Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year Announces Ten

#3 Myah Taylor - 2017
5'7" Point Guard
Olive Branch (MS)/AL Southern Starz
#5 Delta Report/#44 ASGR/#42 CGBR

The highly rated 4 star player Myah Taylor has released her top ten choices for where she wants to play her college basketball.  A member of the 2017 graduating class, the 5'7" Point Guard holds rankings in nearly every major regional and national scouting service, including;  *Delta Report at #5; All Star Girls' Basketball Report at #44, and Collegiate Girls Basketball Report at #42.

The stellar point guard who plays her high school basketball for Olive Branch (MS) and travel basketball for the Southern Starz (AL) has narrowed her school choices to ten after an outstanding high school season and an impressive summer season of travel basketball. The colleges she will be choosing from are listed below in alphabetical order:

1. Alabama
2. Arizona
3. Auburn
4. Georgetown
5. Louisiana (LA) Tech
6. Memphis
7. Mississippi State
8. Ole Miss
9. Southern Miss
10. Wake Forest

Delta Report is a regional scouting service
which covers a large portion of the south. 
Writer/evaluator Leslie Toole has coached,
evaluated and trained athletes for 25 years.
Twitter: @msgbr1 | Facebook: /deltareport
Instagram: msgbr1

New N'Awlins - 2015

N'Awlins is the new kid on the block.  600 players descended on the Alario Center in Westweego, LA, which resides just outside New Orleans, July 23-25, 2015.  In its first year teams primarily from around the south competed with a couple of Team USA players showing off their skills.  Delta Report spent time at this event to watch some very talented young ladies play ball.

2017 Krystal Freeman - 6'2" Post | LA Lady Select (LA) - Strong mid range game inside the arc.  Face up game is much improved.  Uses a Dream Shake move on the mid block area.  Able to put the ball on the floor some to assist in transition and press situations.  Does a good job of triggering the fastbreak.

2017 Breenah McCullough - 5'10" Wing | Southern Phenom (MS) - The slim lefty has a big time scorers mentality.   Tough to defend in the open court.  Wicked quickness and an explosive first step.  Nice pull up jumper which she can use effectively well beyond the arc.  Very competitive and fearless.

2017 Jade Williams - 6'3" Forward | Texas United EYBL - Back in the states after playing with Team USA U16 and showing no signs of jet lag.  Nimble and skilled as well as agile.  Excellent 1 dribble and 2 dribble attack skill set.  Effective scorer in the post over both shoulders.  Smooth player with good hands.  Can defend the 4 or 5 position and athletic enough to switch out on screen and roll situations.

2018 Meagan Ambers - 5'8" Guard | Lady Select (LA) - Left handed combo guard who is equally effective on the ball and off the ball.  Breaks down defenders going in both directions on the floor.  Gets to the hoop and finishes under control and through contact.  Pull up jumper in transition inside the arc and well beyond.  Creates scoring opportunities for her team mates as well.

2018 Charlie Collier - 6'4" Forward | Texas United EYBL - Versatile and athletic.  can handle the ball in the open court and execute change of direction moves against smaller players.  Sweet face up jumper and can take it out to the arc.  Moves well inside the arc without the ball which makes her viable threat on the ball and off the ball as a scorer.

2018 Lauren Davenport - 5’11” Forward | DFW Black (TX) - Great athlete.  She’s a private block party.  Capable of pushing the ball up the floor in transition.  Will stretch the defense beyond the arc with the 3 ball.  Continued off-the-bounce development could allow her to become a very special wing player.

2018 Kennedy Tucker - 5'9" Guard | Mavericks Elite (AR) - Athletic with great ball handling ability.  Possesses a growing arsenal of scoring weapons, including a sweet step back jumper.  Works at penetrating the interior of the defense and is capable of find scoring options for herself and cutters.  Exceptional speed and quickness.

2020 Trinity Hudson - 6'3" Post | AR Mavericks - Long and slim with good defensive range.  Very effective mid range jumper from the high post area.  Works hard at getting offensive position.  Nice soft touch.  Developing a jump hook around the rim.

