The Girls Philly Live high school event is a prominent basketball showcase held annually in Philadelphia, featuring some of the top high school female basketball players from around the region. The 2024 edition of the event took place from June 13th to June 15th and brought together a diverse array of talent, providing a platform for players to exhibit their skills in front of college recruiters and scouts.
Organized by the PIAA District XII, the event is designed to promote scholastic sports and offer exposure to young athletes aiming to play at the collegiate level. The event is part of a larger series, including Philly Boys Live, aimed at enhancing recruitment opportunities and providing a competitive environment for high school athletes.
Here are some of the key players who made a significant impact:
1. Jada Lynch: A rising sophomore at St. Rose, Lynch displayed her skills as a versatile player. Standing at 5’11”, she averaged 13.1 points and 6.1 rebounds as a freshman. Lynch, part of the Philly Rise 16U team that won the Nike Nationals championship, is known for her strong court presence and high basketball IQ (City of Basketball Love).
2. Madison St. Rose: Hailing from St. John Vianney, St. Rose continues to be a dominant force. Her scoring ability and leadership on the court have made her a standout player. She is a top recruit with several Division I offers, showcasing her potential to play at the next level (City of Basketball Love).
3. Emma Sharkey: Another standout from Archbishop Wood, Sharkey’s performance in the event was noteworthy. Known for her sharp shooting and defensive prowess, she has drawn attention from college scouts and is expected to have a promising future in basketball (City of Basketball Love).
These players, among others, highlighted the depth of talent present at the Girls Philly Live event, making it a crucial platform for rising stars to showcase their abilities and attract college recruiters. The 2024 event continued the tradition of excellence and competitive spirit, showcasing future stars of women’s basketball and offering them a crucial steppingstone towards their athletic and academic futures.
**Brian Wanamaker Named New Head Coach at Texas Wesleyan University**
Fort Worth, Texas – Texas Wesleyan University (TWU) has appointed Brian Wanamaker as the new head coach of its men’s basketball team. Wanamaker, who has been an integral part of the TWU coaching staff for the past four years as an assistant coach, brings a wealth of experience and resilience to his new role.
A native of North Philadelphia, Wanamaker’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. Growing up in a challenging environment, he found solace and purpose in basketball. His talent and hard work led him to perennial powerhouse Roman Catholic High School, where he was mentored by Rasool Hajj. This mentorship not only shaped his basketball career but also instilled in him a passion for coaching and helping young athletes.
Wanamaker played college basketball at Central Connecticut State University and Lon Morris College before transferring to Texas Wesleyan. During his two years at TWU, he was a standout player, earning the title of Conference Player of the Year and becoming a First Team NAIA All-American. Following his graduation, Wanamaker was drafted to the NBA’s D-league. His success on the court extended to a seven-year professional career overseas in Germany and Lithuania.
In 2019, Wanamaker returned to TWU as an assistant coach under Brennen Shingleton, who recently resigned after a successful tenure. Wanamaker’s coaching career, however, faced a significant challenge in September 2022 when he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of cancer. Despite undergoing rigorous treatments, including chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, Wanamaker continued to coach, demonstrating incredible dedication and resilience.
Wanamaker’s battle with cancer has profoundly impacted his outlook on life and coaching. “It changed my life in the sense of valuing time even more so than before,” he said. His determination to fight the disease while supporting his family and team has inspired many around him.
As head coach, Wanamaker aims to continue fostering a disciplined and supportive environment for his players, much like his mentor did for him. He is committed to not only improving their skills on the court but also helping them grow as individuals.
“I look forward to being more active on the sideline and competing for a conference championship,” Wanamaker said, expressing his excitement for the upcoming season.
With his unique blend of personal and professional experience, Brian Wanamaker is set to lead Texas Wesleyan’s basketball team to new heights, embodying the spirit of resilience and dedication.
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.
