It was nice to catch a bunch of good teams in the area for once. The Albany Capitals annual tournament took place over the weekend, and I was bouncing around RPI campus watching, talking, watching, talking, repeat. What'd I see?
Jenna Giacone (Bethlehem/Albany Capitals-Dibacco; 2016) - I really could name 6 or 7 of the Capitals, but I'll stick with the top couple in the one game I saw. Jenna's no surprise, as perhaps the most highly touted recruit at the tournament. The 6'0" point guard plays at a different pace than most people. Her height, length, quickness, and handle allow her to get to the rim nearly at well, even against other very good players. She has been offered by HM programs, and there are times when she just makes plays that a defender can't do anything about.
Sam Laranjo (Averill Park/Albany Capitals-Dibacco; 2016) - I'd say she's one of the more unheralded kids on this team, but she has proven herself as a name to bring up every time I've seen them this spring. Great pickup for the right system - very well suited for an uptempo, free-flowing game. Scrappy PG, has no problems matching up 94 feet. Plays like she's fighting for her dinner sometimes - probably my favorite attribute. Capable shooter, both mid-range & perimeter, quick handle & good court vision. Loooves going right... every defender knows it, but she still gets there over & over again. Testament to how effective her handle and change of speed are. Teetering on scholarship level right now... certainly worth a look.
Selena Lott (Columbia/Albany Capitals-Dibacco; 2017) - She's faster than almost everyone... when she's not going full speed. Super athletic 5'10" swing is a force on the court with raw athleticism alone. She's another one that is very well suited for an uptempo game. Mix her with the two above & teammates Sydney Brown & Carly Boland (won't mention them in detail but both Division I prospects) and the Caps are off and running, all the time. If 10 is Selena's full hoops potential, she's at about a 4 right now, which is pretty scary to think about what she'll be like on the court in the future.
Rachel Menze (Hamden Hall (CT)/CT Spirit; 2016) - The 6'3" true post had flashes of dominance in one game Sunday, and just simply dominated the other. Has shied away from contact in other games I've seen, but really invited the physical play in a morning game against Crystal City Stars. She can finish in the blocks with either hand and shoots well from the free throw line. She's a menace around the rim defensively when she works hard and lets her feet do the work. I've spoken with a couple coaches that have her high on their board.
Zoe McDonald (Romulus/Crystal City Stars; 2015) - This Class D standout will be headed to St. Rose in the fall to hoop, and she showed the transition won't be an issue for her. Has a nose for the ball and incredible hands - big positives for her, as she'll be a slightly undersized post at the next level. She's another one who invites the contact and gets to the line a lot. Works harder than everyone on the court - good pickup for the Golden Knights.
Erica Martinsen (Williamsville East/Crystal City Stars; 2018) - Ohhh boy. Surefire scholarship kid. First time I got to watch her, but I've heard about the standout freshman that dropped 40 in a game this winter and was pretty high up on the all-state honors. Erica is as advertised. Elite scorer that contributes in every facet of the game. Her confidence blows past the majority of people her age - she carries herself like she's been doing it for a while. She can let it fly from well beyond the line, but is slick with the handle & gets to the rim as well. Definitely one to watch these next three years.
Sophie Gatzounas (South Hadley (MA)/Mass Frenzy; 2017) - Sophie is continuing to establish herself as perhaps the top player to watch on the top Mass Frenzy squad. The tough as nails swing can score in a variety of ways. Loves to get to the rim & ends up at the free throw line more than anyone I've watched all year, but showed she can step back and hit the trey in one of their Sunday games. Hustles, not afraid to give up her body. Doesn't talk too much on the court, but leads by example. She is the one that coaches leave saying 'yeah, she's pretty good' about.
Lauraine Joensen (Northampton (MA)/Mass Frenzy; 2017) - If Sophie is the best player, Lauraine strikes me as the best prospect. Somewhere in the 6'2" range with arms for days, her length causes issues on the defensive end. Mix that with superior quickness & speed, and she's a problem. Runs end-to-end better than her matchup, and can step out and defend multiple positions. She moved stateside from Denmark 9 months ago, and has the so-called European game to go with it. Fits best as a stretch 4 now, but has the physical tools & some of the skill set to become a 3.. if that happens, I'll just sit back and watch her stock skyrocket.
Christie Mirski (Agawam (MA)/Mass Frenzy; 2016) - Not the first time I've mentioned her on one of these either. She's got the court vision and passing ability of a point guard, the height of a wing, and the strength of a post. Better have your hands ready when you're playing with her because she'll lace you with a pass if there's a lane for it. I've had a coach remark about how much of a force she'd be if you gave her one year in a college weight room. May work up to the scholarship level.
Olivia LeBaron (Corning-Painted Post/Elmira Lady Express; 2016) - Well-rounded offensive player that showed some versatility Sunday. Other time I saw her in March, she relied on the perimeter J. On this day, she mixed it up. The combo guard certainly can hit from deep, but she used it to open up her game and get to the rack. Not afraid of contact, but can hit the little floaters & runners when she gets into the lane. She appears to be a fierce competitor and was the vocal leader of her team. She's one of the premier names in Section 4 girls hoops, and she showed why.
Gabby Cajou (North Rockland/Hudson Valley Elite; 2016) - Gabby plays at a different speed. Short & slight of build compared to the majority of PGs there (and more noticeably so against her matchup this game of Jenna Giacone), she makes up for it with a tireless approach to the game. She pushes the tempo all the time, even to set up in the half court. Finishes well, beats people to the rim, busts into passing lanes & gets steals, disrupts the handle, just does everything you'd expect really quick people to do. Really fun to watch.
Marion Dietz (John Jay/Hudson Valley Knights; 2016) - One of the better talents in the Mid-Hudson, the tweener was the Hudson Valley Knights' most consistent player between their two Sunday games. She made a few big plays in a 2nd half comeback W in their first game. Does a little bit of everything, whether it can be seen in the scorebook/stat sheet or not. Tough player that is the type that won't be hogging all the headlines, but is certainly one of the first girls you want on your team. Showed some things at RPI.
You never know who's watching, who's reading, who's paying attention.. show out the next place I'm at, and you might find yourself on the list!
It's not too late to find yourself in Empire State Takeover this summer, the TOP high school summer league in upstate NY. Hold your spot by completing the form at www.empirestatetakeover.org/en/Forms/ & scroll through the blog for more detailed information!
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