Delta Report is a regional scouting service
which covers a large portion of the south. 
Writer/evaluator Leslie Toole has coached,
evaluated and trained athletes for 25 years.
Twitter: @msgbr1 | Facebook: /deltareport
Instagram: msgbr1

Basketball on the Bayou 2015

Kennedy Gavin - AL Southern Starz
Basketball on the Bayou 2015

268 teams, 300 colleges and over 400 coaches make up the ingredients for this southern basketball dish.  Basketball in the Bayou served up three complete days of highly competitive hoops.  Delta Report was on hand to get front table action at this event.

2017 Ariya Copeland - 6'2"  Power Forward | Blazer Exposure Red (GA) - SOLID, strong, tough and aggressive.  Plays the position with an old school flare.  An abusive rebounder.  Works hard for position in the flash post area.  Jams cutters well on defense.  Athletic enough to hedge on defense.  Very soft touch at the rim.

2017 Kennedy Gavin - 6'0" Power Forward | AL Southern Starz (MS) - The Petal (MS) High performer is a pure athlete with a muscular frame (Think Shakayla Thomas @ Florida State).  Pounds the boards with a vengeance.  Shrugs off contact and gets to the line frequently.  Her athleticism allows her to play at the top of the press defense.

2017 Bianca Jackson - 5'11" Wing | FBC MO (AL) -  The Alabama native has grown her game since our last viewing.  Her pull up jumper is a weapon to be feared.  her length plays havoc on opponents on both ends of the floor and her vertical jump allowed her to get rebounds and push tempo in transition.

2017 Myah Taylor - 5’7” Point Guard | AL Southern Starz (MS) - From Olive Branch, MS Myah is a quintessential floor general who is very skilled at handling the ball and maneuvering around defenders.  Capable of knocking down the catch & shoot 3 ball while smart enough to use shots fakes and create opportunities for others.

2017 Unique Thompson - 6'2" Post | AL Southern Starz (AL) - Unique is the right name for this budding player.  She has moved from the minors to the majors with her ability to score in a variety of ways in the paint.  She has begun to develop a face up jumper which was effective out to 15ft.  Her super wingspan blocks court vision and alters numerous shots.

2018 Jessika Carter - 6'4" Post | Blazer Exposure Red (GA) - Great Body, Great Athlete, Great Vertical.  All this is stuffed into a 6'4" frame.  Shot blocker with long arms.  Strong and physical rebounder.  Likes the contact.

2018 Natalie Kelly - 6'1" Forward | Lady Pumas Platinum (LA) - Skilled and versatile.  Can push the ball in transition and find opportunities for herself and her team mates.  High motor and much tougher than her thin frame would suggest.  Not only does she attack with both hands but she shoots and finishes with both.  Draws a lot of fouls.

2018 Dene Mims - 6'3" Post | Lady Pumas Platinum (LA) - Her game has grown quite a bit in a short

#3 Myah Taylor
AL Southern Starz

time.  Much more aggressive under the basket when rebounding.  Gets on the floor for loose balls and is showing signs of becoming a real intimdator in the paint.  Her length is a great asset and allows her to get up the floor in transition.

2018 Kourtney Weber - 5'10 Guard | Elevate (LA) - Her versatility in combination with her height is impressive.  Handles the ball well under pressure while still able to create opportunities for herself and for her team mates.  A sweet runner makes her deadly as a scorer below the free throw line.

2019 Andrea Coumeyer - 5'6" Point Guard | Lady Pumas (LA) - Deceptively quick with good change of direction ball handling ability.  Sweet mid range pull up jumper.  Very confident shooter with a swagger to her game. Comfortable being in charge on the floor.  Gets her team into sets.

2019 Kennedi Jackson - 6'2" Post | Elevate (LA) - Good hands allows her to make tough catches in traffic.  Developing a jump hook as go-to move. Has a good soft touch.  Showed moments of up & coming offensive skill set.

2020 Sarah Andrews - 5'7" Guard | Lady Jets (TX) - Phenomenal athleticism.  Catches lobs.  Very poised when on the ball and a strong off-the-bounce skill set already present.  High motor kid on both ends of the floor allows her to be an impact player.  Sweet shot form that she can take beyond the arc with fair consistency.

