NJ Belles Fall Kick-Off (20219)

Neptune, NJ- This past Saturday, NJ Belles hosted their Fall Kickoff event at Hoopgroup HQ. Prior to attending the event I was not too familiar with this event and the talent is drew. However, after taking in the action at the one-day event I can say it was well worth the hour and fifteen-minute drive south. Although the event only had 16 teams, what it lacked in quantity it surely made up in quality. My first look back on this event will focus primarily on younger prospects. 
 
 
 
Taylor Derkack 5’7 G NJ Belles (2024)
 
Taylor could have arguably been one of the most skilled young players I got to see during the event. She played both on and off the ball as equally and effectively. Scorers mentality, uses subtle moves to create separation and at times she will post up smaller guards.  
 
 
Grace Kinum5’6 G New Providence Pioneers (2024)
 
The younger sister of Katie Kinum (UPenn), did not take long to notice her. The long slender guard will only continue to improve as she adds more strength. Displayed adequate ball handling skills, nice touch from the perimeter and had good hoopsIQ and a competitive spirit. 
 
 
Meghan Gentile5’6 G NJ Belles (2023)
 
Gentile played bigger than her listed size. Dependable ball handler that plays with pace. I saw her navigate playing off ball screens. In pick and roll actions she made the right reads on whether to score or to set up teammates as a playmaker. She finished at the rim through contact with a scoring mentality.
 
 
Sophia Sanchez5’6 PG NJ Freedom (2024)
 
Sanchez was an unknow to me prior to this event. However, three possessions into the first game I started to take notes on her. Has handles, plays with some swag, see the floor, has the quicks to take you off the bounce and the strength to draw contact and finish. Played equally as hard on both ends. 
 
 
Devon Quigley5’7 G NJ Belles (2024) 
 
Quigley is a name that has been out there for a while. She backed that up with her play at the Kick-off. Not much of a flashy player. In the past she was more of a pass first PG, that got teammates involve and always figure out ways to win. She has added more of a scorers mentality using her size, quickness and ball handling to get downhill and finish.  
 
Juliana Almeda5’6 G NJ Freedom (2024)
 
Almeda is one of those players that when you survey the floor she is always in the action. Athletic G/W plays bigger than her listed size, two-way player that can get it done in a variety of ways. I like her unselfishness, willingness to rebound and defend.  When needed she scored the ball in a bunch of ways was strong finishing in transition. 
 
 
Olivia Isaaccson 5’ G NJ Freedom (2024) 
Charlotte Bradley5’8 G NJ Belles (2026) 
Lauren Winant 5’11 CJ Hawks (2022)
Sophia Valente5’8 W NJ Freedom (2024)
Christina Ramos 5’4 PG Neptune Crush (2025) 
Katie CollinG NJ Belles Select (2024)
Cassidy Kruessi 5’3 G Neptune Crush(2025) 
Carley Lapinsky5’11 F NJ Belles Select (2024)
Hannah Orloff 6’3 P CJ Hawks (2021)
McKenne Karlson 5’8 NJ Belles Select (2024)