Prospect Watch - June 8

[glenn]

A two-headed version: Chris has the lead item on LaSondra Barrett's schools and I have a bunch of notes:

http://hoopgurlz.com/story/prospect-watch-june-8

[BrooklynSaints]

[Jasmine Thomas, who did not get invited to the U18 trials after her junior year, but did get invited after her senior year and is a finalist for the U19 FIBA World Games team this year. ]

I thought Jasmine Thomas was at the trials last year. She just did not make the team.

[gammadogg]

According to the USA website, there was no YDF in 2006. The YDF in 2005 only had 2006 grads in it. I think the current plan is to have YDFs every two years and accept both juniors and seniors to attend. Based on what I saw on their website, no 2007 graduates had an opportunity to attend a YDF.

Is Youth Development Festival and the U18 both the same?

[JxnMSvolFan]

I'm a big fan of Lasondra Barrett. I've seen her play numerous times including the 4A state championship game this year. Murrah is quite a talented team too. I always thought she would shine if given the opportunity to face elite national competition, and I'm so glad that she has. The competition at the high school level in MS is simply just not that good, so these athletes like Barrett and Sykes have to travel with the top travel clubs and play the top events for the elite college programs and scouting services to really take notice.

Barrett has 2 teammates who are 2009's that might start flying up the radar next summer if they play some of the big events next spring and summer. They are Brandi Simmons and Tanecka Carey. Simmons averaged 14.5 ppg & 12 rpg as a sophomore forward, and Carey averaged 15.1 ppg, 5.0 apg, 4.2 rpg, & 2.7 spg at the point position. This is a very good team especially in Mississippi. I really think Carey could be a big star too, but we'll see.

[BrooklynSaints]

According to the USA website, there was no YDF in 2006. The YDF in 2005 only had 2006 grads in it. I think the current plan is to have YDFs every two years and accept both juniors and seniors to attend. Based on what I saw on their website, no 2007 graduates had an opportunity to attend a YDF.

Is Youth Development Festival and the U18 both the same?

No they are different. I was at the U18 Trials last year. Thomas was there. It was the only time I have ever seen her. I remember she was very upset when she did not make the team. Thats why I was sure she would make a point of making it this year.

[southerngirl]

I have followed LaSondra's games from Chastain Middle School to Murrah High School and have always known that she would be great. This kid is great on the court as well as an outstanding leader in school. I know several of her high school teachers and administrators and they have great things to say about her. She is in the top 20 of her junior class, national honor society, who's who, class vice president, and more. Super all around young lady. Congratulations and I wish you and your team much success this summer!!

[southerngirl]

I'm a big fan of Lasondra Barrett. I've seen her play numerous times including the 4A state championship game this year. Murrah is quite a talented team too. I always thought she would shine if given the opportunity to face elite national competition, and I'm so glad that she has. The competition at the high school level in MS is simply just not that good, so these athletes like Barrett and Sykes have to travel with the top travel clubs and play the top events for the elite college programs and scouting services to really take notice.

Barrett has 2 teammates who are 2009's that might start flying up the radar next summer if they play some of the big events next spring and summer. They are Brandi Simmons and Tanecka Carey. Simmons averaged 14.5 ppg & 12 rpg as a sophomore forward, and Carey averaged 15.1 ppg, 5.0 apg, 4.2 rpg, & 2.7 spg at the point position. This is a very good team especially in Mississippi. I really think Carey could be a big star too, but we'll see.

I've heard that Carey is a good player but struggles in the classroom.

[YourCrimsonNightmare]

If a U18 year (FIBA Americas Tourmanent) coincides with a YDF year, the participants are culled from the competitors at the YDF, plus possibly some people who requested a waiver due to other obligations or recovery from injury.

They pick the finalists, then just before the U18 tournament and after several practices, the final roster.