2017 Flava Jam Tip Sheet
ALEXYS KING (LADY THUNDER)
GRAPEVINE, Texas- In one word I can tell you how great it felt to be back at Big State Flava Jam and that word would be awesome. The talent I’ve seen since the start of the tournament reads like a “who’s who” among young ladies that have done some amazing things after including Brittney Griner, Moriah Jefferson and of course my own daughter who went on to win National Championships in college and are currently playing in the WNBA, so when I talk about seeing some sensational players over the years, please understand where I’m coming from. This year’s group definitely left me speechless at times, especially among the up and comers that are going to definitely continue to make noise at the next level so as I wandered around the massive Gaylord Convention Center, yeah I definitely got a kick out of that, here’s what I caught
2018
Diamond Morrison-guard (Austin Elite RFW) I love guards that can score and defend and Morrison has always done that but when you factor in the intangibles, unselfish, encouraging to teammates and the icing on the cake of “never takes a play off” well that sums it up but let me add this, once she’s on, she is definitely a nightmare to defend because she scores so many ways
Jakayla Bowie-guard (DFW Elite 16U Gold) I was definitely tired when I arrived at Gaylord and after being overwhelmed by the size of the building, my mind was playing on tricks on me but Bowie and her talented teammate brought me back. She brings so much heat on both ends, I didn’t know if I was sweating from the walk to center or watching her get after it, so it was probably BOTH. Athletic guard that can score multiple ways plus as a bonus, she plays the passing lane
Kaylan Hardeman-guard (Houston Lady Dominators) okay I already knew she could shoot the long ball, plays defense, handles the ball well and sees the floor which is what you need to do when you’re a #sizedontmatter guard, well you need to play smart as well and she does that but on center stage, she simply went off with 6 long ones from I-45 and in the clutch is where she really shined
Keuna Cummings-guard (Nike Cy Fair Shooters Cummings) plays bigger than her size is somewhat of an overused phrase but it definitely fits this young lady who earned warrior status because like her name she “keeps coming at you” a little play on words is always good but playing on the court is even better. Strong rebounder and defender that showed she could score inside and out
2019
Alexys King-guard (Lady Thunder) a month ago, her defense and rebounding from the guard spot definitely stood out along with her slashing and finishing with contact. She didn’t shoot the long ball much but she definitely did at the Flava and it was spiced up as she was on a tear from NBA range. That midrange is solid and with a college ready body right now, her ceiling is unlimited
Sara Rodrigues-wing (Tulsa JYD) long, athletic and like an angry group of bees who’s hive you’ve just knocked down, she just keeps coming at you multiple ways. You have athletic players and then you have “ultra” athletic ones and she’s the latter and then some. When she started facing the basket to score, I just walked away, seen enough and I was definitely pleased
MAKALAH ROBINSON (DC QUEENS SELECT)
2020
Makalah Robinson-guard (DC Queens Select) loved this squad 4 years ago and nothing has changed except they’ve gotten better and Robinson simply sold me even more, especially after putting on the band-aid and like myself, I love warriors. That EURO was one of the best I’ve seen all season, her athleticism and defense as well as ability to see the floor, handle ball under pressure and score all receive pluses
2021
Aaliyah Moore-wing (Cy Fair Elite 15U) already over the magic number of 6’0, I guess the words “Encore do you want more” definitely fits because she has added just that to her game since I saw her last. She’s long and athletic and capable of playing 3 positions in college, RIGHT NOW and I’m not exaggerating. Tremendous upside so who knows but let me say this #BCSLock
Kyndall Hunter-guard ( Cy Fair Skyrise Elite-Wheatfall) let me see, called her a “can’t miss” in the 6th grade and let me just add, I ain’t missed yet and at times, she didn’t either because with her expanded range now around 25 feet, that coupled with her explosiveness to the basket definitely makes her a threat offensively but she brings heat on D as well
Jada Malone-forward (DFW Houston Elite Miller) I love when college coaches ask about a player and I respond if you’d have paid $200 for my service you would have known. She’s 6’3, faces the basket for buckets, rebounds on both ends, defends well and just never quits and she brought it against some heavy hitters in front of a capacity crowd of college coaches. Nowhere near the finished product which is already a #D1Lock
Kayden Prox-guard (DFW Elite 14U) let me say this, when you have a team filled with players that simply bring it no matter who they’re playing, trust me huge things are in store and the whole squad actually deserves a Tip Sheet but Prox’s performance in the nightcap on Friday sealed it. If she grows, all bets are off on high she’ll land, she does things you can’t teach and when you bring it like she brought it..,…..
2022
Jordan Marshall-guard (AD Elite) definitely made a lasting impression and when you do that to me on an initial sighting; well I can’t wait to watch what she has in her arsenal down the road. Already “gets it” and playing up against older and stronger players and competing on top of that was definitely some of the things that had me glued to her court but the floater, mid-range and first step are ready