Real Basketball Report MD/DC/VA 2010 Class

[intelligenthoodlum]

Sports fans, we have what's shaping up to be a nice 2010 class in our region. Some bumpy high school Varsity beginnings, of course; and, some blazing Junior Varsity beginnings, to be sure. Let's not forget some interesting spring seasons, for most of them.
Nonetheless, here are twenty-five of them who we at the RBR are paying a little bit of attention to, on the eve of their first high-school summer seasons (in alphabetical order, of course):

1. Sequoia Austin, 5'6", Holton-Arms School/Bethesda, Md.;
2. Jacqueline Brewer, 5'10", Handley/Winchester, Va.;
3. Janay Brinkley, 5'7", Archbishop Spalding/Severn, Md.;
4. Marissa Brock, 6'1", St. John's College/Washington, D.C.;
5. Lauren Burford, 5'11", St. John's College/Washington, D.C.;
6. Tiara Butler, 5'9", North Point/Waldorf, Md.;
7. Nicole Cunningham, 6'1", Clarksburg/Clarksburg, Md.;
8. Joelle Davidson, 5'10", St. John's College/Washington, D.C.;
9. Kayla Dillard, 5'10", City College/Baltimore, Md.;
10. Ataira Franklin, 5'10", Riverdale Baptist/Upper Marlboro, Md.;
11. Myisha Goodwin, 5'5", Thomas Edison/Alexandria, Va.;
12. Jessica Harlee, 5'11", Fallston/Fallston, Md.;
13. Jasmine Johnson, 5'9", Riverdale Baptist/Upper Marlboro, Md.;
14. Tracy King, 5'9", Mount Vernon/Alexandria, Va.;
15. Asia Logan, 5'9", Digital Harbor/Baltimore, Md.;
16. Maya Louis, 6'4", St. John's College/Washington, D.C.;
17. Briana McKellery, 5'11", Arundel/Gambrills, Md.;
18. Ashley Miles, 6'0", Bishop McNamara/Forestville, Md.;
19. Jazmin Pitts, 6'1", Cosby/Richmond, Va.;
20. Ronika Ransford, 5'9", H.D. Woodson/Washington, D.C.;
21. Tierra Smith, 5'8", Forestville/Forestville, Md.;
22. LaShay Taft, 5'7", City College/Baltimore, Md.;
23. Sheronne Vails, 6'3", Arundel/Gambrills, Md.;
24. Talen Watson, 5'8", Arundel/Gambrills, Md.;
25. Destiny White, 5'7", Bishop O'Connell/Arlington, Va.

The RBR has as its #1-ranked 2010 player H.D. Woodson's Ronika Ransford.

[teammom4]

Good Info IH! I heard that SJC JV went undefeated & now see they have several of the better rising sophs in the area, this season will be fun to watch!
Now to the business, I haven't been on the Nat'l circuit much this year to see what's REALLY going on, but I do plan to finish strong & will come back & edit this if necessary. But, as of late, I've been watching RR & she really has to be one of the top players in the country! This kid is amazing!
She knows everything that has to go into being all she can be & I'm almost sure she will be all on the Nat'l radar soon...
I know this #1 spot is open for the taking & this may appear bold to say, but all who know me know I don't hype my girls...she's the real deal!!:)

[TRAYPIECE]

Is RR a "true" 2010?

[ballenteammom]

well i have seen Ataira Franklin, 5'10", Riverdale Baptist/Upper Marlboro, Md.; and ronkia radsford play and i belive that ataria iz the better player because of her hight she is a mismatch for most teams.

[teammom4]

History...I am 30summ and my bday is in the beginning of the year. I started school when I was 5 y/o & 9 mos in K. I never stayed back & I was 15 & 16 yrs old in 9th & 16 & 17 y/o in the 10th & so on & so forth. Wonder what they woulda said if I was an awesome balla!
Ronika is 16, going to the 10th. Did she stay back years ago yes, is she a "true" '10, no, but what's the difference b/w her & kids who have to start school late, or someone with EDDs situation?

