Livonia, MI: The LBI Derby Showcase this weekend was quite the melting pot of elite talent from not only the state of Michigan but neighboring states as well. With ESPNW Hoopgurlz National evaluator, Dan Olson in attendance, these young middle school players were able to showcase their skill, talent, and desire for all to see. Although there were many who climbed and clawed their way to the forefront this weekend, here are a few that caught my eye.
2023 Katlin Moorehead 5’6” G Hype Lady Hoopsters
The Lady Hoopsters brought a very tough team to the LBI Derby Showcase this weekend in Livonia, Michigan. They were led by the superb play of combo guard Katlin Moorehead. This strong lefty used her body to attack the basket and finish through contact as well as keep defenders honest with timely buckets from behind the arc. Her tough play on defense allowed her to convert steals into easy points for her team as well. Moorehead and the Hoopsters played well and finished with only a single loss.
2023 Paris Bass 5’10” F Michigan Storm
The athletic forward play of 5’10” Paris Bass for the Michigan Storm made it extremely difficult for opposing teams to figure out how to guard her. Bass had the ability to outrun most post players in the full court while finding ways to score in the half court setting as well. She managed to finish with quick spin moves for the help defense and excellent up and unders for her primary defender while maintaining excellent footwork in the paint. This player with a high motor on both ends of the court will most definitely continue to make noise and catch eyes this spring and summer.
2024 Bailey Pickens 5’8” G Michigan Crossover
Sometimes as parents, fans, and evaluators, we may forget that the game of basketball has two sides to it. Offense and defense. The great Pat Summit once said, “defense is what wins games.” Combo guard Bailey Pickens had tenacity and grit on the defensive end that was incredibly infectious. She was intimidating while pressuring the ball at the top of the key. Pickens managed to either tie up or flat outstrip those that had enough courage to come her way. It was like Groundhogs Day watching her throughout a game as she continually pressured, stopped dribble penetration, stripped or stole the ball time and time again.
2023 Emily Carbajal 5’10” G Jackson Jets
The unconventional play of 5’10” Emily Carbajal caught my eye while watching the Jackson Jets compete this weekend. Her frontcourt frame allowed her to get where she desired with little to no resistance from opponents, while her backcourt skill and poise granted her the ability to handle pressure well and shoot the three ball with absolute ease. The upper body strength she possesses had the ball seemingly floating from her hands! Carbajal is one to keep tabs on for the future.
2023 Zar’ria Mitchell 5’4” PG Michigan Storm
The scoring point guard, Zar’ria Mitchell, was definitely in her bag all day Saturday at the LBI Derby Showcase. This flashy guard seems to flourish in and around traffic. Mitchell found herself finishing in the paint quite often as she was able to beat her man off the bounce continually. Slashing to the rim was just one facet of her game that she showed off; Mitchell’s transition long ball was a weapon most teams couldn’t compete with. Zar’ria’s high-level guard play will absolutely be something to look forward to as the year progresses.
2023 Junahya Johnson 5’5” PG Michigan Reign
2023 Point guard Junahya Johnson from Michigan Reign’s squad had a tall task this weekend at the LBI Derby Showcase, with a rather young team behind her. This budding point guard has loads of potential that could have her on the map sooner rather than later. The ability and knowledge of how and when to score were evident. Johnson showed off a bit of flash on the offensive end as well, with some different finishes to go alongside a good looking stroke from behind the arc. With some time and refining, this player could be a name to remember from the mitten.
2023 Armoni Strozier 6’1” F Michigan Storm
Good anchors are hard to find these days. Don’t get me wrong, stretch 4’s are fun to watch, but there’s something to be said about a classic back-to-the-basket post player. Armani Strozier is one of those players. She is a tough, strong-bodied forward that requires constant box outs on the glass. I loved seeing the securing of the rebound and textbook “chinning” of the ball; nobody-I mean nobody, took the ball from her. With soft hands to catch and good touch around the rim, Strozier has tremendous upside moving forward.
2024 Georgia Bosart 5’4” PG North Oakland
Every coach loves a kid that can make their team better and 7th grader Georgia Bosart has that quality. Bosart was able to score from all three levels but more impressive was that she could create shots for others to score at all three levels. She drew defenders in the paint and dumped down to her bigs for layups. She drew two and three defenders and kicked to teammates for open jump shots. She took on the burden of handling the majority of situations where the team was applying defensive pressure to allow others to position themselves to make plays. With a durable handle, good court vision, and the ability to compete with composure, Georgia Bosart was an integral part in North Oakland’s success.
2025 Darriana Alexander 5’10” SF All Ohio Express
Darriana Alexander has take your breathe away talent and potential. This 6th grader displayed dominance in spurts against some pretty good 7th-grade competition. She showed the ability to slash and get to the basket as well as the ability to finish in the open court. In fact, Alexander was downright scary in transition. She has long, powerful strides, but also the agility of a guard to maneuver around traffic. Darriana Alexander and the All-Ohio Express are must watch if you get a chance to get in the same gym with them.
Follow Marcy on Twitter @LBIMarcy