Delta Report is a regional scouting service
which covers a large portion of the south. 
Writer/evaluator Leslie Toole has coached,
evaluated and trained athletes for 25 years.
Twitter: @msgbr1 | Facebook: /deltareport
Instagram: msgbr1

Boro 2015

Tamia Cunigan -
Urban Heroes (TX)

In its 10th year the Battle in the Boro or "The Boro" as many refer to it, has grown to be among the largest events in the country to showcase girls basketball.  With 500 teams attending and a long cache of teams on the waiting list its no wonder why college coaches and scouting services place this event at the hub of travel event viewing.  Delta Report was able to view a ton of talent and its unfortunate that we can' list all of the great kids that we saw.

2017 Abby Brockmeyer - 6’1” Power Forward | Blue Star STL Silvely (MO) - Has great size and good speed with the ball.  Solid face up game with the ability to consistently score out to 18 ft.  Demonstrated ability to be a serious threat from the 3 point line in the Trail “4” position.  Good fundamental rebounder.  Good court vision as well, sees open team mates. Does a good job of working the hi/lo action from the top.

2017 Keyara Jones - 5’7 ‘ Guard | SME (MS) - Quick guard with great ball handling ability.  When you watch her play, think Allen Iverson.  Quick shot release.  Great off-the-bounce skill set.  Creates space and separation from defenders.  Nice step back action.  Capable of penetrating the interior of the defense.  Excellent speed with the ball in transition.  Pressure on ball defender.

2017 Makenzie Silvey - 5'11 Point Guard | Blue Star STL - Silvey (IL) - Big point guard with good floor knowledge.  Sets up defenders in transition to create opportunities for cutting team mates.  Nice pull up jump shooter.  Offensively, will work both sides of the floor.

2017 Nyah Tate - 5’11” Wing | MS Heat (MS) - Solid framed wing player with great length and long strides.  Improved quickness demonstrated in her 1st step dribble attack.  Exceptional mid range game with the ability to make shots out to the arc.  Great ball handler from the wing and will occasionally play on the ball.  Solid off-the-bounce skill set which she uses to create space from defenders.   Loves to compete.  Will post smaller defenders and will attack bigger ones.  Solid decision maker inside the arc.

2017 Michae Jones - 5'8" Guard | Kenner Angels (LA) - Great size for and off guard.  Plays on the ball a lot but when off the ball looked extremely good.  Uses her ball handling ability to complement her court vision and create shots for herself and for team mates.  Very physical for a guard on offense and on defense.

2018 Alexis Hall - 5’7” Guard | Carolina Flames (NC) - Plays on the ball and off the ball.  Handles the ball with both hands.  Has a long stride when attacking the basket.  Gets Horizontal as well as vertical upon penetrating to the rim. Nice shooting stroke which she can take well beyond the arc.

2018 Marly Walls - 5'6" Point Guard | KY Premier - Bond (KY) - Smallish highly skilled point guard with a sweet catch and shoot jump shot game.  Accurate shooter inside & outside the arc.  Head up player when pushing the ball up the floor in transition.  Seems to have a good understanding of the use of various passes.

2018 Xavia Williams - 5'9" Wing | TN Flight Silver - Great athlete with a great motor.  Constantly

Nyah Tate - 2017
MS Heat

involved in the flow of the game.  Plays hard on both ends of the floor and attacks the boards.   Wins numerous 50/50 plays.

2019 Yaniah Curry - 5’9” Wing | St. Louis Eagles (MO) - One of the more athletic kids on the floor at any given time.  A speed defender who gets a lot of deflections.  Great leaper and a strong rebounder.  Creative and acrobatic scorer.

2019 Joelle Johnson - 6’0” Forward | Kentucky Premier Rowe (KY) - Good size and athleticism.  Blue collar kid who works hard.  Goes after rebounds.  Keeps balls alive.  Potential “4” player at some levels.

2019 Mackenzie Keelin - 6’1” Forward | Kentucky Premier Rowe (KY) - Good length.  Puts the ball on the floor for 1 dribble & 2 dribble pull up moves.  Good athlete who gets out in transition and has good hands.

