Summer 2025 Recap

 

Championship Game Recap – 4 Major Circuits

adidas 3SSB

7 Days Basketball – 57, Utah Lady Prospects – 56 (OT)

Kaleena Smith: 22 points and 7 assists | Arynn Finley: 11 points, 5 assists

Nation Williams: 16 points, 8 rebounds | Mackenzie Jones: 12 points, 5 assists

The quick synopsis:

7 Days decided to utilize a zone and keep a body on Nation Williams at all times. Utah started out in a physical man-to-man defensive look and stayed attached to 2027 No. 1 Kaleena Smith fairly well.

This game was essentially a matchup of contrasting strengths: the backcourt of 7 Days vs the front line of the Utah Prospects – led by two of the top 2027’s in the country in Kaleena Smith and Nation Williams. Utah did a good job of controlling the pace of the game and not allowing the 7 Days press to be effective (in fact, late in the game, it was the Utah press that was almost the tipping point). Utah showed some zone in the second half, but 7 Days put Arynn Finley in the middle of it and it was a nice counter as she made plays for herself and others.

Basically, this was a game of 5-point runs – and it stayed close the whole time. Elizabeth Johnson (an unsung hero all summer in my opinion) was the x-factor late for 7 Days. Utah attacked the offensive glass (Nation Williams and Rylee Little) and & 7 Days settled for long range shots late in the 4^th quarter, which allowed Utah to get the game to overtime.

In OT, 7 Days jumped out to a quick six-point lead. They ran a double-high ball screen and Utah botched the rotation (they tried to trap Kaleena with both of the screener’s defenders and it allowed Elizabeth Johnson to get loose – and Kaleena patiently waited to throw a laser dime to her for the And-1 finish). They followed on the next possession with a three by Arynn Finley.

Utah forced two key turnovers and two key drives by 2027 Mackenzie Jones gave Utah a chance to win at the buzzer … but the layup rimmed out.

Noteworthy for 7 Days: they did a good job of getting Kaleena off the ball and letting her come off some actions – utilizing that gravity for spacing and allowing Arynn Finley to take advantage and make plays. It was nice balance of that and Kaleena playing out of ball screens – she is undeniably the conductor of the orchestra.

Nike EYBL

Team Takeover – 58, Why Not Premier 55

Autumn Fleary: 24 points, 5 assists | Zoe Osby (SMU) 17 points, 12 rebounds

Aaliah Spaight: 14 points, 9 rebounds | Kamdyn Klamberg: 12 points, 4 rebounds

The quick synopsis:

This game was going to be about guard play from the jump – partly because that is how the two teams got to the championship, but partly because of the under-utilization of Cydnee Bryant from Why Not.

Aaliah Spaight had a fantastic run throughout July – definitely including Chicago. Autumn Fleary did a masterful job of running things for Takeover throughout the tournament (and although they dropped a pool game to Exodus, they came back in bracket play at a new level). Why Not was 6-0 going into the championship and did a nice job of riding their momentum in Chicago. At the end of the year – momentum and in-game matchups determine a lot of things.

Why Not jumped out to a 24-17 lead to end the 1Q, but Takeover brought a stingy defensive effort in the 2Q and held them to just 5 points to take a 31-29 lead at the half. The second half was a battle of small runs. The teams pressured each other and both took relatively good care of the basketball as the turnover numbers were low.

The major difference in the game was the Takeover guards (namely Fleary and 2027 NyAir McCoy) did a fantastic job of not fouling the backcourt of Spaight and Amalia Holguin of Why Not on some questionable drives to the rim. Takeover won the rebounding battle (+5) and overall shot better from the three. Both teams were excellent when they got to the free throw line. Takeover also had a higher assist rate – oftentimes a major difference maker!

Qandace Samuels and SMU commit Zoe Osby were great on the glass (10 and 12, respectively). They provided a nice punch at the forward spots. On the contrary, I thought that Why Not could have changed the rhythm of the 2Q by getting Bryant some touches on the interior – whether to score or force the double-team – as their guards were locked down by the disciplined effort of Team Takeover.

** Notable: Why Not was missing 2028 No. 1 player Tatianna Griffin who sustained an injury in June that will keep her out until September.

 

Power 24

Legends U – 67, Team Mo Jeff – 34

The quick synopsis:

This game was about the defensive execution of Legends U – which was masterful. Their full court pressure and deny defense turned into a lesson in rotation (hedges, x-outs, multiple efforts) and rebounding in the half court. Simply put, it overwhelmed the Mo Jeff squad. They spent the majority of their half court efforts 30 feet away from the rim and upon any penetration, saw bodies rotating and stunting. Particular praise needs to go to forward Gemma Wichmann who showed how effective a glue forward can be on both ends!

2026 PG Ariyana Cradle ran the show – attacking off the bounce and distributing the ball as Legends U ran sets that moved players and the ball and created space to attack. 2027 Tatianna Mason caught fire from the three, and this game was quickly a wrap!

The consecutive defensive stops display by Legends U is something that cannot be overlooked – and should be studied by grassroots teams as something to emulate.

