BallNGems Reno Showcase: Top 2023s Pt. 1
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 2022 that I saw:
1. Gianna Ghio – Amador Valley HS (Pleasanton, CA)
Ghio is a very good ballhandler; she was one of the top finishes at the camp in ballhandling drills. She dribbles low and keeps the ball under control. Keeps her head up while dribbling and sees the court. She also stood out for her ability to move without the ball. She makes good cuts around the rim and she gets herself open from three where she shoots it well. Never stationary, she works hard and always keeps moving.
2. Seini Tuipulotu – Damonte Ranch HS (Reno, NV)
Tuipulotu was one of the hardest working players at the event. She’s got a great motor and never stops hustling. She pays attention to coaching and stays focused. She’s in the process of transitioning to more of an on-ball role and her handle could be a little tighter, but it’s clear she’s worked on her dribble. Tough player who isn’t afraid to take contact in the lane. She’s quick and has a knack for scoring.
3. Malia Samuels Malia Samuels 5'7" | PG Garfield | 2023 State #46 Nation WA – Eastside Catholic HS (Burien, WA)
Samuels is a flat out ball player. She’s tough and plays with a ton of energy. She’s very comfortable with the ball in her hands and making the right plays/reads. She’s a point guard, but can play a little shooting guard as well depending on the matchup. She has great court vision and can find her teammates in traffic. She’s patient and uses screens to get downhill. Fearless taking the ball to the basket and can shoot from three too.
4. Monique Carter Monique Carter 5'7" | PG Emerald Ridge | 2023 State WA – Emerald Ridge HS (Puyallup, WA)
Carter was one of the players I saw that has a lot of upside. She has great instincts for a point guard. She’s confident with the ball in her hands and she consistently makes the right plays. Very unselfish player who looks to get others involved. She also stood out for her defensive intensity. She plays strong denial defense and gets right up in the face of the player she’s guarding. Athletic player who can really get after it defensively.