North Carolina Phenom 150 Girls: Evaluation Team 3
Team 3
Coach Barry
#8: 5’3 ’20 Jessica Walton (Hope Mills, NC)
Starting things off, we look at a player that worked extremely hard on both sides of the ball during camp, Jessica Walton. She’s a point guard prospect that simply looks to create havoc on both sides of the ball. Walton provides quality energy and showed the ability to eliminate operating space from her assignment on defense. For her size, Walton was an extremely bothersome defender and was able to force multiple turnovers on the day. Next in her development process is working on her ability to shoot the three-pointer, as it would make her a much more impactful offensive threat. Coach Barry on Walton: “Jessica is a high-energy defender that causes trouble for opposing guards. She has a knack for the ball. Jessica is good at attack space and needs to continue to work on finishing around the basket.” Walton had a solid two-way showing at camp and should be able to continue improving over the next few seasons.
#15:5’5 ’20 Areina Harris (Raleigh, NC)
Next, we look at a player that was able to provide her team with a pretty steady, reliable two-way presence, Areina Harris. She’s a guard prospect that offers a nice mix of scoring and playmaking, able to toggle between playing with and without the ball whenever necessary. Harris gives great energy to both sides of the ball and knows how to make her presence felt in transition. She did an excellent job of containing her assignment throughout the day. Next in her development process is working to become quicker, as it would make her a more dynamic threat off the bounce. Coach Barry on Harris: “Areina is a combo-guard with a good jump shot and the ability to attack opponents off the bounce. She knows how to create for teammates and when to shoot it.” Harris possesses a pretty well-rounded skillset and should be able to enjoy a productive upcoming season.
#28:5’7 ’22 Amiah Savage (Fayetteville, NC)
Moving onto a player that possesses a pretty nice crossroads between productivity and long-term potential, Amiah Savage. She’s a young off-guard prospect with size and the ability to apply constant pressure as a spot-up shooter from beyond the arc. Savage causes mismatches on a regular basis and is still just learning to utilize her length defensively. She showcased some solid defensive instincts and possesses great upside on that end of the floor, especially as a multi-positional defender. Next in her development process is working to become a more versatile defender, as she possesses all the necessary tools to do so. Coach Barry on Savage: “Miah is a shooting guard with a quick release and high energy. She plays hard on both ends of the floor and is capable of knocking down the open three-pointer.” Savage is quite young and has a lot of natural talent, so it’ll be exciting to see how see progresses going forward.
#31:5’7 ’19 Makayla Kimble (Fayetteville, NC)
Continuing onto a player that was able to consistently dominate on offense, regardless of matchup, Makayla Kimble. She’s a strong, aggressive guard prospect with an exceptional motor and the ability to overwhelm opponents on both ends of the floor. Kimble displayed an impressive feel for the game and was able to generate quality offense on literally every possession. She leads by example and did an excellent job of forcing turnovers, followed by transition buckets. Next in her development process is working on her ability to move without the ball, as it would allow her to seamlessly toggle between either backcourt position. Coach Barry on Kimble: “Makayla creates off the dribble to draw multiple defenders and possesses deep range on her shot. She can defend well with her quickness. Makayla uses her body well and finishes with contact while being a two-way leader.” Kimble was an exceptional leader and received votes for various different awards, ultimately taking home the Ms. Station trophy.
#42:5’8 ’21 Alyssa Betha (Fayetteville, NC)
Next, we look at a player that brought a lot of intrigue and affected various facets of the game during camp, Alyssa Betha. She’s a wiry forward prospect that can really do a strong amount of everything on the court. Betha can shoot, handle the ball, attack the rim, or create opportunities for others. She uses her length extremely well on deflections and rebounds, which makes her an absolute headache for most opponents. Betha showed signs of being able to defend multiple positions throughout the day. Next in her development process is working on her ball-handling skills, as it would make her a more reliable offensive creator, both for herself and others. Coach Barry on Betha: “Alyssa is a mobile guard/forward that rebounds out of her area and plays with a high motor. She possesses a lanky frame and can guard inside or out. Developing her shooting and perimeter skills would allow her to become more of a threat in the half-court.” Betha enjoyed a productive two-way showing at camp and should be a prospect to watch develop over the coming years.
#45:5’8 ’22 Nailah Khan (Durham, NC)
Moving onto a player that showed the ability to outwork her assignment on both ends of the floor, Nailah Khan. She’s a strong-bodied forward prospect that looks to make hustle plays and provide her team with an edge however possible. Khan runs the floor well and scored nicely around the basket. She actively pursued rebounds on both sides of the ball and looked to pass ahead whenever available. Khan is a great teammate and energetic presence. Next in her development process is working to become a more effective three-point shooter, as it would make her a more balanced scoring threat. Coach Barry on Khan: “Nailah bangs inside well and rebounds her area nicely. She brings physicality to the post and plays with great energy on both sides of the ball.” Khan worked hard during her time at camp and should continue working to elevate her two-way skillset going forward.
#53:5’11 ’21 Keonna Bryant (Fayetteville, NC)
Continuing onto a player that is truly just beginning to scratch the surface of her two-way upside, Keonna Bryant. She’s a strong-bodied post prospect with an aggressive mentality and quality rebounding instincts. Bryant operates well within three dribbles and showed the ability to attack the rim on straight drives to the lane. She’s a solid defender that knows how to wall-up and alter shots around the basket. Next in her development process is working on her ability to move without the ball, as she can become an even better scorer when cutting off-ball. Coach Barry on Bryant: “Keonna is a post player with high upside and the ability to make plays from the perimeter. She’s a lefty with great hands and doesn’t mind playing physical. Keonna will be a handful as she competes more consistently.” Bryant possesses excellent potential and showed the ability to contribute quite nicely during camp, which should make her a player to monitor over the coming years.
#54:5’11 ’23 Miya Giles-Jones (Fayetteville, NC)
Finishing up, we look at a player that showcased a strong crossroads between productivity and long-term potential, Miya Giles-Jones. She’s a young post prospect with a lot of natural gifts and the ability to consistently affect play on both sides of the ball. Giles-Jones works well out of the post and does a nice job of battling through contact when looking to finish or rebound. She’s going to be extremely problematic for opponents if she continues to add strength and gain playing experience. Next in her development process is working on her ability to shoot off the dribble, as she possesses an extremely strong all-around skillset for her age and size. Coach Barry on Giles-Jones: “Miya is a talented young player with a motor to match. She guards any position, competes hard, and can operate off the bounce at a high level. She’ll be hard to stop, especially as she develops her IQ and jumper.” Giles-Jones played up with the high school girls and still made her presence consistently felt on both sides of the ball, certainly making her a prospect to keep an eye on going forward.