1. Chaz Davis – Bayard Rustin (6’7″): Davis is a versatile forward with a strong inside-outside game. He excels in the post with his scoring ability and rebounding prowess. Davis also possesses a reliable mid-range jumper and can stretch the floor with his shooting. His size and length make him a factor on the defensive end, where he can protect the rim and contest shots effectively.
2. Ameen Conway – P.E.T (6’5″): Conway is an athletic forward with the ability to finish above the rim. He’s a threat in transition and on the offensive glass, using his leaping ability to secure rebounds and score on putbacks. Conway also shows promise as a defender, using his athleticism to guard multiple positions.
3. Yahya Diako – Mastery North (6’3″): Diako is a skilled forward with a diverse offensive skill set. He’s capable of scoring inside and outside, using his size and agility to create mismatches. Diako’s ability to handle the ball and shoot from distance makes him a versatile offensive threat. While he may be undersized for his position, Diako compensates with his basketball IQ and defensive effort.
4. Nelson Lamiznana – West Chester Henderson (6’7″): Lamiznana is a physical forward with a strong presence in the paint. He excels as a rebounder and shot blocker, using his size and strength to dominate the boards. Lamiznana also shows promise as a scorer in the post, with the ability to finish through contact. His defensive prowess and rim protection make him a valuable asset on that end of the floor.
5. Tariq Jennings – West Catholic (6’6″): Jennings is a versatile forward with a well-rounded skill set. He’s capable of scoring in a variety of ways, including driving to the basket and shooting from outside. Jennings’ size and athleticism also make him a factor on defense, where he can guard multiple positions effectively.
6. Noah McIntosh – Cardinal O’Hara (6’5″): McIntosh is an athletic forward with a high motor and strong rebounding ability. He excels in transition, using his speed and agility to finish at the rim. McIntosh also shows promise as a defender, using his athleticism to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots.
7. Jahad Marble – SLA (6’5″): Marble is a skilled forward with a smooth shooting stroke and good court vision. He’s adept at scoring from all three levels and can also facilitate for his teammates. Marble’s size allows him to see over defenders and make precise passes.
8. Jamai Stewart-Herring – (6’5″): Stewart-Herring is a versatile forward with a strong inside-outside game. He’s capable of scoring in the post and knocking down shots from beyond the arc. Stewart-Herring’s size and athleticism also make him a factor on defense, where he can guard multiple positions effectively.
9. DJ Thomas – New Hope (6’6″): Thomas is a physical forward with a strong presence in the paint. He excels as a rebounder and shot blocker, using his size and athleticism to dominate the boards. Thomas also shows promise as a scorer in the post, with the ability to finish through contact. His defensive prowess and rim protection make him a valuable asset on that end of the floor.
10. Jeremiah White – Imhotep (6’6″): White is a versatile forward with a diverse skill set. He excels in driving to the basket and finishing through contact. White’s size and athleticism also make him a factor on defense, where he can guard multiple positions effectively.
1. Xavion Ayala – Leap Academy (6′): Ayala is a dynamic point guard with excellent court vision and passing ability. He’s adept at running the offense and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. Ayala’s size allows him to see over defenders and make plays in traffic.
2. Jalen Brown – James M Bennett (5’8″): Brown is a quick and elusive point guard who excels in pushing the pace and creating opportunities in transition. Despite his size, he demonstrates fearlessness driving to the basket and finishing among taller defenders. Brown’s defensive tenacity and ball-handling skills make him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor.
3. Hajir Davis – Winslow (5’11”): Davis is a shifty point guard with excellent ball-handling skills and scoring ability. He’s capable of breaking down defenses off the dribble and finishing at the rim. Davis also shows promise as a facilitator, making smart decisions with the ball and finding open teammates.
4. Titus Dawson Covenant College Prep (5’9″): Dawson is a crafty point guard with a high basketball IQ and great court vision. He’s adept at running the pick-and-roll and finding teammates in scoring positions. Despite his size, Dawson compensates with quickness and a good understanding of angles on both ends of the floor.
