The Lightning Challenge

West-Hempstead, NY- This past weekend I visited the Lightning Challenge, the event hosted well over 100 teams in its high school and middle school divisions. NYGHoops Report was on hand at multiple locations during the weekend, we did not get to see every team in the event. However, from the prospects I did get to see these are some of the standouts form the event.
 
Allison Campbell 5’11 G Central PA Dynamite 2020
 
Another prospect that I’ve seen in the past at middle school events. Scary, but Campbell threated the older high school girls just as she did the middle school girls last year. Dependable ball handler, very efficient scorer and shooter with range to the arc. Showed a willingness to mix it up in the paint area, rebounding and attacking the rim.
 
 
Kadajah Bailey 6’00 G NYC Heat (White) pictured
 
It’s easy to see Bailey has added a few inches to her frame as well as more confidence to her game. The St. Johns University Commit was for sure one of the top prospects in the building. At times she looked like a one--person fast break, playing at a different speed than the opponents. Dominated off the dribble.
 
 
Fanta Ballo 5’06 PG Castle 16U 2019
 
Confident floor general with swagger, handles and stayed in attack mode. Was vocal and displayed the ability to knock down the three-point shot. At times was a pest for opposing PG with her perimeter defense.
 
 
Charity Barnes 6’00 W/F NY Lightning 2019
 
Athletic versatile prospect has guard skills with forward size and strength. Handles and passes well in transition, active on the boards and showed some weak side shot blocking ability. Long athletic built, makes things look smooth and effortless at times. 
 
 
 
Katie Downey 6’01 F Empire State BBall Club 17U
 
The Strong, crafty 3/4 Fordham University commit shot the ball very well from behind the arc; showed ability to take it off the bounce. Was very involved in rebounding on both ends, and found her way to the line. Mismatch type post verse smaller players and showed ability to pass out of double teams.
 
Daysiah Smith 5’05 PG NY Lightning 2019
 
I’m such a sucker for a lefty scorer.. Smith has a scorer’s mentality quick first step and finds ways to beat you off the bounce with a floater. Smith also created offense with her defense coming up with steals playing the passing lanes and turning them into lay-ups. When the defense sagged she showed the ability to knock down the three-point shot. 
 
Caranda Perea 6’02 F Central PA Dynamite 2018
 
Fundamentally sound face up four player. Showed her ability to stretch the defense out to 15 feet with ease. Exploited mismatches and showed basketball IQ.
 
Victoria Jacobs 5’08 G NJ Heat Lightning 2018
 
Strong, smart combo-guard with some scoring ability, finishes at the rim with contact. Created offense off the bounce, effective in drives and dish game.
 
 
Mary Baskerville 6’03 F Connecticut Attack (Garcia) 2018
Faith Johnson-Desilvia 5’05 PG Lightning Flynn (Gold)
Maqui Carrillo 5’08 G MD Lightning 2018
Jayla Brown 5’06 G Castle 17U 2018
Terssa Ortiz 5’07 G NJ Heat Lightning 2019
Faye Parker 6’03 F NEX Elite Russell HS 2019
Jamie Behar 6'01 F NYC heat (WHite) 2020 
Erika PorterE 6’01 F NJ Shoreshots 2020
Maya Bokunewics 5’11 W Central PA Dynamite 2018
Sydney Taylor 5’11 W NYC Heat (White) 2019
Justine Pissot 5’10 G NJ Shoreshots 2022
Sydney Rosenoff 5’07 G LI Renegades (Black) 2021
Madison Brady 5’08 G LI Renegades (Black) 2021
Alison Mcginn 5’09 NJ Shoreshots 2021