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JUEL Session 6 Evals

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It was nice to get back in the gyms this past weekend, returning to watch some JUEL action for the first time in a number of weeks. And I can say that many of the Cambridge, Ontario location games didn’t disappoint with their level of play.

Although there are fewer and fewer names remaining on the uncommitted list for 2013, we managed to spotlight a couple, as well as shine the light on some of the very talented 2014 class that are sure to turn heads in the very short while.

2013

Saicha Grant-Allen (6’4″, F, Oakville Venom, 2013)
saicha grant-allenWhile there are no shortage of opinion on all of the new tools that have been Saicha Grant-Allen’s game, there is at least one thing that everyone can agree on, and that she is quite the athlete. Also without doubt is that she is the top prize remaining on the Canadian 2013 uncommitted list. She is 6’4″, runs the floor extremely well this past weekend and shot from range very well. She showed a bit of a
mean streak in her game against Niagara, and kudos to her for
answering the competitive call.

Rasheeka Gunn (5’9″, G, Oakville Venom, 2013)
Another Venom player that put in work this weekend was Gunn. Doing a little bit of everything, her ball handling complimented the other Venom Guards quite nicely. Her strength and ‘undercover’ post up game also created a few matchup problems when she decided to creep in on man-to-man situations as her team played five out on the offensive end. She might not get away with that while her team heads south for viewing period next week, but it was nice to see her versatility.

2014

Kia Nurse (6’0″, G, Transway, 2014)
kia nurse-fIts no secret that Nurse is an extremely dominant Guard. What I find that is sometimes overlooked about her is that she is a winner. I find most alluring about the way that she plays is her constant will to be able to find a way to be successful. Whether needing to come on strong in the Second Half of a game where shots weren’t falling in the First Half like in her game against the Blues or dominating right from the opening tip off like in her game against the Advantage Titans, there is always a sense that she is or is about to put her team on her back to ensure the ‘W’. With all of the weapons she posses and her exuberant ‘must win’ attitude, the sky continues to be the limit for this high major crown jewel of the Canadian 2014 Class.

Barbara Johnson (5’9″, G, North Toronto, 2014)
Johnson gave fits to her opponents this weekend because she possesses a very good combination of skill and strength. Opponents were left guessing due to her strong cross-over and in the open court, knowing just when to sprinkle in some change of speed drives. Her ability to get to her desired spot on the floor and the strength to ward off the effects of contact make her a very high level player in one-on-one situations.

Iziegbe Enabulele (6’1″, F, Advantage Titans, 2014)
In a game I’m sure the Advantage Titans had circled on their schedule against the Barrie Royals, Enabulele was an extremely dominant force. After seeing her team drop its last meeting against the Royals back in February, Enabulele stepped up big with several timely rebounds. Her play in the physical department made it difficult for opponents to set up
shop in the paint. Those solid results weren’t able to be displayed in their game against Transway due to foul trouble, but she does look to be in the fine defensive Forward form that we are coming to expect from her.

Megan Smith (6’0″, F, Barrie, 2014)
To say that Smith had her hands full with Enabulele would be an understatement. She gave up height and reach to her fellow Forward, but she didn’t give up strength and the desire to compete. Smith is extremely strong and in speaking with her father and Barrie Royal Head Coach, Todd Smith, she is looking to further to build on that strength. What she gave up in size she made up in her ability to stretch the floor. Able to hit the long ball, and her ability to compete will ensure that she stays on many a radar through the rest of the spring and into the summer.

Welcome Back

briget atkinsonI had the opportunity to see the return of a couple of players back to action this weekend after both were out for and extended period of time.
Bridget Atkinson (5’9″, PG, Niagara JUEL, 2014) of Niagara looked good in her return giving her team the added stability of a Point Guard that can not only make smart decisions and handle pressure, but one that can also score in a variety of ways.

Also returning back to action was Caroline Hummell (6’0″, F, Blessed Sacrament JUEL, 2014) for Blessed Sacrament. While the Yellow Jackets continue to integrate Hummell into the their plans, right out of the box she provides them with badly needed size and more of a Post presence. She already displayed a couple of eyebrow raising moves in the Post this weekend, that kept defenders guessing. Over time, I look for those moves along with other aspects of her game to continue to sharpen up as she gets back into the groove of a more regular training regiment after her extended layoff.