5. Khayr Graves – First Philadelphia (5’10”): Graves is a lightning-quick point guard with the ability to change direction on a dime. He’s a scoring threat from anywhere on the court, capable of hitting pull-up jumpers or driving to the basket. Graves’ defensive intensity and anticipation make him a disruptive force on that end of the floor.
6. Josh Gibbs – West Philly (5’11”): Gibbs is a skilled floor general with a smooth shooting stroke and excellent decision-making ability. He’s capable of running the offense and making plays for his teammates, utilizing his basketball IQ and court vision. Gibbs’ size allows him to defend both guard positions effectively.
7. Khalid Jenkins – Abington (6′): Jenkins is a versatile point guard with the ability to score from all three levels. He’s a threat from beyond the arc, off the dribble, and in the mid-range game. Jenkins’ size and strength also make him a factor on the defensive end, where he can guard multiple positions.
8. Kai Jackson (5’11”): Jackson is a fearless point guard with a knack for scoring in traffic. Despite his size, he’s able to finish through contact and absorb fouls. Jackson’s quickness and ball-handling skills allow him to create separation and get to his spots on the floor.
9. Lemann Johnson – Brandywine (6′): Johnson is a versatile point guard with a strong understanding of the game. He’s capable of running the offense and making smart decisions with the ball. Johnson’s size and athleticism make him a factor on defense as well, where he can disrupt passing lanes and contest shots.
10. Kendall McCray (5’8″): McCray is a speedy point guard with excellent agility and ball-handling skills. He excels in transition, pushing the pace and creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Despite his size, McCray competes on the defensive end with tenacity and quick hands.
11. Malachi Montgomery – Lincoln (6′): Montgomery is a skilled point guard with a smooth shooting stroke and great court vision. He’s adept at running the offense and making plays for his teammates. Montgomery’s size allows him to see over defenders and make precise passes.
12. Destined McCray (6′): McCray is a dynamic point guard with a quick first step and explosive athleticism. He’s capable of breaking down defenses and finishing above the rim. McCray’s defensive intensity and ability to disrupt passing lanes make him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor.
13. Ogona Obayi – Cardinal O’Hara (6′): Obayi is a versatile point guard with a well-rounded skill set. He’s a capable scorer from all three levels and can also distribute the ball effectively. Obayi’s size and athleticism make him a factor on defense, where he can guard multiple positions and create turnovers.
14. Teddy Pendergrass 3rd – The Phelphs (6′): Pendergrass is a tenacious point guard with a high motor and strong defensive instincts. He’s capable of applying pressure on ball handlers and forcing turnovers. Offensively, Pendergrass is a capable scorer who can knock down shots from outside and finish at the rim.
15. Damon Rawls – Abington (5’5″): Rawls is a diminutive yet crafty point guard with exceptional quickness and ball-handling skills. He uses his speed to blow past defenders and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Despite his size, Rawls competes on the defensive end with tenacity and determination.
16. Kameen Rollons – Woodbury (5’11”): Rollons is a skilled point guard with a smooth shooting stroke and excellent court vision. He’s adept at running the offense and making plays for his teammates. Rollons’ size allows him to see over defenders and make precise passes.
17. Jasir Walker – (6′): Walker is a dynamic point guard with a versatile skill set. He’s a capable scorer from all three levels and can also distribute the ball effectively. Walker’s size and athleticism make him a factor on defense, where he can guard multiple positions and create turnovers.
18. Nyshaun Hook – Mastery Camden (6′): Hook is a dynamic point guard with a quick first step and excellent ball-handling ability. He excels in driving to the basket and finishing through contact. Hook’s defensive intensity and ability to disrupt passing lanes make him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor.
19. Brian Nelson -Del Castle(5’10”): Nelson is a skilled point guard with a smooth shooting stroke and good court vision. He’s capable of running the offense and making plays for his teammates. While he may be undersized, Nelson compensates with his quickness and basketball IQ on both ends of the floor.
