Part 2: Tennessee Turkey Jam

The Tennessee Turkey Jam brought out some great talent once again this year. The event featured some of the top teams from six different states as well as some of the top players in those respective states.

NEB Media will give a brief recap of what was seen at the Turkey Jam.

Oak Ridge High School (Oak Ridge, TN)

Oak Ridge picked up a big win over Bolingbrook the first night, and kept the game respectable against Hamilton Heights in the second game. Oak Ridge got solid play at the point guard position in both games from '18 Jaymi Golden. Golden did well against some tough defensive pressure and showed her capability of scoring the ball as well. '18 Mykia Dowdell played aggressively in both games, offensively and defensively, at the forward position and improved her stock with consistent improvement. Her high motor and capability of playing multiple positions on the floor make her a nice prospect. '19 G Jada Guinn played a great game against Bolingbrook, but struggled some against the bigger guards of Hamilton Heights. Oak Ridge will most likely represent the east at the state tournament with a nice group of young prospects.

Norcross High School (Norcross, GA)

Norcross picked up a huge win the first night over Homewood Flossmoor in a tight game where I thought Norcross played very well. Norcross had great guard play from Miami commit, Taylor Mason, as well as Pitt commit, Tehya Lyons. Despite being undersized at the forward position, I thought '18 ,Devyn Wilson, played outstanding basketball for Norcross. She showcased a versatile skill-set as she was capable of handling the ball (momentarily) in the press, knocking down the three ball, or shaking off bigger defenders in the post. USF commit, Vanessa Blagmon, also played very well for Norcross over the two days.

Blackman High School (Murfreesboro, TN)

Blackman is in the midst of trying to figure out life without Chrystal Dangerfield. Despite a rough go at the Turkey Jam, Blackman showed signs of a bright future with some nice young talent. I thought '19 Nia Vanzant & '20 Joelle Patton both showed they had the potential to be nice college prospects. Both guards come with nice athleticism and upside that makes them capable of being very good players. Blackman is a very young team this year, but do have an unsigned senior college player in Taylor Freeman.

North Little Rock High School (Little Rock, AR)

North Little Rock was among several of the good teams that featured some high level talent. North Little Rock cruised to two wins on the weekend and were led by several nice players. '19 Kennady Tucker played well at the point guard position and was also complimented with great guard play from '18 Amber Hawkison and '19 Demyla Brown. The interior was held down by '18 prospect Yo'Myris Morris. There is no doubt that North Little Rock will compete for a state championship this year as well as years to come. North Little Rock has college level prospects for every level.

Bolingbrook High School (Bolingbrook, IL)

Bolingbrook picked up a win this weekend over Mays HS and dropped a game to Oak Ridge. I came away the most impressed with '18 Taylor Robinson. Robinson is a strong guard who shoots and handles it well. She was consistently solid in the two days and makes for an intriguing prospect. Illinois commit, Jnaya Walker, came with a long and lean frame at the forward spot and showcased an ability to play on the perimeter or in the interior. '18, Jahari Smith, played solid despite facing some double teams in the match-up which limited her scoring.

Hamilton Heights (Chattanooga, TN)

Hamilton Heights was the best team at the Turkey Jam. Hamilton Heights saw great play from everyone that touched the floor this weekend. Jazmine Massengil and Elizabeth Balogun both played at a high level as expected this weekend. I was impressed with the improvement of 6'6 '20 Kamilla Soares since the last time I watched her. She seemed to be adapting well to playing with the rest of the group and did a great job of doing what is expected of her. Alabama State signee, Amber Hunt, was on target this weekend knocking down multiple 3's. '19 Rokia Doumbia and '20 Treasure Hunt also contributed their part. It will be tough for anyone to beat Hamilton Heights if they continue to play like they did this past weekend.

Olive Branch High School (Olive Branch, MS)

Olive Branch picked up two convincing wins this weekend. Mississippi State signee, Myah Taylor, did her usual going for 30 in the first game and 16 in the second game. She also had help at the guard position from '18 Mahogany Vaught and '20 Endya Buford. Vaught is an under-recruited guard that D-1's should be inquiring about. She played solid basketball over the two days. Buford looked best in the second game as she went on a tear of scoring points, making great passes, and being a stingy defender. '18 Katie Blackmon also contributed with rebounds and points in the post position.