Ballenteammom...I guess your post is directed to RBR because I never compared the two. I think Franklin is a helluva baller & was a little taken aback by the RBRs choice, but that doesn't take anything away from both of them being top-notch players in this Area & possibly in the Nation!
Considering they aren't even in the same position I don't think it matters who is better in comparison to eachother...

[intelligenthoodlum]

Basically, for that 2010 class the five girls who stood out the most for us at this point were Ronika, Ataira, Tiara Butler, LaShay Taft, and Sheronne Vails, when we were deciding on who to rank #1 going into July.
We liked Sheronne as a post player, but we didn't see her as DOMINANT over the other top posts in the top 25; just as a little more seasoned, and slightly more skilled than the others.
LaShay is a superior scorer in her age group, and when she's hot, her deep-range shooting is as good as anyone's in this class. But we thought that she was a SG in a PG's body, and that her quarterbacking skills were not where we wanted them to be.
We thought that Tiara had the most flashes of brilliance so far of this five; but we also thought that she was also the most inconsistent. She's probably the one with the most tools in the kit, so to speak. But she's also the one with the least quality Varsity experience.
To us, Ataira's had the club/school situation so far that's been the most tailored to her game, and she obviously has taken full advantage of it. We still see her as a mid-post player who may need another 1 1/2-2 years to fully adjust to the wing, especially on the defensive end.
Ronika is #1 for these reasons: 1. she has the best street-ball game of any girl in the class; 2. she has the best understanding of the scoring-point-guard position of any girl in the class; 3. she's one of the few who can create for herself and her teammates in the half-court offense when the play breaks down; 4. she knows how to run a team of OLDER girls; 5. she was the best defender, at any position, of the region's freshmen we saw this past school season.
There you have it, sports fans--a live example of the comparative analysis that we use when we're ranking players...

[DALIST]

I Had A Chance To Witness Ronika Play In The City Championship And I Was Very Impressed...but This Weekend At Bmac & I Must Say I Was Not That Impressed! She Is Very Quick, Athletic And She Is A Natural Scorer But Dalist Was More Impressed With A Left Hand Kid Playing The 3/4...for Some Reason I Think Her Name Is Patrice...ronika Had An Attitude And Coach Oliver Actually Did Not Start Her Or Play Her That Much. Maybe This Was Just A Disciplinary Act..or Maybe She Just Was Not Doing To Well..but There Is Such A Great List You Have Put Together..i Just Cant See Her Leading The Pack!..hd Girls Really Did Look Well At Bmac! Keep It Up Oliver!

[michaeliceman]

Monique Mccants at HC?

[intelligenthoodlum]

Yo, Miss Monique is one of the IH's favorite freshmen PG's to watch (it's just SO MANY of them...); she just missed our RBR 25, but I expect her to get up in it by the middle of next school season, if she performs how I think she will.

[lboogie]

Ms.Monique is going to be something special, she has all the intangibles you want in a PG

[teammom4]

A lil Jay-Z, IH I'm not old enough to be in the Relax Room pumpin Miles D., & I'm not abig drinker so all I have is this Heiney right here, but Relaxin' nonetheless..
You Brought em out with this Thread, that's for sure!

1. Hoopgurlz appears to do their rankings like this. 1 overall #1 pg, sg, sf, pf, & c. So if Shawna T. is the # 15 player she is the # 3 C in her class. I don't know if it goes the same for everybody. There has to be some kind of way to compare & contrast these kids as ballers while factoring in position.
2. In DC you have 4 years of varsity playing eligibility, I don't think she will be affected by any rule.
DL, what weekend are you speaking of? Sat. HD played Bladensburg, a little tougher of a game than one would expect, definitely not a reason to play the starters especially with about 13 other players...oh & Neek IS the starting PG. Sun., C. Oliver wasn't even in the building. Whatever his very knowledgable assistant C. Anglin did is his choice.
Attitude...I have seen more kids this year with an attitude, one supergirl was out front while her team was on the court.
If a attitude is recognized by C. Oliver he will definitely address it in whatever way he sees fit, unlike other coaches, regardless of the player, thus if Neek does have an attitude problem & is losing pt behind it, she will fix it SOONER than later.
Patrice is #15 & is a '08, so mention of her would not be in this thread. She definitely has her perks, I've been loving her game since she was in 7th grade, but she's not left handed.

