Tuesday, June 23, 2015

McFerrin Adds Two to Memphis Coaching Staff


Read entire Memphis Women's Basketball story

Monday, June 22, 2015

2015 Memphis Girls Basketball Fall Fest Info

Ashtyn Baker, Teal Battle, Jayla Hemingway, Jaida Roper stand out at EBA Super 64



Check out what Blue Star Media's Mark Lewis had to say about:

Ashtyn Baker – 2017 – 5-5 – Point Guard – Nesbit, Mississippi – Slight build…Skilled ballhandler…Sees the floor…No problem getting to the rim…Connected on a couple of floaters…Can she handle the ultra-quicks?

Teal Battle – 2017 – 5-11 – Forward – Olive Branch, Mississippi – Athletic with some size and length…Has a versatile game…Can work well down low or from the trail spot in transition…Can spot up and shoot it or put it on the floor and get to the rim…Playing well but just scratching the surface

Jayla Hemingway – 2019 – 5-9 - Guard – Collierville, Tennessee – Solid, athletic build…Attacking mentality…Goes to the rim with authority…Effective with contact in traffic…Crossover gets defenders leaning…Shot fake is deceptive…Perimeter shot come off her forehead with a forward motion…Will need
consistency to keep close outs honest

Jaida Roper – 2016 – 5-6 – Point Guard – Memphis, Tennessee – Lots of individual skills…Strong ball control…Handled it well on the break and in the halfcourt…Needs to set up her teammates more often to create more opportunities for herself

Read entire Blue Star evaluation


2015 University of Memphis - Melissa McFerrin Team Camp Thoughts



I really enjoyed the environment at the Team Camp. It was great competition. I got to speak to a lot of parents and players. I was introduced to new players. I even learned that one of my former players from the very first AAU team I coached is now coaching. That was 2003.  Boy does time fly. 

I felt like a proud auntie watching the MHEA team play... Through the years, several of the players have participated in my trainings sessions, Fall Exposure League and Pre-Season Show Off camp. It is just unbelievable to see how they are getting taller and growing as players. I couldn't do anything but smile as I watched them play. Collierville is another team of players that I've been keeping an eye on for a couple of years because of their participation in my events. Both teams are very young, yet talented.

Whitehaven lost a lot of talent and experience due to graduation. I see senior Brianna Shaw and junior Ariel Williams carrying much of the load this year. However, they will have a good supporting cast. Brianna does a lot of her damage in the paint with her athleticism. Ariel has no fear. She plays with a chip on her shoulder. She will score in any way she pleases whether its getting to the rack or pulling up for the 3. I always have to do a double take when I see sophomore Shyma Ward. She looks just like her mom former Northside standout Marquita Mackey and her game is similar -- aggressive rebounder and scorer in the post.

I always enjoy the conversations I have with Coach Warren, who is back at White Station now as the head coach after one year as the head coach at Cordova. When I saw that his starting five included 3 players at least 5'10ish and up, it reminded me of his Manassas days. He kept a team loaded with long and athletic players.  Teams better be ready to run when they play White Station. Once they get a rebound or steal, they are looking to advance the ball up the court quickly. I was happy to see junior Tamia Jones on the court. The 5'10ish slasher had to sit out last year due to transferring from Lausanne. She is so agile and will be doing double duty as a guard and forward. I am very impressed with Miss Allanna Black's improvement. The 6'0ish forward plays a lot with her back to the basket and her teammates feed her the ball.

Because of the addition of Tamia, 5'10ish Damiah Griffin will interchange on the perimeter and in the paint. I had to look twice when I saw her on the perimeter. Then I almost fell over when I saw her make a three point shot---WHAT! Damiah will be dangerous this year.. Her game has stretched with her on the perimeter AND she has a nice shot. During the camp, I witnessed her on back-to-back possessions perform a couple of post counter moves and knocked down the shots.. I almost ran out the gym.

Believe me, there will be something different about White Station this year. They are going to play fast. Their rotation is going to be at least 10 deep, AT LEAST. They will be aggressive, tough and scrappy with Damiah, sophomore Brittni Moore and Dejah Montgomery leading.  AND they will be blocking everything that come in the lane. 




Thursday, June 18, 2015

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

2015 University of Memphis - Melissa McFerrin Elite Camp Thoughts



Two things come to mind as I think about this year's Elite Camp.

1) The talent was in the building!
2) Mississippi was representing!

Bring 'Em Out! Bring 'Em Out! was the theme today at the Memphis Elite Camp --because the talent came out.