2019 Randi Thompson - 5’9” Wing | North Texas Lights Out (TX) - Great looking athlete.  Strong and plays with a purpose around the basket.  Has a nice high arcing shot.  More of a slasher type player.

2019 Rickie Woltman - 6’1” Power Forward | St. Louis Eagles (MO) - Her length makes her look taller than her 6’1” measurement.  Sure fire BCS kid.  Great athlete.  Rebounds and keeps balls active.  Sweet turn around jumper in the paint.  Will step out to the arc.  Blocks and alters shots without fouling.  Great fundamentals.

2020 Regi Cundiff - 5'10" Forward | KY Premier Rowe (KY) - Moves well without the ball.  Uses size well to finish thru contact.  Nice shot with good touch.  Excellent pick & roll skill set.  HIgh basketball IQ with a great motor.

2022 Cassidy Rowe - 5'5" Point Guard | KY Premier (KY) - Plays way beyond her years.  Already demonstrating good off-the-bounce skills in passing and scoring.  Always looking for team mates and is very aggressive in the transition game.

Apache Memorial Showcase - 2015

#20 Kelli York - New Heights (NY)
Melissa Creese - MS Fire (MS) 

The Apache Memorial is rapidly growing as the team event between team events.  With teams traveling from Lexington, KY to Nashville, TN this two day pit stop is growing in teams and notoriety.  Big name coaches are stopping in to view the talented players in attendance.  Delta Report also stopped by to view some of the talent in the various classes.

2017 Ashlyn Dotson - 6’3” Post | KC Select White (KS) - Thick framed back-to-the-basket post player.    Does a very good job of finding openings in the defense.  Also works well at feeding off her guards.  She moves well in the post without the ball to open driving lanes for her team mates.  Gets a lot of putbacks and garbage baskets.  Outstanding screen and roll player.  Plays well within her skill set.

2017 Savannah Slade - 6’3” Post | Team Slink (TN) - Nice fundamentally sound post player with a good collegiate body.  Can see growth in her footwork in her post moves in the paint since our last viewing of her.  Keeps ball high and has developed a face up jumper that is effective out to 15 ft.  Takes up a lot of space in the paint and does a good job of avoiding the silly touch fouls.

2017 Aleah Sutton - 5’8” Guard | MS Fire (MS) - This Jackson, MS kid has a good frame with a liking for uptempo basketball.  Excellent Catch & Shoot 3 ball shooter with NBA range.  Has a very quick release.  Solid ball handler in the half court.   Solid on ball defender with the ability to leak out into transition.  Big time shooter.

2017 Amber Sutton - 5’8” Guard | MS Fire (MS) - Twin sister to Aleah Sutton.  Amber is capable of playing on the ball.  Handles pressure in the open court.  Same wicked quick release as her twin.  Deadly 3 ball shooter with NBA range.  Pushes the ball in transition and will find cutting team mates.  Strong on ball defensive skills and will get into the passing lanes on the help side.

2018 Kevajha Foster - 5’7” Guard | Lady Phoenix (NC) - Great wingspan and great athleticism.  Has a nose for the ball.  Good motor.  Sweet left handed shooting stroke.  Has a good developing off-the-bounce skill set. Really gets after it in defensive transition.

2018 Kayla Simmons - 6’1” Post | MS Heat (MS) - Big body post player.  Runs the floor with good

Chad Hibdon with
Geno Auriema @ Apache

energy and gets several transition points on rim runs.  Good movement without the ball.  Demonstrated a fledgling face up jumper.

2019 Nia Blackford - 6’3” Post | Team Slink (TN) - Great size and frame with good hands.  Offensive game is developing as she demonstrated aggressive style of play.  Plays very hard and is a tough, physical player on both ends of the floor.  Strong rebounding ability.

2019 Khrystallyn Harkles - 5’8” Wing | MS Heat (MS) - Athletic lefty who can finish in transition with both hands.  High motor kid who possesses off-the-bounce passing skills already.  Solid court vision.  Perimeter accuracy is developing.

