education

2025 UNSIGNED SHOWCASE – EVALAUTIONS (Girls)

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The 2025 Urban Sports Rescue Unsigned Senior Showcase for girls, held on April 13 at Imhotep Charter in Philadelphia, featured a diverse group of uncommitted high school seniors showcasing their basketball talents. The event included two competitive games: Lady Warriors vs. Hoop Queens and Court Crushers vs. Lady Sting.

🏀 Game 1: Lady Warriors (Class of 2026) vs. Hoop Queens (Class of 2025)

🔹 Lady Warriors Roster (Class 2026)

  • Anai Kenyatta (5’5″ PG, 2026): Demonstrated excellent court vision and leadership, effectively directing the team’s offense.
  • Geren Hawthorne (5’11” WF, 2026): Utilized her length and athleticism to impact the game on both ends, contributing scoring all 3 levels and rebounding.
  • Crystal Hawthorne (5’11” PF, 2026): Provided strong interior presence, battling for rebounds and defending the paint.
  • Janiyah Brown (5’1″ PG, 2026): Displayed quickness and agility, facilitating ball movement and creating scoring opportunities.
  • Ciana Blake (5’7″ PG, 2026): Showcased her ability to drive to the basket and distribute the ball effectively.
  • Isabella Allen (6’2″ C, 2026): Dominated the boards, providing crucial rebounds and interior defense.
  • Amayah Thurman (5’7″ SF, 2026): Contributed with perimeter shooting and defensive versatility.
  • Emma Raif (6′ F, 2025): Plays hard, rebounds well and great teammate. Offense getting better.
  • T’shia Forsythe (6’2 F, 2025) Great length, finishes well, blocks shots, and runs the floor well.
  • Abigail Ebana (5’7 PG, 2025) Fast with ball, good scorer and defender. Solid jumper and good athlete.
  • Janeliss Laboy (5’5″ G, 2026): Brought energy off the bench, applying defensive pressure and facilitating transition plays.

🔹 Hoop Queens Roster

  • Seymya Snipe (6’0″ C/PF, 2025): Utilized her size and strength to control the paint, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor.
  • Ciani Cottrell (5’11” PF, 2025): Provided solid interior defense and rebounding, anchoring the team’s defense.
  • Jannah Muhamma (5’2″ PG, 2025): Demonstrated quickness and ball-handling skills, effectively managing the team’s offense.
  • Miesha Ford (5’4″ SG, 2025): Showcased her shooting ability, contributing points from the perimeter.
  • Symphany Hinson (5’10” C/F, 2025): Provided a strong presence in the paint, securing rebounds and protecting the rim.
  • Samiyah Williams (5’6″ SG, 2025): Displayed versatility on both ends, contributing to scoring and defense.
  • Justine Cardona (5’4″ G, 2025): Brought energy and defensive tenacity off the bench.
  • India Webb (5’8″ CG, 2025): Showcased versatility by effectively handling the ball and scoring from various positions.

🏀 Game 2: Court Crushers vs. Lady Sting

🔹 Court Crushers Roster

  • Jiah Price (5’8″ CG, 2025): Demonstrated scoring prowess and defensive tenacity, contributing significantly to her team’s performance.
  • Kayla Thompson (5’8″ WG, 2025): Provided perimeter shooting and defensive versatility.
  • Yakira David (5’4″ WG, 2025): Displayed quickness and agility, facilitating ball movement and creating scoring opportunities.
  • Imani Dennis (5’7″ WF, 2025): Contributed with perimeter shooting and defensive versatility.
  • Kemba Brown (5’7″ WF, 2025): Brought energy off the bench, applying defensive pressure and facilitating transition lay.
  • Seymya Snipe (6’0″ C, 2025): Utilized her size and strength to control the paint, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor.
  • Wyiana Bronson (5’2″ PG, 2025): Demonstrated quickness and ball-handling skills, effectively managing the team’s offense.
  • Symphany Hinson (5’10” C, 2025): Provided a strong presence in the paint, securing rebounds and protecting the rim.