Olive Branch's Myah Taylor, Mahogany Vaught, Quienteal Battle, Myah Leflore, and Savanna Geeslin were on deck displaying why they have been in Mississippi's State Championship game the past 2 years.  Desoto Central's Zaire Hicks, Holly Springs Star Walton, Bartlett's Charity Savage and Jessica Jackson, Harding Academy's Antoinette Lewis and Valecia Harris (Love her passion for the game and persistence), FACS's Shay Johnson, Bolton's Kerrice Watson (Kerrice has been playing great this spring) Cordova's Jerhonise Rollins (I love how her game has developed - length and motor) and MHEA's Kylie Loadholt (I'm telling you now.. Keep an eye on Kylie). 

Zaire Hicks looked like the player I saw during last year's Fall Exposure League high motor, explosive and confidently knocking down shots. I was very impressed to see Mahogany Vaught come out of her shell and play aggressively. She has such a laid back personality and plays that way but I liked that beast side of her.. If she keeps bringing that beast out, her game will be sky-rocketing.
Charity Savage was all over the place as expected. On one play, I watched her get a steal, save the ball from going out of bounds, getting her composure to sprint down the court and get the ball back for a layup. Savanna Geeslin was unconscious behind the 3 point line. Oh course, it was Myah Taylor pulling defenders towards her so she could feed Savanna and others for wide open shots.

My visit to the camp was short which means I missed a face or two. But that was enough to have me excited about the upcoming school season and give me some names to add to my #MGBB Mix Highlight list.

2015 University of Memphis - Melissa McFerrin Team Camp Schedule

Thursday, June 18, 2015


Catching up with Georgia Tech's Aaliyah Whiteside (Central)



 

Read entire Georgia Tech Womens' Basketball Story

Dates Set for Memphis Girls Basketball Fall Fest Events

5th Annual Fall Exposure League - August 22, 29, September 12, 19, 2015  
7th Annual Pre-Season Show Off Camp - September 26, 2015 
8th Annual Granny's Girls Basketball Camp - October 3, 2015

Registrations will be opening Soon!!!

Monday, June 15, 2015

Big Men can Shoot


Karl-Anthony Towns (6’11) was the best skilled post player for Kentucky this season. He did his damage on the blocks and in the paint. I never imagined that he could shoot long range.

Read the entire post at PatoshaJeffery.com

Thursday, June 11, 2015

The 5 Worst Things You Can Do During the Month of June






June is a very important month of the year for basketball players. It can be the first break of the year from basketball for some. Some are getting breaks from their AAU/travel team schedule. While some high schools are using the opportunity for team bonding and activities. June is also a very important month for development. Since we are almost midway through the month, I felt it is a great opportunity to emphasize it’s importance.

Check out the 5 Worst Things You Can Do During the Month of June at PatoshaJeffery.com

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Mid-South Memorial Day Classic PSG Media Recap

Memorial Day Weekend is a mid-point in the summer between the spring evaluation period and the July evaluation period where exposure teams get the opportunity to play one more time before players go back to their high school teams for team camps in June. This weekend, PSG Media covered the Mid-South Memorial Day Tournament that was held in Memphis, TN. There was plenty of talent to be seen.

2016  

Savannah Jones, 6’1 Guard, Jackson Phenoms (St. Martin HS, St. Martin MS) – athletic, long and lean frame, nice handles against pressure, can post up smaller defenders around the basket, shoots the three decently, attacks the basket. Only offer is from South Alabama, has BCS interest, very under-recruited player.

Brandi Beasley, 5’8 Guard, Team Penny-Holmes (Ridgeway HS, Memphis TN) – strong athletic combo-guard, tight handles, nice pull up jumper on fast break, shoots the three ball well, physically overpowers smaller defenders, plays tough defense. Has offers from Florida, Arizona, MTSU, UTM.

Lashala Saine, 6’3 Post, Team Penny-Daniels (West Memphis HS, West Memphis AR) – athlete that runs the floor well, great shot blocker, rebounds well, needs to develop post game, high upside to her game. Low to Mid-Major.

Miyah Barnes, 5’5 Point Guard, Team Penny- Holmes (Central HS, Memphis TN) – crafty point guard, nice speed, great handles, great court vision, finishes well around the basket despite size, did not see her shoot the three much, good true PG. Offers from Louisiana Tech, UAB, UTM, Houston.

LeJzae Davidson, 5’5 Point Guard, Team B.Wright (East HS, Nashville TN) – speedy point guard, scores in a variety of ways, shoots the three well, attacks well, scrappy defensively, makes players around her better. Offers from Eastern Kentucky and Furman.

