Lady Choz Mecca 2016

Bronx, NY- On the last weekend of January the New York Lady Gauchos organization hosted the 2015 rendition of The Mecca. The event did not lack star power with two current McDonald’s All Americans in Brianna Fraser & Kiah Gillespie as well as many other young ladies who  came to play. 
 
  Arella Guirantes 5’10” G (Bellport HS, NY 2015)
 
 
She is a scoring combo guard that showed the ability to get her shot off anytime she wanted and has some range on her jump shot. Not only is she able to make jump shots, she demonstrated that she can attack the basket off the dribble making her almost impossible to guard at times. Her length and body type also allowed her to post up and score. She finished her lone game at this event with 41 points facing a double team 3/4 ^th of the game.


Ashanae McLaughlin 5’8” G (Murry Bergtraum HS, 2016)
 
The lanky and athletic NYC style guard usually looked to attack the rim off the bounce. She did move and cut well without the ball when needed although she likes having the ball in his hands. McLaughlin displayed a decent shot as well, but not a knockdown shooter yet (scorer). Lanky and athletic


Kaila Charles 5’11” G (Eleanor Roosevelt HS, MD 2016)
 
She is a very unique blend of size, strength, athletic ability and ball handling skills. She scored in every possible way; whether it’s a jump shot, posting up smaller guards or taking you off the dribble and even knocking down a few three pointers. She is most effective playing in an up-tempo offense. Charles has the tools to be a good defensive player and showed flashes at the event rebounding and playing the passing lanes.
 
 
Morgan Smith 5’11” W (Bishop McNamara HS, MD 2016)
 
Smith is an active and athletic 3-4 player that just makes basketball look easy. She has the ability to be a tremendous on-the-ball defender and showed to be someone who can step in a passing lane for a steal. The best way to describe her is as a pure basketball player; she does a bit of everything and plays hard. 
 

Blessing Ejiofor 6’4” P (Eastside HS, NJ 2016)
 
Ejiofor is a long and athletic post player that is getting better every time she steps on the basketball court. Her offensive game has made vast strides over the past few months. At this point her calling card is her weight and ability to deter shots. As she continues to add strength and a go to move she will be one to keep an eye out for. 
 

Jenna Annecchiarico 5’4” PG (Baldwin HS, 2018)
 
The diminutive guard is the engine that made Baldwin’s team go. She is a scoring combo guard that feels and looked more comfortable playing off the ball right now. She really attacks the basket well and finishes at the rim. She demonstrated the ability to hit catch and shoot shots.
 

Desire Elmore 5’11” W (Capital Prep HS, 2016) 
 
The lefty wing is crafty, deceptively explosive and a natural scorer that got it done at the Mecca. She has a nice first step and loves to attack the basket. Elmore exceled in the open court and did a good job finishing in transition, helping her team in a victory vs. nationally recognized Potter’s House. 
 

Ny-Asia Franklin 6’1” W/F (East Orange NJ 2015)
 
She is a long, athletic face-up ‘4’ that plays with energy on both ends of the floor. She showed the ability to get her shot off verses taller players and was willing to mix it up in the paint. Franklin is a decent shot blocker and extremely effective rebounder. She did a good job playing with her back to the basket as well as facing up. She played hard like she had something to prove. 
 
 
Brianna Jones 5’9” G (North Babylon NY 2015)
 
The Louisville commit, was hampered by leg cramps finishing her lone game at the event with 25 points. The solid built guard excelled at shooting and played with a lot of confidence. Whenever the ball leaves her hand, she thinks it is going in the basket. She faced a double team a majority of the game.