2019 Kyandi Kukendoll - 5’7” Guard | Team Slink (TN) - Quick speedy guard with nice shooting touch.  Good rebounder from the guard position.  Handles ball well under pressure.  Knocks down transition 3 ball.  Very aggressive attacking the basket in transition.

Delta Report is a regional scouting service
which covers a large portion of the south. 
Writer/evaluator Leslie Toole has coached,
evaluated and trained athletes for 25 years.
Twitter: @msgbr1 | Facebook: /deltareport
Instagram: msgbr1

Cuttin' Up This Summer

Checking out the some summer league action in the Mississippi has yielded some surprises as well as outstanding performances.  Listed below are just a few of the performers:

Brittany Rose
Lanier HS (Jackson)

Brittany Rose (Delta Report Rank #14) - 5'10 2016 Guard, Lanier HS - The stellar combo guard, who will probably be a two time Dandy Dozen  selection, has been putting on a scoring circus.  A very creative scorer off of the dribble who can also pass off the dribble as is very effective and efficient.  She will be a great addition to a Division I program.  (Jackson Public School Summer League)

Jasmine Thomas (Delta Report Rank #16) - This electric guard with her under pressure ball handling skills consistently creates opportunities for herself and her teammates.  Her ability to nail down the open three ball forces the defense to stretch itself out to the arc.  (Louisiana AAU State Game).

Tae'lour Richardson - (Delta Report Rank #41) 6'0 2016 Forward, Horn Lake HS - Smooth and athletic describes this versatile forward.  Rebounds, defends and can score from 18ft and inward.  Nice lefty shooting touch.  Her versatility allows her to defend the perimeter as well the stretch 4 position.  Offers from Central Arkansas and Southern Mississippi.  (Delta State University Team Camp).

Chrissah Show - (Delta Report Rank #61) 5'5 Point Guard, Horn Lake HS - Quick and explosive guard who will see much action this year after playing behind a litany of great guards from Horn Lake.  Strong ball handler who plays with a lot of heart.  Posses big shot gene.  Fearless on both ends of the floor.  Will be one of the big surprise players in her class this year.  (Delta State University Team Camp).

Nyah Tate - (Delta Report Rank #5) 6'0 2017 Wing, Terry HS -  The Dandy Dozen player is showing a new vigor.  She has added several new weapons to her scoring arsenal.  Much more aggressive attacking the basket off the dribble.  As a big wing player she is showing the skills deserving of a highly recruited athlete.  (Jackson Public School Summer League).

Myah Taylor - (Delta Report Rank #6) 5'7 Point Guard, Olive Branch HS - With﷯ a newly tuned up frame and coming off a trip to the USA Trial (National Team Tryouts), she is demonstrating improved leadership and a much improved 3 point shot to complement her plethora of off the dribble skills.   A sure fired bet to repeat as a Dandy Dozen player.

Myah LeFlore - (Delta Report Rank #34) 5'9 2017 Wing, Olive Branch HS - Not only has she grown in height over the last year , but her game is grown as well.  She has added some range to her 3 point shooting and her extremely athletic frame makes her a force to deal with on both ends of the floor.  Her off the bounce scoring is much improved as well.  She has become a serious viable threat for her team.  (Mississippi College Team Camp).

Emily McNair - (Delta Report Rank #49) 5'8 2017 Guard, Jackson Academy HS, Combo guard with a true scoring mentality.  Predominant perimeter game, but will aggressively attack the basket in transition.  Capable of scoring in bunches.  (Jackson Public School Summer League).

Kayla Simmons - (Delta Report Rank #50) 6'0 2017 Post, Ridgeland HS - Active post player who runs the floor very well.  Plays within her skill set without making very many mistakes.  Quick release on put backs.  Score the majority of her points within 6 ft of the rim.  (Delta State University Team Camp).

Delta Report is a regional scouting service
which covers a large portion of the south. 
Writer/evaluator Leslie Toole has coached,
evaluated and trained athletes for 25 years.
Twitter: @msgbr1 | Facebook: /deltareport
Instagram: msgbr1

Big State Spring Invitational

Most Wanted - Power Rangers
Mississippi 2016

DFW Girls' Travel Basketball Program hosted the 1st Annual Big State Spring Invitational Showcase April 25-26, 2015.  This was one of the many showcases hosted around the country during the NCAA certified viewing period.