Tijuana Griggs, 6’4 Center, Team Penny-Holmes (Central HS, Memphis TN) – long frame, runs the floor very well, rebounds well, plays a physical game offensively and defensively, showed the potential of a mid-range game, decent back-to-the-basket game. Interest from Cincinnati, Arizona, UTM.

Kerrice Watson, 5’10 Combo Guard, Team Memphis Elite (Bolton HS, Memphis TN) – athletic combo, solid handles, nice shot from 3, plays with a bounce to her game, solid defender, rebounds well. Low to Mid D1.

2017
Erica Haynes, 5’6 Guard, Team B.Wright (Overton HS, Nashville TN) – has a nice shot from three, plays extremely hard, crafty, very impressive passing ability, creates shots for others, smart player. Low to Mid D1.

Myah LeFlore, 5’9 Wing, Team Penny-Holmes (Olive Branch HS, Olive Branch MS) – big strong body, plays with high intensity, scores by attacking the basket, finishes through contact, great defense, needs to improve outside shot. Mid-Major.

Kesha Brady, 5’7 Guard, Team B. Wright (Smyrna HS, Smyrna TN) – quick athlete, active all over the floor, takes pride in defense, shoots the 3 ball well, crafty with the ball, very solid player. Low to Mid D1.

Rochelle Lee, 6’4 Post, Memphis Magic Elite (Southwind HS, Memphis TN) – long and lean post player, ran the floor very well, finished around the basket with consistency, showed a small bit of a mid-range game, high ceiling depending on development. Offer from LA Tech. Interest from UT-Chatt., Memphis, Williams and Mary.

Teal Battle, 6’0 Wing, Team Penny-Holmes (Olive Branch HS, Olive Branch MS) – long athletic wing, outstanding defense, nice mid-range game, rebounds well, scores in the paint, very active player on both ends. Mid-Major.

Janiah Sandifer, 5’7 Point Guard, Team B.Wright (Pearl Cohn HS, Nashville TN) – quick guard, tight handles, sets team mates up to score, great passer, shoots the three, stingy defensively, very active player. Low to Mid D1.

Damiah Griffin, 5’11 Wing, Team Penny-Holmes (White Station HS, Memphis TN) – nice athlete, solid frame, shot the ball well, scored around the basket, very solid defensively, jumps well, named MVP of the tournament in 17U. Mid-Major. Interest from UTM.

Alayjah Sherer, 5’9 Wing, Team Penny-Daniels (Tupelo HS, Tupelo MS) – active wing player, nice stroke from 3, played with a high motor, solid frame, handled the ball decently. Low to Mid D1.

2018

Jamirah Shutes, 5’9 Combo Guard, Team Penny-Daniels (Haywood Co. HS, Brownsville TN) – strong frame, explosive with the ball, impressive passing ability, scored at will, added a nice floater to her game, improved game overall. Top player in Tennessee in this class. Interest from several high BCS schools.

Jordan Elder, 5’7 Point Guard, Arkansas Flames Select (Rivercrest HS, Wilson AR) – quick guard, tight handles, consistent from three, crafty with the ball, sets teammates up to score, can create own shot, solid defender. Mid to High Mid-Major.

Gabby Crawford, 6’2 Forward, Team Penny-Daniels (Munford HS, Munford TN) – long and strong lefty, nice mid-range game, can put it on the floor, strong around the basket, finished through contact, huge upside to her game. BCS.

Daphane White, 6’4 Post, Jackson Phenoms (Gulfport HS, Gulfport MS) – long and solid frame, needs to develop offensively, rebounds well, good shot blocker. Mid-Major player depending on development over high school career.

Allie Thomas, 5’9 Guard, Arkansas Flames Select (Greene County Tech, Paragould AR) – solid all-around game, consistent from three, attacked and finished around the basket, high IQ, named MVP of the tournament in 15U. Mid-Major.

Nyah Dismukes, 5’6 Guard, Team B.Wright (Hume Fogg HS, Nashville TN) – quick guard, great shot from three, doesn’t force too much, solid handles, high IQ, great job of creating. Low to Mid D1.

Brittni Moore, 5’9 Wing, Team Penny-Holmes (White Station HS, Memphis TN) – strong frame, high motor, big time athlete, improved shot from three since last time I’ve seen her, scores in transition and off of put backs, intense defense. Mid-Major.

