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LBI Reynolds Wrap Up: USA Trials Day 4 In Colorado Springs

By Steve Reynolds @LBI_Steve, 05/27/18, 11:30PM EDT

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Trials Sessions Field of 45; Day 4 “The Final 7”

Colorado Springs: I do not envy the task the USA Basketball U17 Trials committee has of eventually getting 12 out of this group of 45 remaining hopefuls.  There is so much talent and tenacity flying up, and down the court it’s ridiculous.  Here are my “Final 7” that I believe should join my “First Five In.” Again, this only based on what I’ve seen through the last session before the official morning cut at 8:00 am Mountain Time on Memorial Day.   And again, I realize I have insurmountable limitations because while I wish I had more eyes, I only have two.  Here are my “Final 7.”

2019 Jordan Horston 6’0” G OH - The Anomaly
There are no other players with Horston's combination of raw ability, skill, and length.  She’s almost impossible to guard in the open court.  Horston can finish over the top of you or set you up with a Ticha Penicheiro like no-look pass.  She was arguably the quickest second jumper (see Rickea Jackson) in the gym.  She’s adept at making up for her defensive mistakes by using her athleticism and length to get blocks on plays that seem otherwise impossible.  Also, important is the fact that she walks and moves on and off the court like she believes she belongs.  Her demeanor oozes with confidence and its that confidence that she brings into every session.

2020 Kylee Watson 6’4” C NJ - The Wall
I mean this in the best and sweetest way possible…Kylee Watson is nasty!  She is tough and physical.  The kind of kid I’m ok with sending my kid with to a place like, say, Minsk, Belarus because Kylee seems like the kind of girl that’s got your back.  She sets great screens and is a problem in the pick and roll game.  She has an intimidating presence about her that’s needed at the international level.  I believe she’s the best option to back up Aliyah Boston without losing toughness in the paint.


2019 Samantha Brunelle 6’2” F VA - The Shooter
You gotta love big shooters.  You gotta love high IQ kids who play with passion.  So, you gotta love Samantha Brunelle.  “Sammy” is must have in the international game because she can stretch the floor with her great range and ability to shoot over the top of people. She’s versatile enough to take her game from the wing to high post.  Also, she is effective on both sides of the pick and roll game, either with the ball or setting the screen.  Another layer to Brunelle’s game that I appreciated seeing this week is her ability to pass.  She was strong with the ball especially when catching the ball in traffic and hitting cutters or players open on the weak side.  She's too special to leave off the team.

2019 Rickea Jackson 6’2” F MI - The Bucket Getter
Rickea played with a hunger that made me uncomfortable, and I was 15 feet from the court most of the time that she was playing.  She’s extremely athletic.  Quick 2nd and 3rd jump, runs the floor like a deer and has good lateral movement that allowed her to get in help-side position for a few monster blocks.  Jackson finishes very well around the basket and sports a really good midrange shot.  What I think sets her apart is how deadly she is in transition.  The higher level you go, you have to convert transition baskets because there won’t be a lot of opportunities.  Rickea is going to finish, and you can take that to the bank.

2019 Nyah Green 6’1” G TX - The Slasher
Nyah Green has is a big-time talent with length and a great frame.  She runs the wing exceptionally well and is flat out too much to handle when going north and south.  As far as jump shots go, she has the best elevation on her pull-up jumper hand down.  With her length and ability to jump, her pull up jumper may be the most indefensible shot in the gym.  I think Nyah Green sneaks in because to the impressive body of work this week.

2019 Celeste Taylor 5’11” G NY - The Swiss Army Knife
Celeste Taylor brings a lot to the table.  She isn’t unique in any one particular area, but she’s good at a lot of things.  Taylor can guard 1-3. She has a high motor, and she hustles.  Taylor rebounds surprisingly well for her build.  She’s going to have to handle and pass the ball better, but all the other things she brings to the table are more than enough for her to make the team.

2020 Sydney Parrish 6’2” IN - The Darkhorse
In international play, shooting is at a premium.  You need kids over 6’ tall that can stretch the floor, and when she catches the ball wide open in the corner, your bench stands up with ok signs in the air before he shoots it.  Enter Sydney Parrish!  Besides being one of a handful of kids even willing to shoot from the international 3 point line (almost 3 feet further back then the high school line), she also maxed out in effort on the court.  These attributes are the prototype for a top notch player from the Hoosier State and may be enough to sneak on to this roster of 12.