2017 Iron Sharpens Iron HS Tip Sheet session 2
Taylor Jones and Myra Gordon guarding Jordyn Oliver
GLENN HEIGHTS, Texas- The second high school session of the Iron Sharpens Iron Showcase featured many heavy hitters I’ve been evaluating for quite a long time and the thing that truly impressed me about many of these young ladies that I knew would be able to play at the next level at an early age is the fact that they elevated their games. I also had a chance to see some new faces that were equally as exciting and talented. Here are a few names however always remember when I cover an event like this I evaluate a whole lot more and check my Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages or, one more time, you just might miss something
2018
Kayla White-guard (DFW Elite EYBL) when she was in the 7th grade, I just knew she was going to create problems. She elevates on her shot and at 5’10 that in itself creates problems for defenders. Her ability to score multiple ways from all over the court as well as her defense was always there, now she’s handling the ball well in traffic and seeing the floor, can play multiple positions
Amber Bacon –guard- when you can push the ball under pressure and hit teammates on the money that definitely catches my eye. Bacon’s athleticism and ability to hit some tough acrobatic shots changed momentum; on top of that she loves to defend
Tatyana Hill-forward-One of the most improved players I saw at the camp. She had size, strength and was definitely a college player but talk about elevating status. She battles in the paint on both ends, finishes with players hanging on her, runs the floor and just won’t quit
Sydney Hardeman-guard (Pro Skills) I always say colleges love big guards that can score from outside and the La Tech signee has always been able to do that. Hardeman has expanded her range and creates off the dribble in traffic. I think her finishing strong with contact has definitely added another dimension
McKinnley Douglas-forward- first look was definitely a good one, good body and isn’t afraid to use it, Finishes strong in the paint, with either hand, runs the floor and also rebounds on both ends of the court
Lauren “LoLo” Davenport-guard (Pro Skills) knew she was a legitimate D1 player before her growth spurt and now standing a shade over 6’0, she has simply taken her game to another level bringing multiple dimensions of ways to score. That pull-up is a work of art, strong finisher, attacks from anywhere but can shoot the ball mid to long range well
Uchenna Nwoke-post-6’6 players don’t come around often especially when they’re serviceable. Good body, rebounds on both ends, alters shots and does a good job defending. Nice hands and can finish but on top of all that, her best basketball is ahead of her
Bre’asiajah Matthews-forward (Urban Heroes) she’s long and athletic while standing 6’0 tall so that in itself are assets for the next level. Can rebound on one end, pass to teammate and finish on the other end ahead of everyone. Excellent jumping ability, monster blocks galore during event, good defender and scorer
Alexia Martin-PG- not only is she athletic and can handle the ball under pressure, she also sees the floor and knows how to set teammates up for baskets. Quick step combined with ability to create her shot in tight spots is a definite plus but so is the mid to long range shooting exhibition she put on
2019
McKinzie Green-guard (DFW Elite EYBL) as a 6th grader, I knew this young lady was on the right track and fast forward to now she’s on the fast track. Explosive off the dribble, stop and pop in traffic or just taking it to the rim, she finds ways to score and she can do it in droves
Bria Patterson-forward- does many things at 6’0 like handle the ball coast to coast under pressure and attack the basket from the wing. Vey athletic, runs the floor and finishes plus she has good hands and a soft touch
Payton Hicks-PG- first time I saw her way back I told someone this is Payton’s Place and although the name might be different, her game definitely showed signs of being something to see and it is. Smart PG that can run a team, score when needed, handle pressure and make teammates better
Jordyn Oliver-Guard (Pro Skills) another young lady I knew would do big things at a young age however she has done all of that and some. Handles the ball under pressure, sees the floor, defends, I knew for a fact that wouldn’t be a problem but what she does even better is score in the flow and before you know it, the stat sheet is full
Zoe Young –guard- it would take less characters to type what she can’t do but then there aren’t any. She just has “it” and brings it every play. Mid to long range is no problem or attacking off the dribble, loves to defend, handles the ball well and sees the floor. At 5’10, she can play multiple positions at the next level
Taylor Jones-post- at 6’3 she can do quite a few things very well. Excellent timing enables her to block or alter shots, runs the floor and can catch the ball and finish while doing so. Also finishes in the paint, can face the basket and score, good rebounder and defender
2020
Myra Gordon-guard (Urban Heroes) when you watch little sisters absorb big sisters games at an early age, usually something like this happens. She’s passionate on the court; loves to set defenders up to attack basket but that range continues to expand to different time zones. Big guard that defends and rebounds on both ends