Lansing, MI – Before teams hit the big circuits, traveling the country to play against some of the best competition in the country and in the presence of numerous college and university coaches, they made a stop at the Michigan Jamboree. Most lady ballers have spent the month of June playing with their high school teams. The Michigan Jamboree allowed ball clubs to regroup and knock out any kinks before they travel. The younger ball clubs came locked and loaded, performing at high levels with lots of intensity. They once again confirmed that girls’ basketball in the mitten has a very bright future.
Stand-Out Squads…
Michigan Mystics Black 2023
This young Mystics team once again showed that maturity sometimes has nothing to do with age. Every time I have the opportunity to watch them play, their skill set, IQs, and overall team chemistry gets better and better. They do a fantastic job of communicating on both ends of the court and advancing the ball in transition. Layne Sleight (5’7”, PG, 2023) and Macey Fegan (5’10”, Wing, 2023) are the power packs of the team. They have a huge impact on the game, regardless of how many points they have scored. They play hard every possession, and they never hesitate to celebrate and encourage their teammates. Olivia Linden (5’7”, Guard, 2023) was the muscle on Sunday. She dove on the court, took some tough offensive charges, and played with great energy on defense, creating some big and game-changing turnovers. Alexis Boyke (5’11”, Post, 2023) was definitely an undeniable inside presence. She crashed the boards on both ends of the court, finished strong at the rim, and on defense she filled the lanes, earning multiple steals and some easy transition points. If the basketball Gods continue to work in the Mystics organization favor, look for this team to become an untamable force in the near future.
Midwest Power – Brown (2023)
If you’re a nerd like me, you probably know that the strongest and hardest working insect in the world is the ant. The ant can carry 50 times its own body weight; they never stop working until the job is done, even if it takes days, and despite their small size some ants have the most painful bite/sting of any insect. All of these characteristics can be applied to this Midwest Power squad. Young in age, but definitely not in heart, these talented young ladies never stopped playing until the final buzzer sounded which allowed them to secure a come from behind victory against the talented Always 100-Tharp squad. They played spectacular team defense, moved the ball well on offense and managed to dominate the boards with not much height (the tallest player is 5’9”). The 1-2 combo of J’ailynne Hitt-Swartz (5’5”, Guard, 2023) and Nevaeh Cable (5’6”, Guard, 2023) was overwhelming for most teams. These young ballers are vocal floor leaders, excellent on the ball defenders, and tough. They got to the rim with ease and took quite a bit of contact along the way. Tailaya Garrison (5’4”, Guard, 2023) was probably the toughest player on the court. She guarded the best player, played with a high level of intensity, took direction and executed, knocked down threes, and handled the ball when she had to. If this team keeps working on their game, they are going to create a lot of noise and upset many teams.
MBA National 2020 - Adams
Like in most tournaments, there is one team that surprises you…however, doesn’t surprise you. You know they are talented and athletic. You know that they play hard, perform at a high level and that they know how to win. Then you see them play and you’re still at awe and have a permanent “WOW” expression on your face. MBA Nationals had this effect on everyone watching their games, including their own fans and cheering sections. Jillian Brown (5’10”, PG, 2021) was an effective floor general, keeping the offense flowing with and without the ball in her hands. She used her great court vision to get the ball to the open man and advance the ball in transition. Ferris State commit Lauren Ross (5’10”, Guard, 2020) was everything on offense. She knocked down long-range threes, got to the basket, created for others, and quite frankly was almost impossible to contain. Alexis McCully (5’6”, Guard, 2021) brought the toughness to the court. She bullied her way into the paint, strong-armed players on defense and even battled in the paint for rebounds and loose balls. Collectively, this squad out hustled, out rebounded, and outworked their opponents. They compete at a high level, and I’m sure will have an excellent July filled with wins and scholarship offers.
Stand-Out Players…
Olivia Smith 2022 5’4 Guard Always 100 Elite 2021
Olivia is small but packs a tough punch. She is quick and did not have a hard time getting past defenders. Her ball handles are top notch, even when facing pressure and traps. She did an excellent job of controlling the tempo of the game on both ends; defensively forcing teams to play to her speed, not theirs.
Macy Brown 2023 5’10” PG MBA Randel 2023
A long point guard that already knows how to utilize her size and length, Macy displayed her ability to handle the rock, see the court, and make good decisions. She was taller than most of her defenders, which allowed her to shoot over them with ease. She also was an impressive floor leader, giving directions when she was in and out of the game.
Chanteese Craig 2021 6’2” Post Always 100 Elite 2021
Craig was the go-to player in the post for her team. She played well with her back to the rim, with nice footwork and court awareness. She’s strong and was able to finish with contact, dominate the boards, and made great decisions with the ball. The thing that captured my attention the most about Chanteese is that she was consistently consistent every game.
Maya Barakat 2020 5’11” Post Factory Basketball 2020 Orange
Maya was a strong force in the paint, even when she battled bigger and taller players. She has nice footwork and was quicker than most of the post players she faced. She did a great job of creating space for herself and was a solid defender. Maya is not afraid to step behind the arc and shoot a long-range three, primarily because she can knock it down.
Taylor Anderson 2022 5’6” Guard Michigan Crossover EYBL - Adams
A quick guard combo guard that can score and create for others, Taylor was a ball of energy in every game. She has great floor vision and was able to deliver a crisp pass to a teammate cutting through the lane or rising for an easy layup. She is a hustle player that did a phenomenal job playing on the ball defense.
Destiny Craig 2024 5’9” Wing Always 100-Tharp
Destiny is a solid long player that does a great job of reading the defense and getting to the basket. She has the size and ability to play on the wing and in the paint, and be productive at both. Destiny is aggressive on both ends of the court and plays with a lot of heart. I am sure we will be hearing her name quite a bit in the future.
Alex Long 2021 5’6” Guard Michigan Cagers
Alex has a lot of heart, and it shows in every possession. One game she got to the rim for the bucket and the foul, taking some severe hits from much bigger players. That wasn’t enough to stop her from doing it again and again. She is a strong defender and made great decisions with the ball in her hands. Never forcing anything, Alex allowed the game to come to her.
Ariel Jenkins 2020 6’0” Post Michigan Crossover EYBL Brown
Ariel played some of the best basketball I have seen from her since the travel season began. She has impeccable timing with a quick first step which allows her to out jump her opponents for rebounds and easy putback buckets. She is a workhorse and played with much energy. It was evident that Ariel has been putting in work on her post game, and it’s paying off. She showed some moves with her back to the rim that we haven’t seen from her before.
Jordyn Poole 2024 5’6” PG Always 100-Tharp
Quick, with nice ball handling skills and an arsenal of moves, it did not take much for Jordan to find her way to the rim, or an open teammate for an easy shot. She was able to draw tons of contact and practically lived at the free throw line because of it. Her IQ is advanced for her age. She was fun to watch.
Dream Cherry 2021 5’5” PG Midwest Power-Wolfe
Dream was more like a defensive nightmare for her opponents, always in their face, forcing them to make quick decisions and uncomfortable shots. She is fast with and without the ball and often beat everyone down the court for easy transition layups. Never appearing to be exhausted, when Dream was on the court, her energy level was at 100%.