[1xjock1988]

Looks to me like anyway it goes the areas has a bright future, I've seen both players play and they both flat get it done. Different styles but awesome talents.

Although I think it does matter if your comparing a 16 y/o to 15 y/o to 14 y/o. Regardless of the reason, if the top 2010 girls stayed back they would dominate in the 2011 class. They still should be compared to their proper class by there year of birth, even though this is not aau. If your gonna compare apples to apples you can't really think it makes since to compare TRP to these girls (just because she graduated, I mean 16 is 16). You either do it by one mixed basket or you seperate it, Ransford is one heck of a player but I think she should be compared to the rest of the 16's (2009 class). You always hear things like maturity, leadership, composure a year makes a difference in everyone of those area especially with girls.

Great list keep up the good work, ladies just keep working hard because without your work, what would we all chatter about.

[asiancoach]

i dont think you can really go by age 1xjock1988 unless you are comparing AAU, I don't know AAU ball that much but there is a soph Sheahin super player 09' but age (15) should be 10' but is not, and Butler 10' but age (14) should be 11' but is not. Once in high school you have four years and when you are offered a scholarship it would be based on your class more so than your age.

[hoopsdiva27]

check out Jackie Brewer in action--IH has her listed on his 2009 list



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Fny7yHWFHw

[teammom4]

Looks to me like anyway it goes the areas has a bright future, I've seen both players play and they both flat get it done. Different styles but awesome talents.

Although I think it does matter if your comparing a 16 y/o to 15 y/o to 14 y/o. Regardless of the reason, if the top 2010 girls stayed back they would dominate in the 2011 class. They still should be compared to their proper class by there year of birth, even though this is not aau. If your gonna compare apples to apples you can't really think it makes since to compare TRP to these girls (just because she graduated, I mean 16 is 16). You either do it by one mixed basket or you seperate it, Ransford is one heck of a player but I think she should be compared to the rest of the 16's (2009 class). You always hear things like maturity, leadership, composure a year makes a difference in everyone of those area especially with girls.

Great list keep up the good work, ladies just keep working hard because without your work, what would we all chatter about.

Although I try...still can't change the world! I really don't like this method either, but it's how MOST if not ALL ranking services work. Class not age. I don't think a lot of things should be done in sports or the world but that's how it is, and I gotta accept it.
My daughter will be 18 and a few months competing with other 18 year olds and some real grown women ranging from 20-23 or so. Is it not possible for one of those young girls to get the POY although they have a Freshman award. Maturation & game growth is a continual process and some of those 20 sumthings will be more mature and further along in their game. Won't they all be judged together regardless of age? If these girls are going to be thrown in the mix of an all age group atmosphere in college & most anyone who's being ranked will be, why not prepare them for it in HS.
Hoopgurlz & every other ranking service out there has a 18 year old rising senior that is #1 in the class of '08. In this '07 class a Top 10 player is 19 already. It hasn't changed anything yet, and I don't think it will.
I'm sooo glad I spoke to Neek last year & told her that this would be an issue when it came to her buzz getting created & everytime her name is mentioned at least one comment is made about age. So predictable.
IH, do you have a list of Ballin 16 y/o you'd like to compile?

[Coach CFerg]

I agree with you I have seen Ronika, she is everything you wrote about here. She is so good i thought she was a senior or junior.

[asiancoach]

Nice lefty stroke, why in the world would anyone leave her open? is she 09' or 10' heard the name but can't remember which?

[teammom4]

AC, Butler is 14? She is going into the 10th now right?
I do see the inconsistencies, but she is definitely a baller! What is she about to be 15 or is she going to Stanford or something in '10?:)

[1xjock1988]

The point I was trying to make is that your year of birth doesn't change. If your a 2010 your birth year is 1992 or higher. The ncaa sees this as a issue henceforth the new rule. It's okay for a player to play up. The cases you provided are younger players playing up, not the other way around. To my knowledge although I don't know all the girls but I think everyone on IH's list has a birth year of 92 but one. That is were I think the issue of comparision come in because if a natural 2008 player is held back 2 times I don't think she should be compared to the 2010's. TB is 14 going on 15, some of the girls are 15already but none are 16 because you can't be a true 2010 and be 16.