Kallie Searcy, 6’2 Post, Team B.Wright (Brentwood Academy, Nashville TN) – long and solid frame, physical on both ends of the floor, shoots the mid-range, finishes through contact. Mid-Major.

Mahogany Vaught, 5’7 Point Guard, Team Penny-Holmes (Olive Branch HS, Olive Branch MS) – true point guard, can shoot the three, very solid handles, smart player, plays under control, quick feet defensively. Mid-Major.

Taylor Hammack, 5’10 Combo Guard, Arkansas Flames Select (South Side HS, Batesville AR) – lefty combo, smooth game, nice shot from three, nice handles, finished around the basket, great job of driving and kicking to shooter. Mid-Major.

Kaia Upton, 5’6 Point Guard, Team B.Wright (East Nashville HS, Nashville TN) – quick guard, great shot from three, attacked the basket, great decision maker. Low to Mid D1.


 

 

Myah Taylor wins Girls Basketball Best of Preps Award

images and story from Commercial Appeal

Myah Taylor


When Maia McCoy started track in ninth grade, she never envisioned the heights her Whitehaven career would take her.

McCoy won the girls track award at the 46th Pepsi Best of the Preps, presented by The Commercial Appeal at the Germantown Performing Arts Center on Friday night, becoming the first person — male or female — to win the award for three consecutive years. She also was chosen the girls athlete of the year for public schools.

Maia McCoy


“I can’t believe I won for the third year in a row,” she said. “It’s amazing to see how far I’ve come.”

Memphis University School took home the most individual awards with three: Goodman Rudolph (boys golf), Spencer Richey (boys tennis) and Pierce Rose (boys cross country).

Five schools (CBHS, Collierville, Olive Branch, St. Agnes and St. Benedict) each had two individual awards.

CBHS’ winners were Dallas Broughton, who is the seventh consecutive CBHS wrestling winner, and Henry Perkins (boys lacrosse).

“It means a lot,” Perkins said. “I wasn’t really expecting to win it.”

Future Memphis Tiger Dedric Lawson of Hamilton won the boys basketball award after averaging 20 points and 15 rebounds per game last season.

Olive Branch sophomore Myah Taylor won the girls basketball award. Taylor was chosen Gatorade girls player of the year in Mississippi.

Ridgeway’s Earl Harrison won the football offensive player award, and Torrey Mabone of Trezevant won the defensive player football award.

Katie Kelsoe of MHEA won in girls swimming for the third consecutive year. She will attend the University of Alabama in the fall.

Collierville’s Joshua Walsh, a first-time finalist, won the boys swimming award.
St. Benedict dominated in bowling, with Nicole Harty and Conner Nichols winning in girls and boys, respectively.

DeSoto Central’s Austin Riley and Collierville’s Bayleigh Wisher won in baseball and softball, respectively, for the second consecutive year.

Alyssa Neuberger of Briarcrest and Peyton McKnatt of Houston won the girls and boys soccer awards.

St. Agnes’ Lauralys Shallow won the girls cross country award, and St. Agnes classmate Abby Heck won in girls golf.

Claire Sullivan of St. George’s won the girls tennis award after capturing the Division 2-A singles title at Spring Fling.

Elizabeth Farnsworth of Hutchison won the girls lacrosse award, and Olive Branch’s Lorenzen Burton won in boys track.

The third time was the charm for Kenzie Fields of Bartlett. A BOP finalist in volleyball for the third consecutive year, Fields won the award as a senior.

“It’s just another milestone I’ve gotten to accomplish,” she said. “I’m glad I got the opportunity to play, and it’s been a great experience.”

Kathryn Peterson (Houston) was the Division 1 female scholar-athlete of the year, and Jonah Roberts (Ridgeway) won the Division 1 male scholar-athlete award. Bailey Coppedge (St. Benedict) and Logan Stewart (Tipton-Rosemark Academy) won the female and male scholar-athlete awards for private schools.
Jonathan Bowlan (Bartlett) was named Division 1 male athlete of the year. Bethany Berger (TRA) and Connor Green (St. George’s) were the private school female and male athletes of the year.

The Sonny Winters Sportsmanship Award was presented to Ronn Rubio for his more than 40 years as a coach at Harding Academy. The Albert C. Dunning Achievement Award was given to Christian Brothers High School soccer player Juan Monserrat.

Houston won the Best of the Preps female division, and CBHS won the male division. The City team award went to White Station, the Shelby Suburban award went to Houston, Briarcrest won the Large Private Schools division and St. George's won Small Private Schools.

Miyah Barnes (2016) Central High Point Guard Highlights