Mo Jeff, with 2026 stock rising PG Gianna Jordan and 2027 skyrocketing recruits Jada Jackson and Miciah Fusilier, showed occasional bright spots, but overall – they were forced into tough long shots that they just did not knock down.

As the score proves – this game was controlled completely by Legends U.

Under Armour Next

West Virginia Thunder – 72, Wisconsin Lakers – 69

Ivanna Wilson Manyacka: 18 points, 10 rebounds | Sydney Mobley: 21 points, 6 rebounds
Ainsley Trivette: 19 points, 4 rebounds

Natalie Kussow: 27 points | Anna Miller (2027) 17 points

The quick synopsis:

This was an absolutely fantastic game from two very well coached teams. It was evident that the two coaches had game planned for this one very specifically. My favorite thing from the jump is that Natalie Kussow was matched up with Ivanna Wilson Manyacka (and vice versa) from the opening tip!

To illustrate the chess that was being played on the floor, West Virginia Thunder had Manyacka reverse the ball, chase it + ghost the screen into space, and then drain a three on their first possession (the pass from 2027 Sabrina Anderson). This set the tone for the rest of her performance as she hit multiple threes and really attacked the glass.

Kussow was as aggressive as she had been all summer long. She got her eyes on the rim on every catch and utilized shot fakes very well – keeping the defense honest. She was very Allie Ziebell-like (another Wisconsin product) in that she either shot, attacked, or moved the ball quickly – efficiency and flow personified. She hit multiple long balls, got to the rim, and created fouls to lead the game in scoring.

Sydney Mobley did a great job on the glass and around the rim; WV Thunder was able to use her as a facilitator in their chin actions which allowed for spacing and driving for the others.

Anna Miller was great for the Lakers as well. She can knock down the three, does a good job of playing off two feet in the paint, and is a solid mover without the ball.

The Lakers used a 4-guard lineup primarily with their patented 5-out attack with wrinkles of ball screens (getting advantageous switches) and patterned screens to move the ball and bodies with ball reversals.

West Virginia always does a great job of manipulating space and getting players the ball in their spots. They really owned the glass in this game – a huge factor that gave them the edge ultimately.

The short version: It was 38-28 (WV up) at half. Early in the 3Q, it was 46-30 (WV) and Kussow went on a 6-0 run to keep them alive. With 5:50 to go in the 4Q, it was 60-48 (WV) and with 2:26 to go, it was 62-61 (WV). Fast forward and the Lakers got a steal (when down one) and a nice chance at the rim with about :08 on the clock, but it was just short. Teigh Yeast sunk two free throws for WV to give them a 72-69 lead, and the Lakers could not get a clean three to attempt a tie at the buzzer.

My Favorite Stock Risers of the Summer

Class of 2026

Morgan Stewart

St. John’s College Prep (DC) | Germantown Lady Panthers UA

Stewart (for my money) is the biggest stock riser in the 2026 class in the country. She has always been a player who plays hard and competes for her squad, but she took things to the next level this year starting in December at the Capital Invitational in Washington DC where it was evident she had added skill, patience, and acumen that showed how much her game had matured.

Fast forward to July and she controlled games with her decision making and her ability to counter anything the defense threw at her. There was a major buzz amongst college coaches watching her navigate ball screens and making transition and secondary decisions – getting to the rim with contact to knocking down huge threes.

Morgan has gained offers from Vanderbilt, West Virginia, Maryland, Michigan, Indiana, Washington, Penn State, and Auburn (I’m sure amongst others) this summer.

Emily McDonald

Long Island Lutheran (NY) | Team Northeast P24

McDonald has had a fantastic calendar year. Her major buzz started in the fall at Long Island Lutheran open gyms – coaches were leaving the gym (perhaps going to see other players) with another major name on their lists.

McDonald is a do it all guard who is long and skilled. She can facilitate at the lead guard sport or slide over and be a sniper that hunts the three aggressively. The outstanding thing that I always notice is she constantly communicates on the floor – on both ends. She has serious leadership intangible that makes others better and more confident. Also, she has an advanced ability to read screens off the ball – timing, technique, countering defense, etc and can play well out of the ball screen action. ELITE!!

Emily locked in major offers from South Carolina and UCLA after the July periods.

Jhai Johnson

Oakland Tech (CA) | Sports Academy Swish EYBL

I am so proud of Jhai Johnson. I had a detailed conversation with her group after last year’s Wootten 150 in Las Vegas and her improvement since then has been most impressive. Johnson always had the physical tools – it was undeniable. But, there was something in her that needed to be unlocked in terms of motor, confidence, and consistency – and she did that and then some, as evidenced by her gradual improvements from April (film for me) to July (live eval). In an EYBL Quarterfinal game in the Platinum Bracket, she made the free throw to send the game to overtime, and then at the buzzer in OT, made a swooping offensive rebound + tip in (out of nowhere – I was right on the baseline under the basket) to win the game. It may have been the play of the summer in my eyes.

Her summer play has earned offers from USC, North Carolina, NC State, Miami, Vanderbilt, Syracuse, Purdue, and Florida – with Arizona, SMU, Oregon, and USC in the mix amongst others still.