Maybe it doesn't matter, but I think if your going to compare any players it should be on even basis or the comparision is tainted. That's why the ncaa refers to players as freshman or true freshman.

[teammom4]

Did you miss the part about EDD being older than everyone else(I think) in '08. Are you saying these kids shouldn't be ranked at all, because what you are saying is not & has not been happening. In HS sports Kids are ranked by class not year. We can sit & make up a list of 15s, 16s & 17s. etc. but it won't hold weight, because hoopgurlz isn't going to say she is not #1 because she's a yr older. It's unfair, but a lot of things are.
Side Note: I love Franklin's game. I stay in the gym after our team plays to see her play. The other night she blocked or altered almost every shot the opposition put up & then went down the other end for a smooth lay-up or a silky three!
To me this is not about RR vs AF. It's 23 other names on that list & they all are worthy. I don't think a thread that was created to inform us of the top ballers should turn into a discussion about what disqualifies a kid when the situation being discussed is already going on.
I'm off to the games...Peace

[asiancoach]

Jock I see the point that you are trying to make, I don't think it's really valid for this topic but your point is made, if her graduation year is 2010 technically she is rated in that class, in the boys this is the issue a lot were parents hold there kids back solely for the sake of giving him a physical advantage in sports. In the girls game its not that big of an issue. In high school everyone becomes a basketball player because all grades compete. TM on a side note from a previous post about elgibility check out the link, it is from FL but this is the case in many states, not sure of DC but depending on her birthdate she may have an issue its best to find out early, if so private school is an option or another state I think VA is the same also. (This was put in place to try and curb that thing with the boys)
http://webhost.bridgew.edu/jhuber/readings/age_eligibility_in_high_school_athletics.html

[quedash]

Interesting post, my daughter has a Sept. birthday so she had to wait an extra year to start school, because the cutoff is Sept. 1st. She will always be one of the oldest members of her class. BTW this works against her in summer track and field because if you turn 14 in 1993, whether it be January or December you are placed in the same age group. At any rate, some girls mature faster than others so once they hit high school I believe the it balances out.

[1xjock1988]

Point well taken, anyway it makes for a good discussion. I wish all the girls the very best, keep representing the area.

[ladiesdance]

IH, you're still sleeping on Michea Bryant at B-Mac. What's up with that?:confused:

[WOLFSCOUT]

freshman or true freshman.

i think a true freshmen is a just that, a true freshmen in college. the only other kind of freshmen you can be is a redshirt freshmen, hey but you know what the best thing about freshmen are? they become sophmores!
:D

[talk2me]

The Rules for MD and opponents who wishes to play against any MD Public Schools are bound by the Standards of Competition rules under MPSSAA:

PURSUANT TO COMAR 13A.06.03.04D(6), INDIVIDUAL HIGH SCHOOLS THAT
PRACTICE OR PLAY AGAINST MPSSAA MEMBER HIGH SCHOOLS SHALL ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING:

Para 4 states: "The high school team does not permit students, who have reached the age of 19 years old or older as of August 31, to practice or play.

This rule is also incorporated into the WCAC, MIAA and IAC Constitutions for competition. As well as an 8-semester rule: "Students are permitted 8 consecutive semesters of playing time starting with first entry in the ninth grade."

I hope this doesn't hurt the young lady because I believe she is one of the most talented kids in the area regardless of age, but it is the rule in the DMV. So check this out in the DCIAA TM4 to stay ahead of the situation.

[pgcop]

that was my point when speaking on elgibility I'm sure TM has the situation for her HD kids straight and is on top of all the rules I just didn't know her situation when I posed the question. But the info is good to know for others coming up especially with the prep school rule change. Also with the nfhs they make rule changes in mid stream so you must stay on top of them.

