Phenom’s Next Level Girl’s Showcase
Porter’s Picks
By Jason Porter
Greensboro, NC was the place to be this weekend for top high school girls hoops as our Next Level Girls Showcase was off the hook. This was a live period event and as you know, if Phenom is hosting an event, coaches show up. With several schools here courtside they were treated to some true next level players. Some that stood out include:
Ashauntee Nelson, 5'9 2018 W at Riverside HS'' Nelson was easily one of, if not the most athletic players in this event. She was able to score at all 3 levels, show up on the glass, and make an impact on the defensive end as well. The deep shot is not as pretty as the rest of her game is but it is dangerous enough to where you have to respect it. Will win more than her share of matchups based on speed and bounce alone. Really a strong overall showing for her in this event.
Akira Wiggins, 5'8 2018 G at Knightdale HS'' We love players that bring a motor to the court and play with a purpose. This describes Akira perfectly today. Her defense is what got our attention early as she was all over the court but the more we watched the more we saw everything else she brings to the floor. She is a very unselfish player and a plus athlete in her own right. She had the ball in her hands most of the time to start the offense and looked at ease. Her game also sets itself up nice to play off the ball as well if needed.
Jordyn Burton, 6'1 2018 C at Hilllside HS'' Jordyn owned the defensive end of the floor in game one swatting out numerous shots in the game and altering several others. She was also tough on the glass pulling in her fair share of boards in the game while also proving hard to move off her spots. We would have liked to have seen her finish a bit more consistently when opportunities were presented but we can live with this part of her game being in a development state as long as she is giving us the kind of effort we saw today on the defensive end of the floor.
Brittany Staves, 6' 2019 G at Leesville Road HS'' We watched Brittany during the drill stations and was impressed with her ability to knock down shots. Then the games start off and the goes out and shows her toughness by grabbing boards left and right. She played a bit timid at times and could have been a bit more aggressive but she showed all the things that you look for in a next level player. Brother played college ball as well so hoops runs in her blood. Showed that here today.
Anna Vann, 5'6 2019 G at' Roanoke Rapids HS'- Anna is another one of the more impressive athletes in the building today. She has good speed, plays with aggression, and knows how to use both to her advantage out on the floor. Was able to get into the lane with ease in this game and proved to be an issue on defensive end as well when she wanted to lock in. She was a late addition to the coaches roster but one that was a pleasant surprise. Girl has game.