players from the class of 2021 that I saw:
1 Akaiyah Johnson – Ronald E. McNair HS (Stockton, CA)
What impressed me the most about this incoming senior was her ability to make the right reads/plays. Often times, you see players force the issue whether it’s a pass, a shot, etc. Johnson is patient, she takes her time and reads the defense well. In the halfcourt, she looks for, and finds her teammates. She has the ability to play both point guard and shooting guard.
2 Iyonna Gomez – McQueen HS (Reno, NV)
Gomez was a standout for her shooting ability. She has confidence in her jump shot from anywhere on the court. If she’s open, she’s taking the shot and she knocks it down with consistency. A good midrange shooter who was one of the most consistent shooters in drills. Looks comfortable using screens to get free for a jumper. Can also take the ball strong to the rim.
3 Alyssa Barnard – Damonte Ranch HS (Reno, NV)
Barnard is a combo guard who can do well as a scorer or as a facilitator. She is a solid in transition with the ball in her hands; can go all the way to the rim. While she is comfortable on ball, she can also move without the ball as well. She floats to the corners for open threes or she makes cuts near the rim for easy baskets. A pretty good rebounder too for a guard; snakes her way inside for second shot opportunities.
4 Victoria Claros – Mckinleyville HS (Mckinleyville, CA)
Claros can also play shooting guard and little point guard too. She’s a confident dribbler who can handle defensive pressure. She keeps her head up while coming down court to see the action and what teammates are running with her. She can shoot off the bounce and she has a quick release from the three-point line.