[teammom4]

Thanks everyone for your insight & help.
Before we came to HD there was a player on the team that was already there. She played since 9th grade..When she started her Sr season she was 18 y/o her birthday is in April so when she completed her Sr. season she was 18. When she graduated she was 19. All that to say, we have gone through this.
I WILL keep up with NFHS to see if anything takes place in b/w, but I am convinced this won't have ANY bearing on Neek. At the rate she is going, just from last year, I believe she will be able to choose the school of her liking by the time she is a Jr.
HER BIRTHDAY IS IN THE BEGINNING of the YEAR! She will be 18 the whole time she competes in her Sr. season. I doubt they can disqualify you because of this because there are natural 18 year olds in 12th grade.
This kid is not on the male side & did not do the "Beasley" to make herself a super prospect. She stayed back in ES, I would blame more of that on her household than her, its not her fault & she didn't ask for all of the attention she's getting, her game got it for her. We will see what's next!

[WOLFSCOUT]

Boy,... all i know is when they talk about you, you must be good! TM its getting competitive!:D

[balling4ever]

Nobody mentioned Ulyssia "Jello" Richmond and Jassmine McIntosh in this thread. Remember who told you first! These two young ladies deserve to be listed as top in this class.

[balling4ever]

Happy to see Michea Bryant getting some love in this forum because she is an outstanding player and would be an asset to any team.

[CoachO]

IH my main man, you are usually very insightfull with your list but i think with the 2010 class you left out allot of talent. Janay borum point guard wise, ayanna seals point guard st johns, and cierra johnson shooting guard at largo.

[teammom4]

Locked up the #4 W & #11 overall '08 prospect per Hoopgurlz. DC Cobras played the Georgia Metros two times at the Roundball Classic & RR held A. Manning to a 4pt avr. forcing her to take tough shots & pass out of the pressure, sometimes causing her to make errant passes & get limited minutes.
I watched the Metros play other teams & they were a whole other team, making dazzling passes & lobs to A Town, which was not happening against the Cobras/HDW.
Regardless what year Neek is, this was a job well done on an upperclassmen & she now probably has soared to the top of a lot of programs' lists!

[WOLFSCOUT]

She made her bones huh? what about Big JJ TM.

[HighLevel]

She made her bones huh? what about Big JJ TM.

There you go Wolf! Lets get down to it. RR got game and so does Patrice, Carleeda and Bernisha but what about big JJ? She's quickly becoming a fan favorite. If you haven't seen this young lady you must check her out. While you're checking her out don't just watch what she does on the court, watch her on the bench and off the court, she has truly developed into a young woman. You'd have to have seen her when she first came on the scene two years ago to feel me on this one.

TM how did she do against the country's best??

[smokeyhip4]

what about Big JJ TM.

Wolf and Mommi
Is Big JJ the 6'4" young lady who plays for the Cobras?
I saw her play at B-Mac against Team Exel and was really impressed. There were some (biased) who claimed she was a little to physical, personally I did not perceive that. She has exceptional hands for her size and finishes. I would put her on my list of centers in this area. When she was out of the game she was the most vocal cheerleader on the bench, I don't know about two years ago but if she continues and gets the numbers academically we might be seeing her on TV.

I am glad to see Neek as you call her busting some butt. Hopefully, she will get some pub nationally. :cool:

[teammom4]

Now you're talking my talk!
I love her..HL, I'm totally feelin you, I was there! JJ has grown into a true balla!! On & off the court as you say! I LOVE IT!:)
Now to business...when she was allowed to play..(back-up collegiate refs..worse in the world!) SHE WAS A MONSTER! She sent messages to anyone who THOUGHT they were coming down low. And when she was able to rebound or get a clean pass she would SHOW-OFF, turn around jumper from about 10ft fading away! Nice footwork...help defense..ball handling, passing out of the DOUBLE sometimes TRIPLE team teams, namely Ga. Metros, put on her. All while jabbing her jaws a little, as if the physical intimidation isn't enough! Too Physical..had to be a hater.:) Naw, but she plays the game right for somebody her size, and the opposition and the refs can take credit for creating the monster. People play her so rough & she gets no calls, but as soon as she moves they call against her. Thus folks.... A 6'4" 16 y/o MONSTER!
Don't get me wrong as I am my kids' biggest fan, I am also their biggest critic and JJ knows she has work to do & is willing to do it...& if knowing is half the battle, I'll say she looking good!
Oh, and she started this year with a 2.9 & finished averaging a 3.0. She is A ok in the grades department. Count her IN, in the '09s.