Many of the teams were from Texas and bordering states.  The talent pool was flushed with potential young players seeking to play at the collegiate level some day.

Though every young lady played their hearts out, there were a few notable performances and/or consistent play worth pointing out.

2016
Tanesha Miller - 6'2" Forward, Most Wanted - Power Rangers; Though game was off, showed a variety of offensive skills.  What was impressive though was her hustle in transition on both ends and the fact that she averaged 7 blocked shots over 3 games, including 12 against a Houston team.

Ketruanna Gambel - 6'0" Forward, AR Mavs 2016; Impressive athletic frame and athleticism.  Great vertical jump.  Strong rebounder.  One position is define could be a real asset at the next level.

2017
Kevonshaye Stackhouse - 5'8" Guard, AR Mystics; DEEP would only give an impression of Kevonshaye's shooting range.  The confidence of Antoinette Bannister with deadlier accuracy.  If you don't know, you might want to find out.

Jayanna Sanders -5'7" Point Guard, AR Mystics;  Uptempo PG who finds team mates in transition with look-away-passes.  Great speed with the ball.  Plays hard from start to finish.

Jordan Allen - 5'10" Wing, OK PlayMaker Express; Deadly and confident catch & shoot scorer. Showed off the bounce ability to attack basket from both wings.  Moved well without the ball to get to her spots.

2018
Tera Snell - 5'10 Power Forward, Baton Rouge Lady Elite; Plays much bigger than her size.  Very skilled post player who aggressively gains the position needed to score on the blocks.

Tatyana Hall - 6'3" Post, Houston Lady Panthers; Still a little raw offensively, but a great college level frame already with strong hands.  Very physical offensively and defensively.  Finishes moves with both hands.

2019
De'Myla Brown - 5'5" Point Guard, AR Mystics;  Very quick and explosive.  Found numerous team mates cutting.  Stretched the defense out to the arc.  Showed great leadership.

2020
Elaunna Eaton - Very impressive lefty.  Strong and very athletic for her age.  Plays with a strong edge for the game.  Can score on the block when needed or step out to the perimeter.

Keep An Eye On!
Dayna Dewitt - 2017 5'10" Forward, Mansfield Saints Gold; Versatile and very athletic with a lot of energy. Scores in the paint, but has a nice mid range stroke.

Olivia Sanders - 2017 6'2" Forward, AR Mystics; Super wingspan and great athleticism.  Good Shot blocker.

Shanna Shavers - 2017 6'2" Forward, AR Mystics; Very active defender who alters shots.  Draws defenders away from rim with 15ft to 18ft jumpers.

Kennedi Stephens - 2017 5'10" Power Forward, Most Wanted - Power Rangers; Strong physical with a powerful frame.  Good footwork in the post.  Works to get balance when scoring.

Maggie Stephenson - 2018 6'1" Forward, Houston Lady Pride; Strong defensive presence in the paint. Super wingspan, good shot blocking timing.

Lacee Savage - 2017 5'9" Forward, Triple D; Good speed in transition.  Great vertical jump.  High motor kid.  Capable of plying off the bounce.  Huge upside.

Delta Report is a regional scouting service
which covers a large portion of the south. 
Writer/evaluator Leslie Toole has coached,
evaluated and trained athletes for 25 years.
Twitter: @msgbr1 | Facebook: /deltareport
Instagram: msgbr1

Gatorade Players Of the Year 2015

Myah Taylor - Olive Branch HS (MS)
2017 5'7 PG

#5 Myah Taylor the 2017 point guard of Olive Branch HS in Mississippi recently received crowning recognition on top of the many accolades she has already received this season.  Myah, being nationally recruited with more than 20 offers as a sophomore, was announced as the Gatorade Player of the Year - Mississippi for girls' basketball.

Having a stellar season (18 ppg; 8 apg) and leading her team to a 31-2 record and a runner up spot in this year's 6A state final may be the credentials which allowed Myah to be garnished with the honor; however, after speaking with her father, John, other factors may have assisted in obtaining this achievement.