20. Kevin Carter – MCS (5’9″): Carter is a quick and agile point guard with the ability to break down defenses off the dribble. He’s a capable scorer from outside and has a knack for finishing in traffic. Carter’s defensive intensity and anticipation make him a disruptive force on that end of the floor.
1.Naeem Colston- Fels (6’4 Shooting Guard)Colston is a hard nose guard with a relentless energy. All day long we witnessed tough play after tough play. He finishes well against contact and against bigger defenders. He showed his great athleticism while finishing transition with dunks. Colston scored from all 3 levels.
2. Sa’ir Alsbrooks – MCS (6’6″ Wing Forward): Alsbrooks is a versatile forward with a high basketball IQ. He excels in the mid-range game and has the ability to score in traffic. Alsbrooks’ length and agility make him a solid defender who can guard multiple positions effectively.
3. Zack Campbell – Dobbins (6’3″ Wing Forward): Campbell is a versatile forward with a smooth shooting stroke and solid defensive instincts. He’s capable of knocking down shots from beyond the arc and finishing around the rim. Campbell’s length and athleticism also make him a disruptive presence on defense.
4. Jon Clark – Rock Top (6’4″ Wing Guard): Clark is a versatile guard with a smooth shooting stroke and good defensive instincts. He’s capable of scoring from anywhere on the court and can also contribute as a playmaker for his teammates. Clark’s size and athleticism make him a solid perimeter defender.
5. Hasan Dawson – Fels (6’5″ Wing Forward): Dawson is a strong, physical wing player who thrives in the paint. He’s adept at scoring through contact and grabbing rebounds on both ends of the floor. While he may need to work on his outside shot, his defensive intensity and rebounding make him a valuable asset.
6. Jabrelle Dennison (6’4″ Wing Guard): Dennison showcases excellent athleticism and versatility on both ends of the floor. His ability to drive to the basket combined with his solid perimeter shooting makes him a threat on offense. Defensively, he has the length and agility to guard multiple positions effectively.
7. Jasir Dean – ECH (6’4″ Combo Guard): Dean is a skilled ball-handler and playmaker who can create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His ability to shoot from outside and drive to the basket keeps defenders guessing. Dean also shows promise on the defensive end with his quick hands and footwork.
8. Eli Ephraim – The Heights (6’2″ Point Guard): Ephraim is a crafty point guard with a high basketball IQ and excellent court vision. He’s adept at running the pick-and-roll and finding open teammates for easy buckets. While he may not possess elite athleticism, Ephraim’s basketball instincts allow him to make an impact on both ends of the floor.
9. A.J. McKinnie – Simione (6’3″ Point Guard): McKinnie is a dynamic point guard with excellent ball-handling skills and scoring ability. He’s a threat to drive to the basket or pull up for a jumper off the dribble. McKinnie’s passing ability and defensive intensity round out his game as a floor general.
10. Cameron Rembert – Vaux (6’2″ Guard): Rembert is a skilled guard with a smooth shooting stroke and good court vision. He’s capable of running the offense and making plays for his teammates. While he may be undersized, Rembert compensates with his quickness and basketball IQ on both ends of the floor.
11. Daiysaan Trusty – Eastside (6’6″ Power Forward): Trusty is a physical presence in the paint with the ability to score and rebound at a high level. He’s capable of finishing through contact and cleaning up the glass on both ends of the floor. Trusty’s size and strength make him a force in the post defensively as well.
12. Nasseem Wright- MCS (6’7″ Wing Forward): Wright possesses impressive size and athleticism for a wing player. He’s a capable scorer both inside and outside, with the ability to stretch the floor with his shooting. Wright’s length also makes him a factor on defense, where he can alter shots and grab rebounds.
13. Amir Speights (6’5″ Wing Forward): Speights is a dynamic forward with a diverse skill set. He excels in transition, using his athleticism to finish at the rim or make plays for his teammates. Speights’ size also allows him to contribute on the boards and defend multiple positions.
Urban Sports Rescue 