BallNGems Reno Showcase: Top 2023s Pt. 3
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 2023 that I saw:
1. Nicole Drikas – Whitney HS (Rocklin, CA)
Drikas has the ability to play on the wing and in the post. She a natural forward with solid skills. But what stood out to me the most about her wasn’t just what she could do on the court from a talent perspective. She really stood out because of how encouraging she was to other players. Very vocal and a natural leader. Extremely coachable and the first one over to pick up a teammate off the floor. Great attitude towards the game/teammates.
2. Arden Orton – Damonte Ranch HS (Reno, NV)
Orton is a natural post player. She can establish position well in the paint and seal off her defender. What I’d like to see is for her to be a little more decisive when she gets the ball in the paint; to be able to make a quick move to keep the defense off balance. But the skills/tools are there. She boxes out well on the glass and follows missed shots. She also has a nice little fall-away jumper in the post.
3. Khalilah Corley – Damonte Ranch HS (Reno, NV)
Corley was one of the smallest players height-wise at the camp, but she’s a tough little point guard who isn’t afraid to challenge size. She’s a very good shooter from the midrange and from the three-point line with a quick release. In shooting drills, she was near automatic shooting from the free-throw line coming off a screen. Strong finisher at the rim over size.