Prep Girls Hoops Missouri got a chance to watch the 15U game at the Nike National Championships in Chicago between Missouri Phenom EYBL and MoKan Elite.
In a thrilling back and forth contest between two evenly matched teams, Missouri Phenom pulled out a last second 55-54 victory to win the championship. Here are some observations from Monday’s championship game.
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Ryenn Gordon Ryenn Gordon 5'7" | PG Centralia | 2027 State MO Provides the Drama: The 5’7″ 2027 point guard from Centralia provided one of the big highlights of the summer season when she made a tough running jumper in the lane at the buzzer to give the Phenom its one-point win and the championship. She really stuffed the stat-sheet as she finished the game with 11 points, four rebounds, six assists and five steals. She is a pass-first point guard, but she asserts herself offensively, she can get a bucket from all three levels. She does a great job of finding openings in the defense and slicing her way into the lane to either score or draw the defense for easy drop offs to teammates. She can also run the pick and roll very well.
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MO PHENOM STANDOUTS
Jordyn Haywood Jordyn Haywood 6'0" | SF MICDS | 2028 MO : The 6’0″ 2028 guard from MICDS was a big factor at both ends of the court as she had 12 points, four rebounds and five steals. She was a disruptive force on the defensive end with her athleticism and great instincts, which led to a number of steals. She is a capable ball handler who was able to get to her spots and get off her jumpers from the middle area.
Simone Walker Simone Walker 6'2" | PF Father Tolton | 2027 State MO : The 6’2″ 2027 forward from Father Tolton had 10 points, six rebounds and a block as she had an excellent battle against MoKan’s tall and talented post players inside. She catches the ball with authority and she flashed some excellent post moves with good footwork and finishing ability. She was excellent in the pick and roll as she showed her mobility. She was active on defense throughout the past week as she was aggressively challenging shots and getting blocks.
Gillian Green: A 5’11” 2028 forward from West Plains who came off the bench to provide some instant offense. She had two impressive possessions where she hit a 3-pointer off the catch, then she had a nice rip through from the top of the key to attack the basket and draw a foul. Her size, physical strength and skill level provides matchup problems for opposing defenses.
Khloe Nicholson: A 6’1″ 2028 guard from Quincy (IL) who had four assists during the game as she displayed some excellent playmaking skills. She was running the pick and roll to perfection as she was dropping some nice dimes to the roller. She can also create her own shot on offense as she could get inside and shoot over smaller defenders or create separation on the perimeter to shoot the step back jumper.
Maddie Vickery: A 6’1″ forward from Washburn Rural (KS) who had seven points and three rebounds in the championship game. She showed her versatile skill set as she scored on the drive and also knocked down a 3-pointer. She also has nice moves in the low post with good footwork.
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MOKAN ELITE STANDOUTS
Destiny Manyawu Destiny Manyawu 6'1" | PF Staley | 2027 State MO : The 6’3″ 2027 forward from Staley had a strong performance with 10 points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots. She gives a good target when she set up shop in the low post. She was catching the ball and finishing well while keeping the ball high. She had some very impressive rim runs as she showed her agility. She causes problems at both ends with her height and length. She had a couple of big putbacks late when the game was in the balance. She recently picked up Power 5 offers from Mississippi and Virginia Tech
Zoey Franklin: A 5’6″ 2027 point guard from Independent School (KS) who scored a team-high 12 points and really took advantage of her physical strength to power her way into the lane for buckets. The young lefty was six of nine from the field with most of those field goals coming on layups on tough drives in the lane. Even at 5’6″ she was able to go into the low post and get buckets as she used her strength and footwork to her advantage.
Brielle Mays Brielle Mays 5'8" | PG Staley | 2027 State MO : A 5’10” 2027 guard from Staley who came off the bench to provide instant energy and the motor was running at full throttle. She had six points and three rebounds in a reserve role. The young lefty was attacking the basket well and she scored one basket on a beautiful spin move in the lane. She was also rebounding and pushing the ball up the court herself to start the break.
Harper Dunn: A 6’6″ 2027 forward from Corona (NM) who is an imposing figure inside with her height and length in the low post. She was a big factor on the offensive boards as she grabbed three and converted two of them for buckets. She posts up well and she is also a good screener. She has a big presence in the lane defensively with her wingspan as well. She also has good mobility and can run the court. She is definitely a high level prospect.