"She stays in the gym.  She is a gym rat.  When she is not practicing, she is working with her trainer."  John Taylor, Myah's dad told the Delta Report March 12, 2015, the day the award was announced.

The Delta Report list Myah as the top rated point guard in the 2017 class on its report.  Her most attractive attribute is her ability to run a team.  She has a high basketball IQ to accompany this attribute.  In state schools like, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Southern Miss are all seeking her talents.  Out of state schools such as Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgetown, Memphis, and Wichita State would also like to see her in their colors as well.

Shaquera Wade - 2015
Alabama Signee

#8 Shaquera Wade - Huntsville HS; 2015.  The 5'11 Alabama commit is a smooth, athletic wing with good ball handling skills which allows her to be able to create her own shot in transition and in traffic.  Averaging 18 ppg & 10 rpg, she lead her team to a 7A semi final finish.

Erin Boley (Notre Dame Commit) - Kentucky
Napheesa Collier (UCONN Signee) - Missouri
Lauren Cox (Junior) - Texas
Jordan Danberry (Arkansas Signee) - Arkansas
Crystal Dangerfield (UCON Commit) - Tennessee
Asia Durr (Duke Signee) - Georgia
Keiryn Swenson (Arkansas Signee) - Kansas
Cara Ursin (Sophomore) - Louisiana
Aaliyah Wilson (Junior) - Oklahoma


Leslie Toole  @msgbr1 is the Director of Exposure Development for the Delta Report.  March 12, 2015

Ballers Jamboree

Amari Heard 2019
Forward; MS Heat

The month of April is the kickoff month for travel basketball.  Girls' teams are just getting organized and team coaches are scrambling to get shoes and uniforms.

In the midst of this hustle and bustle is an up an coming event in the Jackson, MS called the Ballers' Jamboree.  This event brought girls in from 5 states to compete in a jamboree where travel coaches could take a look at their players in a competitive setting while not having to worry about the pressure of competing for a trophy.

While travel coaches were experimenting with line ups and assessing player combinations, the Delta Report was also in attendance evaluating teams and players.  Though there were no awards on the line, you would be hard pressed to believe otherwise the way the young ladies were going at it.
Team play was great along with some great individual play as well.  And believe me, there was no shortage of talent at the Ballers' Jamboree.  Below is a tip sheet of some stellar and/or consistent performers from the event.

2016 Class

Amber Smith, 6'0" 2016 Wing
Louisiana Lightning

#9 Amber Smith, 6'0" Wing - Louisiana Lightning; First thing you notice is her impress college ready frame.  Has improved & increased her 3 pt shooting ability & range.  With her exceptional athleticism, she now has included the ability to catch and shoot to complement her off the bounce skill set.

#10 Kiara Williams, 6'1" Power Forward - Arkansas Mavericks;  High energy performers who loves to rebound.  Strong penetration skill set from the high post and gracefully athletic enough to get out on the fast break and finish through contact.

#17 Shonte Hailes, 5'7" Point Guard - Southern Phenoms; Impressive explosion off first step. Shooting range beyond the arc.  Strong penetration skill set while having great court vision in the half court and in transition. Impressive DI skill set.

#18 Jasmine Thomas, 5'7 Point Guard - Louisiana Lightning; After sitting out much of the travel season last year, Jasmine makes her return during the Ballers' Jamboree.  Her ability to run a team was impressive along with her basketball IQ and the will to "live for the moment" clutch play.

#29 Tanesha Miller, 6'1" Power Forward - BTA - Most Wanted;  Freakish athleticism.  Hands large enough to palm two balls.  High energy kid whom never seems to get tired.  GREAT shot blocking ability.  Shoots the 3 ball and has good court vision.  DI Sleeper

2017 Class

L-R, Aleah & Amber Sutton
5'8" Guards - 2017

#9 Nyah Tate, 6'0" Wing - MS Heat, very skilled wing with great shot form and extended 3 ball range.  Demonstrated solid ball handling under pressure in the full court as well as the half court. Probably one of the most skilled players in the "Jamboree".

