May 5-7-, Scranton, PA
*Matt Evans- NE2K, Scout
Scranton, Pennsylvania was full of individual talent with teams did not disappoint at Riverfront Sports. Multiple teams from multiple states, came to showcase their talents in front of a heavy Division II and Division III college coach audience. Team Melo, Team Exodus 17U EYBL, NEPA Elite, SMAC Elite E40, Team Exodus 17U National, Team Sharp, to name a few; really shined. Talented players across the board represented the graduating classes of 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027.
The most talented team, Team Exodus 17U EYBL, highlighting three nationally ranked players in the 2024 Class include; Top 25 ESPN, #3 Kateryna Koval, her high school teammate and AAU teammate ranked #22, Kayleigh Heckel and ranked #24 Leah Harmon, proved why they earned those top rankings. They did not disappoint.
Other players came to play. Showing their ability to handle top ranked defense, handling the ball with poise, shooting the ball consistently from all levels and doing the little things to get their team the edge to win. They proved that they can play on any stage at any moment.
Class of 2024, ESPN #7, Kiyomi McMiller, 17U NEPA, Elite, displayed her entire arsenal. Dribbling and splitting defenders, shooting the long-range 3 and attacking the basket.
Isabella Suero, United NJ East 17U Delaney, kept defenders at bay and on call, using her ability to get to the basket and score.
The Ziogas, 17U NY Hoopers Melious, sisters really showed up and showed out from behind the arc. They are lethal.
17U EVAL and RECAP:
The 17U pool of teams was stacked, all playing their games at Riverfront Sports. Teams like, Team Exodus 17U EYBL, United NJ East 17U, NEPA Elite, NY Hoopers Melious, SMAC Elite, Team Sharp, and many more made the trip to Scranton, PA worth while.
The top players of the Class of 2024 showed exactly why they are labeled “top.” Led by the #3 ranked player, Kateryna Koval, Exodus NYC 17U EYBL, she lived up to the hype. She showed a high level of low and high post moves, dominated the paint, has a high IQ and showed her impeccable movement from basket to basket.
Kateryna’s high school and AAU teammate Kayleigh Heckel, ranked #22, was a treat to watch the whole weekend. Kayleigh’s high-level playmaking ability was on full display as she led her team to an undefeated weekend.
Leah Harmon, ranked #24- Team Exodus 17U EYBL, was the best all-around player on a good Exodus Team. She does everything at a high level, she is very consistent and great on both ends of the floor.
Kiyomi McMiller, ranked #7- NEPA Elite, showed high level of ball handling. She literally has the ball on a string. She creates shots and plays for everyone around her, she was the best guard in Scranton this weekend.
Other great teams I saw this past weekend:
NY Hoopers Melious
SMAC Elite 2025 E40 (they played up in 17U)
Overall, the weekend was great. High level teams, great coaching, impeccable individual talent, and competitive games, showed exactly why these teams and girls deserve high-level praise and high level recruiting. It will be soft to watch how the spring pans out, which college commitments are made, and who takes home the July crown.