DMV JAM FEST #2 – Top Performing Guards, Class of ’23
The energy was high at the DMV Jam Fest — a two-day basketball tournament in Sterling, VA — hosted by BIG TIME HOOPS. The information below covers the tournament held on November 7 and 8, 2020 which was the second…
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Continue ReadingThe energy was high at the DMV Jam Fest — a two-day basketball tournament in Sterling, VA — hosted by BIG TIME HOOPS. The information below covers the tournament held on November 7 and 8, 2020 which was the second of three weekend events. It highlights the top four guards from the class of 2023.
Grace Burke | #41 | Winchester Elite
Grace was the standout player of the weekend and was the top performer regardless of position. I was immediately impressed by her shooting ability from 3-point land. She is an unfazed shooter who can shoot from a step beyond the 3-point line and she has a quick release. She led all high school girls in 3 pointers made — making on average four 3’s a game — while also leading her class in points per game. In addition, she is a crafty finisher around the basket and has a nice floater in her arsenal. Grace is undoubtedly a true point guard who is a creative passer that can thread the needle. On display over the weekend was her behind-the-back, over-the-shoulder, and no-look passes. She also has tight handles with a stellar hesitation move that seems to be her go-to when penetrating to the basket. She’s also able to securely gather while driving to the basket and can finish through traffic. She is great at breaking down her defender and creating space with her dribble. It doesn’t end there; on defense she has lightning reflexes with active hands and has great instincts on when to dig on opposing players, frequently causing players to pick up their dribble early, and creating turnovers on defense. Grace is a natural vocal leader with great sportsmanship and any basketball program would be lucky to have her on their team.
Jaiden Polston | #3 | Game Changers
Jaiden is a confident player who wants the ball in her hands when her team needs a bucket. She has great size as a point guard, allowing her to consistently get her shot up over defenders. She regularly finishes through contact and has a knack for making difficult shots. As a bonus, she chases down rebounds and she led all guards in her class over the weekend in rebounds. Also, Jaiden is a great on-ball defender who can put the clamps on her assignment and rack up steals, leading her team in that category.
Amelia Simonsen | #33 | Lady Supreme
Amelia is a guard with great handles and a quick first step, which allows her to penetrate to the basket at will. Despite her height, she often crashes for offensive boards and can finish amongst the trees. She’s also a great catch and shoot player and an outstanding passer. Amelia made some great entry passes to her post players and excels within her team’s offensive set. She is a tireless defender and often guards the best opposing perimeter player.
Kennedy Whetzel | #21 | Winchester Elite
A do-it-all guard, who can score at all three levels. Kennedy is comfortable shooting from beyond the arc, doesn’t hesitate hitting mid-range pull ups, and never shies away from driving to the hoop. She has a great understanding of spacing and keeping the defense moving, demonstrating her basketball IQ. She quickly swings the ball to the most opportune player and is great at moving without the ball. She also excels at getting ahead of the fastbreak and can finish in transition with ease.
Check back in at Prep Girls Hoops for more coverage from DMV Jam Fest #3 on December 13 – 14, 2020. Looking forward to seeing which athletes shine at the final weekend event. For coverage from the first weekend of DMV Jam Fest check out DMV JAM FEST #1 – Top Performers, Class of ’26 and DMV JAM FEST #1 – Top Performers, Class of ’23.