#24 Aleah Sutton 5'8 Guard - Southern Phenoms; very active guard with deadly 3 pt range.  Scorers mindset.  Aggressive defender on the ball and in the open court.  Prefers to play off the ball.

#25 Amber Sutton, 5'8 Guard - Southern Phenoms; A great complement to her twin sister Aleah (above).  Attacks the basket aggressively in transition and keeps defenses honest with her own ability to sink the 3 ball.

#31 T'Kyra (TK) Hicks, 5'8" Guard - BTA Most Wanted;  Tough minded player who goes about the business of basketball.  Excellent rebounder from the guard position, has WNBA shooting range and moves well without the ball.  Will be on several watch list after this year.

#28 Kennedi Stephens, 5'10" Post - BTA - Most Wanted;  Powerful, athletic and agile.  Plays like a female Charles Barkley.  If she was 6'1  she would be a BCS recruit.  Tough scorer in the paint and showed a soft touch from the high post.

#48 De'Ja Bradford, 5'7" Guard - Lady Warriors;  Demonstrated a strong ability to get her shot off. Probably one of the "Jamboree's" top scorers for the weekend.  Drew a lot of fouls and had numerous point at the free throw line.  Stock should steadily move up...

2018 Class

The Arkansas Elite 9th Grade girls displayed a stellar performance.  Several of their players could receive individual accolades.  The team played so well as a group I felt it necessary to mention at least the group while pointing out some outstanding play be a couple of their players.

Amber Hawkins, 5'7" Guard - Arkansas Elite 9th; Long and athletic with a winners mentality.  Played tough and aggressive the entire game.  Found her shot and opportunities for others.

Ariyanna Hall, 5'8 Wing - Arkansas Elite 9th; Strong and athletic for a player her age.  Penetrated numerous times and finished thru contact.  Nice shot off set her all out mentality in transition.

2019 Class

Amari Heard, 5'10" Forward - MS Heat;  After Amber Smith, probably demonstrated the most athleticism of any athlete regardless of grade.  Exceptional vertical leaper, scored well in transition and was a terror defensively in the passing lanes as well as on the boards.

Delta Report is a regional scouting service
which covers a large portion of the south. 
Writer/evaluator Leslie Toole has coached,
evaluated and trained athletes for 25 years.
Twitter: @msgbr1 | Facebook: /deltareport
Instagram: msgbr1

Ballers' Jamboree - 2015 Opens Eyes

Jackson, MS is developing a growing niche for finding sleeper athletes in the world of girls basketball.  Recently, the Ballers' Jamboree showcase teams from 5 states.  These teams came together to kickoff the travel basketball season.

For a number of these teams this was the first opportunity to view their respective rosters in action.  Along with returning players, the coaches were able to mix in the new players and evaluate skills and potential positions.

While the coaches were performing their evaluations the Delta Report was also taking notes.  The Ballers' Jamboree allowed several players to announce their coming out, "so-to-speak" while some others reinforced their already recognized abilities.

Players like Shonte Hailes (2016) point guard for the Southern Phenoms is raising her stock with each showing.  Last year she was rated by some as a Low Major to Mid Major player, but she has risen above and is steadily reaching for higher plateaus.

Jasmine Thomas (2016) point guard for the Louisiana Lightning sat out much of the travel season last year.  Making her return to travel basketball at the Ballers' Jamboree let her open the eyes of a number of fans, coaches, and scouting services.  She clearly offered reminders of why she is one of the top point guard prospects coming out of the south.  She demonstrate clutch play, leadership and the ability to run her team throughout the event.

Two sleepers that will some open the eyes of others around them play for the newly formed Most Wanted program hosted by the Bigfoot Training Academy in Jackson, MS.  Kennedi Stephens (2017, New Hope HS) is a powerful post player with a Charles Barkley approach to the game.  Tanesha Miller (2016 Greenville HS) is a 6'1" super athletic forward with great leaping ability and extended shooting range and a nose for blocking shots like Anthony Davis.

Delta Report is a regional scouting service
which covers a large portion of the south. 
Writer/evaluator Leslie Toole has coached,
evaluated and trained athletes for 25 years.
Twitter: @msgbr1 | Facebook: /deltareport
Instagram: msgbr1