West Coast Elite Summer Challenge: Top Performers
West Coast Elite Basketball kicked off their action-packed Summer Challenge last week in sunny Irvine, CA. Over the course of five days, teams from California, Colorado, and Arizona flooded Momentus Sports Center to compete. Check out some of the standout players below.
Jakayla Gilmer, SG – Class of 2024
Simply put, Gilmer can flat-out do it all. Gilmer is a confident scorer who can knock down the three-ball, shoot from mid-range, and finish around the rim. She’s explosive yet smooth on the court, making the game look easy. While her offensive arsenal is diverse, Gilmer is also unselfish and looks to get her teammates involved in the game. Her vision is solid and she doesn’t hesitate to pass up a good shot for a great one. On the defensive end, Gilmer is active, plays the passing lane well, and her speed and size allow for her to defend multiple positions. Gilmer is also a great rebounding guard with the length and athleticism to get in position and consistently grab boards on both ends of the floor.
Sydney Wilson, PG – Class of 2025
Wilson is one of those players that appears to take no possessions off. Despite the score, the half, or how much time remains on the clock, Wilson is always working and playing with an intensity that cannot be taught. Similar to her teammate, Jakayla Gilmer, Wilson is a gifted scorer who can fill up the stat sheet in more than one way. She can shoot from the perimeter, get to the rack, create her own shot off the dribble, and she has a solid handle. Wilson also has a knack for getting her defenders out of position, initiating the contact, and getting to the line. Defensively, she’s aggressive, pesky, and has the speed to stick with most perimeter players with little to no issue.
Alia Wilson, PG – Class of 2025
Alia is the twin sister of Sydney, and yes their game is very similar but far from identical. Either way, opponents should be prepared when facing the dynamic duo. Wilson is just a freshman but plays with the confidence and command of an upperclassman. When on the floor and in position, Wilson wants the ball and she does not hesitate to call for it. She’s quick and athletic, reads her defenders extremely well, and she takes high percentage shots. Wilson gets the job done on both ends of the floor which is always a plus. She harasses ball-handlers, moves her feet very well, and appears to always be in position. Alia and Syndey both have a tremendous upside.
Jameelah Pharms, PG – Class of 2024
Pharms game is well rounded and she appears to always be in control when on the floor. She’s unselfish, gets her teammates high percentage shots, keeps her head up on the break, and facilitates the ball very well. Pharms is an impressive passer who displays patience on the offensive end, lets plays develop, and she can thread the needle. As a pesky and aggressive defender, she can have the ability to rattle ball-handlers and disrupt offesses.
Honorable Mention
Saulele Tanuvasa, SF – Class of 2023
Great motor, can do a bit of everything, and takes no possessions off.
Ayjianna Bonapart, PG – Class of 2023
Pesky defender sacrifices her body for 50/50 balls and has a solid upside.
Taytum Johnson, PG – Class of 2024
Hands and feet are always active on defense, communicates well with teammates, and can pass the ball with precision.