NYPost.com girls basketball beat writer Joseph Staszewski spent the weekend at the Blue Chip USA Invitational in York, Pa. After watching more than a dozen games, he breaks down some of New York City’s standouts and future stars below.
SAVvY SENIORS
Kelsey Carey, St. Joseph Hill (NYC Heat)
A year ago, she appeared shell-shocked as the game moved a little faster than she was accustomed to. That’s no longer the case for the rising senior forward. Now she’s finishing her gorgeous moves around the basket and handling the ball better. Heat coach Kevin White felt Carey outplayed Tasia Butler, the No. 18-ranked wing in the Class of 2013 by HoopGurlz. Carey has drawn interest from Lehigh, Lafayette, Bucknell, Fairfield and Wagner, and should get even more attention soon.
Zakiya Mason, John F. Kennedy (Baseline)
Grades and SAT’s could be a stumbling block, but there is no question about her potential. She had her biggest impact off the bench for Baseline. A rising senior point guard, Mason provided instant energy for Baseline, distributed the ball well to her teammates and was a nuisance on defense. She’s only scratched the surface of her abilities.
Kristen Olsen, Curtis (NYC Heat)
The rising junior guard is one of the city’s deadliest shooters and playing for Bob Daggett has only elevated her basketball IQ. She has already taken visits to Bryant and Assumption and has interest from Stony Brook, among other Division I schools. Coaches, if you need a tough, smart scorer who can get hot at any time, she is worth a long look.
Amani Tatum, Archbishop Molloy (NYC Bulldogs)
The fiery point guard showed why she is Delware’s top choice and will have more offers in addition to Hartford rolling in soon. Tatum is great fit at the mid-major level because of her ability to run a team, get in the lane and desire to win. Her jumper is also steadily improving. If she continues to knock down 3-pointers, some high majors may get in the mix.
FRESH FACES
Talia Best, Bishop Loughlin (Baseline)
The 5-foot-9 rising junior is a bit raw, but is developing a little more each time out. Best can shoot the mid-range jumper, handle the ball and even bang in the paint. She could be a very important piece for coach Kasim Alston and the Lions next year.
Kadijah Dixon, Mary Louis (NYC Heat)
Expect to be hearing this name a lot coming out of Jamaica Estates. The 5-foot-8 rising sophomore is extremeley athletic and Heat coach Kevin White is seeing vast improvement in her game. Dixon’s perimeter skills are begining to expend as she looks to become more of a wing.
Sabrina Friscia, Moore Catholic (NYC Heat)
The Mavericks already have one of the best rising sophomore in the city in 6-foot-4 Dina Motrechuck and Friscia, an incoming freshman, has a chance to join her as part of a young core. The 5-foot-10 standout has shown she can hit the jumper and as she matures, can become a strong, physical presence inside.
Aryn McClure, Archbishop Molloy (NYC Bulldogs)
The 5-foot-11 forward is a bit of a pogo stick in the paint. She is able to use her long arms and thin frame to sky over opponents on the glass. While her offensive games needs some more polish, there is plenty of upside to this underclassman.