Mentionables: Aaliah Spaight, Lee Lee Bell, Missy Odom

Class of 2027

Jada Jackson

Frenship HS (TX) | Team Mo Jeff P24

In the fall at the Best of the Best camp hosted by Jason Key, Jada Jackson was an athlete that was playing basketball. Fast forward to the summer and now she is a HOOPER!!

Jackson has added handle, range on her shot, and feel on the floor to her game. However, it’s not as if she left the athleticism behind – she can dunk the basketball. Her ability to defend and rebound will transcend many levels of this game. I remember watching one court at the June Project and PERFECT camp in Ohio, and in my peripheral vision, seeing a player sky in to grab a rebound above the rim with two hands: Jada Jackson!!

Jada’s recent offers include: Colorado, Georgia Tech, Clemson, Texas A&M, West Virginia, Baylor, and Rutgers.

Eve Long

Olathe South HS (KS) | Southwest Select 3SSB

Long has been on the verge of the Top 10 in her class for some time now, so this is not so much about the offers, but the player development. In a summer that saw her make the U16 National Team and win Gold, Long showed she is not just the lengthy and springy athlete that is so obviously observed, but a versatile and skilled basketball player.

She is the smoothest forward to the rim in the country and with enough space, finishes well above the rim in a variety of ways. She is showing improved range and her handle is well advanced. She talks the game well and craves coaching – evidence of a very bright future!!

This summer, Eve has gotten offers from South Carolina, Texas, UCLA, USC, TCU, and Notre Dame.

Syniah Coachman

Fayetteville HS (AR) | Missouri Phenom EYBL

Coachman has physically grown this summer. During the NIKE TOC in Phoenix in December, we were at an off-site to catch a specific game, but it was Coachman who kept me there for the following game. There was a seriousness to her approach in warmups that was intriguing, plus she had the build of someone with a ton of potential.

Once the game started, it was evident she had more that potential – she orchestrated the floor well as a lead guard and made some significant and fundamental plays that got me writing notes immediately.

Once the summer hit, she had gained strength and improved her long-range shooting and …. BANG … we had ourselves a certified major stock riser. Coachman is quick to the rim and comfortable all over the floor – and she will be a high level defender at the next level as well.

Her recent offers include: TCU, Arizona State, Colorado, Boston College, Tulsa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Mentionables: Charis Rainey, Miciah Fusilier, Deandra Minor

Class of 2028

Janaya Cooper

Fort Wayne Snider (IN) | Always 100 3SSB

Cooper is a physical guard who plays the game with a lot of passion. She is long and strong and hard to stop from getting to the rim. Although playing at the 15U level, we were able to see her in a couple settings that showed how much she has separated from the general pack in her class.

At Project and PERFECT camp in Ohio in June, she was extremely coachable and soaked everything up from the stellar staff there. Her teams were highly competitive and she was the clear catalyst.

As her long-range shooting continues to improve to compliment her mid-range and off-the-bounce game, look for her to be an even tougher cover. Defensively, she can be an absolute lock-down defender if she so choses.

Some recent offers include: Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio State, and Virginia Tech.

Khloe Nicholson

Quincy HS (IL) | Missouri Phenom EYBL

Nicholson carries herself like a classic hooper – the calmness and the swag on the floor that says she knows she can just go and get a bucket … and she can. She has an advanced handle that can shake defenders in small space and some mid-range and turn-around jumper elements to her game that are hard to teach.

As she improves her base from long range (a little bit of strength, a little bit of balance) she will add a lethal three ball to the arsenal. Occasionally, she defers on the court – and we expect that to gradually dissipate as she owns her potential. Trust me – HOOPER.

Recent offers include: Oklahoma, SMU, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech, Marquette, Ohio State, TCU, Indiana, Arkansas, Alabama, Missouri and Arizona State.

Love Lei Best

Tualatin HS (OR) | ML20 Enforcers P24

There are point guards and then there are point guards, and Love Best is the latter. She has a connectivity factor on the floor (really in the whole gym when she enters) that is so contagious. It gives a positive energy to others and it makes them better – whether they are playing with her or leading the floor she is on.

Best is savvy with the rock – subtly manipulating defenses with her eyes, patience, timing, and ability to map the floor. She has an array of finishing techniques that help counter her slight build – but don’t let that fool you – she is out to put the opponent away. She has become more confident from long range and beyond, so watch this floor general continue to grow.

Love’s recent offers include: Virginia, Utah, Texas A&M, Georgia, Ohio State, Baylor, and Purdue.

Mentionables: Taylor Morris, Leah Dewitt, Syniyah Grigsby

 

2029 CLASS

Watch out for these 10 outstanding rising freshmen who let their game do the talking this summer:

Kolbi Brooks (AZ) – Hoop Code

Geralyn Byers-Veal (TX) – Southwest Select

Chloe Jenkins (CA) – Hoop Code

Jayden McClain (KY) – FBC

Kristen Winston (AL) – Alabama Southern Starz

Carib Morris (GA) – FBC

Khloe Ison (MD) – Team Durant

Melody Vaughn (PA) – Exodus

Makenzie Jackson (TX) – Cy Fair

Ja’Kyiah Cooke (OH) – United Fam