NCAA Division Tip Sheet from #IBC
MELISSA RODRIGUEZ
CYPRESS, Texas-The NCAA Division of the Insiders Basketball Classic had some heavy hitters including some 8th graders that will definitely have an impact almost immediately in HS. Remember my old saying, it’s not what you do, it’s who you do it against and the remix version adds also who you do it in front of so if I’ve never seen you do it, well……
I don’t know the last name or class for Haley F with Legends but I wanted to give her a S/O after going over the score sheets and noticing she was not only one of the top players with the most three pointers, she was one of the top scorers in the whole event. Here are ten that caught my eye from the NCAA
2015
Alesia McFarland (Austin Elite-Black)– I love watching players that are constantly moving on both ends and McFarland was active every time I saw her play. She hits the boards hard on both ends, she creates her shot and she goes hard to the basket for buckets
Angalyn Latin (Houston Premier-White)- Latin played a huge role in HP-White not only making it to the championship but getting them going in the final. She always played hard, defended and anticipated but her outside shot keeps getting better
2016
Melissa Rodriguez (Runnin Rebels)- Progression is what I look for and Rodriguez was good last year but she’s more than good now and with that being said, her confidence shows it as she’s leaving defenders flatfooted and hitting shots from everywhere
Mercedes Babineaux (Houston Premier-White)- Babineaux has made strides since I saw her a couple of years ago and as she continues to grow off the court, her game is doing just that on the court. She’s strong and is finishing that way plus facing the basket for points
Lexi Cunningham (Austin Elite-Black) – Her ball handling made it almost impossible to trap but her defense created major problems. Cunningham is smooth going to the basket and makes it look almost effortlessly as her shooting from the outside
Emily Chafin (Houston Premier-Orange) –Several positive things were displayed by Chafin at the IBC and the more I saw her, the more I truly got a grip. She’s smart, team first player that can not only score off the dribble but has range
2018
Jo Ann Taylor (Cy Fair Shock-Red)-Taylor amazed me as a 7th grader so it’s great to know I’m even more amazed now. Watching her elevate off her jumper or attacking the basket shows me off the top she’ll make a huge impact right away in HS
Lexie Graham (Pearland Hawks 16U)-Graham is a scoring machine and before it’s said and done, I’m telling you she’ll be dropping double digit threes in numerous games. She can score off the dribble and has a quick release and she doesn’t have to settle because the mid is on point as well
Cydney Rivera (Hybrid Hoops) –If I gave a “Most Improved Player” award for the past season, Rivera would definitely be a contender. Hard work and gym time have definitely paid dividends as she’s becoming both an offensive and defensive threat
Cate Reese (Cy Fair Shock-Red)- All I can say is WOW. This kid has BCS written all over her, she’s a tad over the magic number and can shoot the midrange, post up and handle the ball from the wing. Oh, my bad, she can shoot the three and I mean shoot it