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| Alexia Smith, Arianna Smith, Kennedy Harris, Eden Battle & Makiya Miller |
Yesterday Travecia “T” Franklin, our brand new Director of Girls Basketball, spent some time at Africentric High School covering Jerry Watson Girls Fall League. Based on her extensive report, there was a ton of talent in the gym. Below is a list of standout performers on the day.
Alexia Smith (Africentric HS) is a strong body defender with the ability to affect the game in multiple area’s. She stands about 5 foot 9 and is very quick. She jumps out the gym for sky high rebounds. She is a silent killer. Alexia has natural strength that allows her to control the game on the offensive and defensive ends. Alexia hasn’t committed to any schools yet but going into her junior year at Africentric High School where she is expected to receive multiple offers from several D1 schools.
Arianna Smith (Africentric HS) is the next big thing to come out of Columbus, Oh. With her shear strength she dominates underneath the rim. She is expected to make a big impact this year for the Africentric Lady Nubians. Arianna Smith stands about 6’2 and in extremely aggressive underneath the basket. Her touch underneath the rim is almost perfect. Arianna Smith is the younger sister of Lady Nubians Alexia Smith. This duo will be extremely hard to stop this upcoming season. I’m sure just like her sister we will capture the attention of several college coaches.
Ohio State Commit Gabby Hutchinson (Westerville South HS) is the perfect mixture of Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. She has the skill of a guard and the size of a 4 man. What makes Gabby so dangerous is the fact that you can move her around to any position. She stands about 6’3 and guards can’t guard her and big men can keep up with her. This year at Westerville south she is expected lead the wildcats to a championship after falling short her previous 2018-19 season. Keep an eye out for her throughout the 2019-20 girls basketball season.
Kennedy Harris (Gahanna HS) will be entering into her senior season with the Gahanna Lincoln Lions who are expected to make some noise in the Ohio Capital conference. She has mastered the title point “God.” She handles the ball very well. The 5’7 guard is interested in several Division schools such as Miami of Ohio, Old Dominion and LIU. She dominates the court on the offensive and defensive side. Don’t let the height fool you though and is extremely quick and explosive.
Ohio State commit Anyssa Jones (Westerville South HS) stands at about 5’9 and is a force to be reckoned with. She is a sharp shooter who has unlimited range. She also has really good size and moving her to a bigger guard spot is definitely a possibility. While she has to ability to light it up from the three she can also get to the rim. Another returning starter for the Westerville south wildcats she is expected to lead them to a chip.
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| Morgan Darnell, Alyssa Jones, Gabby Hutchenson, Nyam Thorton, & Sakima Walker |
Eden Battle is the true definition of her last name. She goes toe to toe with anyone in her way. She plays with so much enthusiasm and passion. She is definitely a problem from behind the arch. Leave her open for more than a second and she will make you pay. She so aggressive off the ball as well. She has committed to play for Miami of Ohio in fall of 2020.
Morgan Darnell is probably the most underrated player coming out of Columbus. She’s a vocal leader who controls the floor and is an all around great player. She has a little bit of everything. She can score at will and she can also change the game on the defensive end. Morgan stretches the floor on the offensive end because she has mastered the 3 point shot. Entering her senior season with Gahanna Lincoln she is in search of some potential collegiate interest. I definitely believe she has what it takes to go to the next level.
Trinity Ramos is a sophomore PG for Olentangy Liberty High School. She plays with a lot of passion. Trinity passes the ball extremely well and isn’t afraid to get on the floor. With her being just a sophomore she has the potential to play at the next level.
Makiya Miller will be entering her sophomore season at Reynoldsburg High school. She stands about 5’7 and is an overall great player. Makiya definitely has a lot of growing to do but she is in a great position to make some noise this year for the raiders. She has a very high basketball IQ and it shows on the court.
Sakima Walker (Africentric HS senior 6’3 Ohio State, Cincinnati, Virginia, Auburn)
is entering her senior season with the Africentric lady Nubians and will hopefully help them bring in another state title. She stands about 6’3 and guards the rim like no other. She is thin but she has so much height it only helps her rebound the basketball. If she receives the ball in the paint it’s pretty much over after that. She has several D1 offers such as Ohio State, Auburn, Virginia, Cincinnati and several more. She will soon make the decision where she decides to play in college.
Senior guard Nyam Thorton is so explosive and aggressive it’s almost impossible to stop her once she gets past half court. Her handle is sort of like Kylie Irving she just happens to be from Columbus, OH. She has stellar talent and will definitely make some serious noise this year for the Africentric Lady Nubians who are on track to win their 8thstate title, the most ever in school history. Nyam has committed to play for Texas Tech this upcoming fall.
