Atlantic City Showcase
After a good April in Hampton, May has brought just as many new faces into focus for the staff here at 28Point5Scouting. The May viewing period are really large regional events to keep teams sharp as they continue to get ready for that all important July business trip. The Atlantic City Showcase hosted by Select Events was no different. Our staff got to see teams primarily from the Northeast and Mid Atlantic regions who participate in the Girls Under Armour Association or independent leagues such as the S40 or P24 respectively. Being able to reconnect with former clients as well as seeing familiar faces in new places or better yet new roles and seeing how they’ve changed as they’ve stepped into leadership all of them being at different stages of their journeys. I know what people are thinking, “Former? This is a new service”, and they’re right but I was on a hiatus before joining the 28point5scouting staff but that’s a story for another time. First, the staff at 28Point5Scouting would like to wish a speedy recovery to Angel Allen of the NYC Vipers who experienced some unforeseen medical problems during their game Saturday night. We’re looking forward to seeing her back inside the lines in July. There were some good games during the Atlantic City Showcase like Empire State Blue Flames P24 vs Germantown Lady Panther GUAA (2026), the Shooting Touch vs Sisters Keeper Toronto Team Shy (2025) or even the NYC Vipers vs In The Zone(2025) which had talent for every level between both teams but the Atlantic City Showcase also had a plethora of individual talent for all to see who attended the event this past weekend. In the battle of NY vs MD both team and individual talent was on display. Whether it was the crisp passing of the Empire State Blue Flames P24 or the grit and determination of the Germantown Lady Panther GUAA (2026), this game did not disappoint. The Blue Flames jumped out to a early double digit lead behind the play of Mia Washington, 6’0 ’26 NY, who was in her bag of tricks scoring from all three levels. The same could be said for Morgan Stewart, 5’10 ’26 MD, who had to do it a little differently since they played from behind early. Both players game are a mirror image of each other the pros and cons. They both have a decent handle which allows for them to create off the dribble or create space to shoot. Mia Washington is a little more athletic and Morgan Stewart does a better job of getting her team involved. Serenity Lancaster, 6’2 ’25 CT This young lady and I had a great conversation after watching her a couple times on Saturday dominate in multiple ways. Defensively, she can guard the post and perimeter. She did a great job of blocking and altering shots without fouling. Offensively, she has great bounce on her jumper and a good first step. Her achilles heel is her handle which is good enough to help her now but if she really needs to improve her control of the ball which will allow her to more offensively and create even more of a matchup problem. When we spoke about this she was very receptive and said Thank You! Manners and respect will take you far.. As for schools showing interest in Ms. Lancaster, Sacred Heart, Stony Brook, UMBC and Iona to name a few.
The Impact of Exposure Tournaments on Women’s Youth Basketball Players
Exposure tournaments play a pivotal role in the development and recruitment of women’s youth basketball players. These high-profile events provide athletes with the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of college coaches, scouts, and recruiters, opening doors to potential scholarships and opportunities at the next level. Participating in exposure tournaments exposes players to a higher level of competition, challenging them to elevate their game and demonstrate their capabilities under pressure. The visibility that these tournaments offer can significantly boost a player’s recruitment prospects, as college coaches often attend these events in search of talented prospects to add to their programs.
For young athletes aspiring to play collegiate basketball, exposure tournaments serve as a critical stepping stone in the recruitment process. By performing well in these high-stakes competitions, players can attract the attention of college programs and increase their chances of securing scholarship offers and roster spots. Furthermore, exposure tournaments provide players with a valuable learning experience, allowing them to test their skills against top-tier competition and gain exposure to different playing styles and strategies.
The feedback and insights gained from competing in these events can help players identify areas for improvement and refine their game to maximize their potential. In conclusion, exposure tournaments are instrumental in the development and recruitment of women’s youth basketball players, offering a platform for talent showcase, skill development, and networking opportunities with college programs.