🔹 Lady Sting Roster

  • Senaya Parker (5’6″ PG/SG, 2025): Exhibited exceptional ball-handling skills and court awareness, facilitating her team’s offense effectively.
  • Aliyah Cruz (5’9″ SG, 2025): Showcased her shooting ability, contributing points from the perimeter.
  • Anesah Cruz (5’9″ SF, 2025): Provided solid interior defense and rebounding, anchoring the team’s defense.
  • Ikera Ellison (5’8″ F, 2025): Contributed with perimeter shooting and defensive versatility.
  • Jordyn Searles (5’4″ G, 2025): Brought energy and defensive tenacity off the bench.
  • Ciani Cottrell (5’11” F, 2025): Provided solid interior defense and rebounding, anchoring the team’s defense.
  • Aubrey Wroten (6’1″ C, Transfer): Dominated the interior with her rebounding and shot-blocking abilities, anchoring the team’s defense.
  • Destiny Davis (5’7 PG, 2025): Fast, smart playmaker that passes well, and scores the ball. Leader on the court.

For those interested in viewing the full event, the showcase was livestreamed by the Sports Fan Base Network (SFBN) and is available for replay.

2025 UNSIGNED SHOWCASE – EVALAUTIONS (Girls)

The Ballin’ HBCU Premier High School Showcase

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The Ballin’ HBCU Premier High School Showcase: A Celebration of Talent and Community 

On May 11th, 2024, the basketball courts at the 76ers Chase Field House in Wilmington, Delaware, were electrified with the spirit of competition and camaraderie as the Ballin’ HBCU Premier High School Showcase took center stage. This event wasn’t just a display of high-flying dunks and sharpshooting prowess; it was a celebration of the rich cultural heritage and academic excellence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). 

Hosted by the passionate advocate for HBCUs, Rachel Eva Naughton, whose journey began at St. Paul’s College, the showcase was a testament to her dedication to promoting the values and opportunities provided by HBCUs. The event was sponsored by AND1, a company synonymous with streetball and basketball culture, known for supporting high school and AAU teams across the United States. 

As the doors opened, attendees were greeted by the vibrant sounds of an HBCU-inspired band, setting the tone for an unforgettable day. The showcase featured a girls’ game that kicked off at 4:30 pm, followed by a Jr. NBA game, and culminated with the boys’ game at 7:30 pm. Each game was a display of not just athletic talent but also of the discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship instilled in these young athletes by their coaches and communities. 

Special guests and former NBA players graced the event, offering insights and inspiration to the players and fans alike. The AND1 OG Players brought the flair and excitement that only streetball legends could provide, while cheerleaders and a variety of kids’ activities ensured that there was never a dull moment. 

The showcase was more than just a series of basketball games; it was a cultural event that honored the legacy of HBCUs and their role in shaping leaders on and off the court. Mothers in attendance received a special Mother’s Day gift, a thoughtful touch that underscored the family-oriented nature of the event. 

As the final buzzer sounded, it was clear that the Ballin’ HBCU Premier High School Showcase was not just about who won or lost. It was about community, heritage, and the love of the game. It was a reminder that basketball is more than a sport; it’s a platform for education, empowerment, and unity. 

This showcase will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of all who attended, and it sets a high bar for future events. The Ballin’ HBCU Premier High School Showcase is not just an annual event; it’s a beacon of hope and a celebration of the bright future of HBCUs and their students. 

-Rasool Hajj

The Ballin’ HBCU Premier High School Showcase

Basketball Enrichment Program

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The Urban Sports Rescue after school Basketball enrichment program is a great opportunity for students to learn new skills, have fun, and develop their career awareness. The program is held at Allen Locke School and Martha Washington School and is led by trainers Jermaine Washington and Chris Hunt. The program focuses on providing fun activities for students while also developing their basketball skills. In addition, the program also provides career awareness and mentoring to help students develop their future goals. Conflict resolution is also a key focus of the program, helping students learn how to resolve conflicts in a positive and constructive way.

The program is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all students, regardless of their skill level. Students are encouraged to participate in the program and to develop their skills at their own pace. The program is a great way for students to learn new skills, make new friends, and develop their career awareness. If you are interested in learning more about the Urban Sports Rescue after school Basketball enrichment program, please contact the program’s  coordinators at Allen Locke School And Martha Washington. 

Basketball Enrichment Program