[asiancoach]

No secret I am into the younger girls my belief is that the kids that are seniors that have commited are now of no interest to most colleges looking for their next big signee. So with that said I will take the IH list of 25 (which I believe there are several that are ommited), and find my top ten from HIS list and give them a score based on criteria that I use to analyze. I don't know much about 3 of his players so they aren't included. This is very debatable so have fun.

Alphabetical Order

1. Marissa Brock - High marks(9) size for position, speed and athletism SCORE: 70

2. Ataira Franklin - High marks(10)strength, rebounding, aggresivness SCORE: 81

3.. Myesha Goodwin - High Marks(10)ballhandling, passing SCORE: 65

4.. Jasmine Johnson - High Marks(10) speed, athletism SCORE: 78

5. Jazmin Pitts - High Marks (10) strength, rebounding, agressivness SCORE: 74

6. Ronika Ransford - High Marks (10) speed, athletism SCORE: 79

7. Tierra Smith - High Marks (10) strength, agressivness SCORE: 65

8. LaShay Taft - High Marks(10) shooting SCORE: 70

9. Destiny White - High Marks (8) strength, rebounding SCORE: 70

This for entertainment purposes only, and in NO MEANS infer that a higher score indicates a better player. There are several others that have higher score that are not on the list but the scores are also weighted by position thus my top ten based on RBR's list.

HAVE FUN

[smokeyhip4]

No secret I am into the younger girls my belief is that the kids that are seniors that have commited are now of no interest to most colleges looking for their next big signee. So with that said I will take the IH list of 25 (which I believe there are several that are ommited), and find my top ten from HIS list and give them a score based on criteria that I use to analyze. I don't know much about 3 of his players so they aren't included. This is very debatable so have fun.

Alphabetical Order

1. Marissa Brock - High marks(9) size for position, speed and athletism SCORE: 70

2. Tiara Butler - High marks(10)speed, athletism SCORE: 77

3. Ataira Franklin - High marks(10)strength, rebounding, aggresivness SCORE: 81

4. Myesha Goodwin - High Marks(10)ballhandling, passing SCORE: 65

5. Jasmine Johnson - High Marks(10) speed, athletism SCORE: 78

6. Jazmin Pitts - High Marks (10) strength, rebounding, agressivness SCORE: 74

7. Ronika Ransford - High Marks (10) speed, athletism SCORE: 79

8. Tierra Smith - High Marks (10) strength, agressivness SCORE: 65

9. LaShay Taft - High Marks(10) shooting SCORE: 70

10. Destiny White - High Marks (8) strength, rebounding SCORE: 70

This for entertainment purposes only, and in NO MEANS infer that a higher score indicates a better player. There are several others that have higher score that are not on the list but the scores are also weighted by position thus my top ten based on RBR's list.

HAVE FUN

Asian,
Can you please explain your system of scoring? I like this kind of stuff and want clarification before commenting.

P.S. Tell them all who rocks????:cool:

[asiancoach]

Smokey sorry to leave you hanging, points on a scale of 1-10 given for, size for position, strength, speed, rebounding, ball handling, passing, shooting, defense, aggresivness, and athletism. The scale would not change per position meaning a center who can dribble up the court with onlt one hand would get the same score as a point guard that can dribble up the court with only one hand. However the point guards score would be weighted heavier because she should be able to dribble. Thus some players may have a higher score but may be on a lower level. Hope you follow it is a little deeper but this is the basic.
I don't rank any players because I feel it is unfair, it can leave the impression that the #2 ranked player is better than the #5 ranked player and that may not be the case. So everyone is a score and an evaluation.
Note: These numbers are from April 1, 2007.

Smokeyhip Rocks!!!