Class of 2018 Brinae Alexander of Murfreesboro, Tenn., won a state championship on Saturday and then starred at the #CoachHemiShowcase on Sunday. Photo cred – Nakita Hemingway
LEBANON, Tenn., – The Coach Hemi Showcase has become one of the premiere individual showcase events that takes place in the Volunteer state twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Event coordinator, Jonathan Hemingway, along with head trainer, Christian Simmons, are vastly growing this event into a must-attend showcase that has brought in some great talent over the past several years.
NEB Media was in attendance for this year’s CoachHemi.com Spring Showcase. This article will consist of coverage from multiple players at the Coach Hemi Showcase.
By: Tim Lownsdale @NEB_Media
2016
Jessee Wallis, 5’11 G, Rhea Co. HS, Dayton, TN – Jessee was the lone unsigned senior that was at the Hemi Showcase. Wallis displayed a nice ability to knock down perimeter shots as well as pulling up for the mid-range jumper. When given the opportunity, Wallis attacked the glass finishing there as well. A strong bodied guard, Wallis showed her capability to play at the D-1 level.
(Editor’s note – Wallis has since signed to play at Walter State CC in Morristown, Tenn.)
2017
Abbi Buck, 5’7 G, Pickett County HS, Byrdstown, TN – When looking for a true 3-point threat, look no further than Abbi Buck. Buck was one of the better outside shooters at the event starting one of the games out with an impressive 3-for-3 in the first few minutes of the game. Buck is one of the states better three point shooters and is known for doing so.
Taelor Manning, 5’8 G, White Station HS, Memphis, TN – Manning was a very smooth guard that came with some skill. She showcased her ability to see the floor well and played unselfish basketball setting her teammates up for easy buckets. Manning was also a threat from the outside with the ability to knock down an occasional three. Her athleticism also made her a stingy defender on the ball while being active away from the ball.
2018
Brinae Alexander, 5’11 F, Riverdale HS, Murfreesboro, TN – Brinae came into the Hemi Showcase one day after winning a state championship with Riverdale HS. Brinae was one of the top players at the Hemi Showcase showing off her versatility to play on the perimeter or in the post. Brinae’s play-making ability was never in question as she performed at a very high level at the Hemi Showcase.
Hannah Barber, 5’6 G, Homewood HS, Homewood, AL – Hannah was one of the highlites to this event for me. Barber was a nice guard who came with skill, high IQ, and the ability to create her own. Hannah was consistently knocking down 3’s as well as taking her defender off the dribble. Defensively, she held her own against some of the other teams best players. Hannah currently holds offers from Southern Miss, Samford, and Alabama.
Jordyn Cambridge, 5’8 G, Ensworth HS, Nashville, TN – Cambridge is a name that is probably familiar to most people. Cambridge, who performed very well at the Hemi Fall Showcase, performed at a high level once again at the Hemi Spring Showcase. Cambridge was tough for anyone to guard in the 5-on-5 and was also a lock down defender. Jordyn proved herself once again adding validity to her top 50 national ranking.
Jordan Elder, 5’7 G, Rivercrest HS, Joiner, AR – Elder was a newcomer to the Hemi Showcase and did not disappoint. Elder, who is a very similar player to the previously mentioned Hannah Barber, showed her ability to create her own, shoot off the dribble, as well as creating shots for teammates. Elder is a definite stockriser from this event and is on the verge of a breakout summer.
Savanna Owens, 5’9 PG, Briarcrest Christian School, Memphis, TN – Owens was one of the better point guard’s at the Hemi Showcase this year. Owens runs the true point guard role and did very well in doing so. She did a great job of finding teammates, but also kept the defender true by scoring at the basket when given the opportunity. Savanna’s athleticism and quick feet also made her one of the better on-ball defenders at the event.
Cameron Swartz, 5’11 G, Fellowship Christian School, Marietta, GA – Swartz is a player that stood out to me immediately. She elevates well on her shot, has nice handles in tight spaces, and has the ability to score the ball in a variety of ways whenever she wants to. Cameron was one of the top players at the event performing at a high level in both the skills training as well as the 5-on-5 competition.
Abby Wilson, 5’4 G, Kingston HS, Kingston, TN – Abby was a player that I had not seen prior to this event. I was very impressed with her game as she was one of the better shooters at the event. Wilson also had great floor vision and rarely forced a bad shot. Wilson’s ability to perform the way she did allowed her to separate herself from the others that had similar style game.
2019
Madison Ferguson, 5’6 G, Heritage Christian School, Indianapolis, IN – Ferguson was a guard that played with tons of energy. Her energy to go along with her being one of the top shooters at the event makes her a very impressive young prospect. Ferguson was consistently knocking down shots from all over the floor while also finding open teammates for easier scoring opportunities. Ferguson definitely came out of the Hemi Showcase as one of the top young prospects at this event.
Madison Griggs, 5’8 G, Houston HS, Memphis, TN – Griggs was another newcomer to the event and performed well over the two day event. Griggs displayed tons of athleticism that was matched with an impressive offensive game. Madison handled the ball very well against pressure, scored off the drive, as well as hitting shots from the outside. Griggs’ stock is up after this event and is a player that could find herself in some national rankings list.
Jayla Hemingway, 5’10 G, Houston HS, Memphis, TN – Jayla continued to impress all media outlets that were at the Hemi Showcase. The thing about Jayla is that despite her already being an elite player, she continues getting better or adding something to her game each time we see her. This time it was the improvement of her ball handling as well as a quicker release on her shot. Jayla continues to solidify herself as a top 10 player in the country in her class.
NaKaya Hughes, 6’1 W, Saint Thomas More, Champaign, IL – NaKaya was an intriguing young prospect that I had yet to see prior to this event. Hughes was an athletic wing who perfomed at an impressive level. Hughes crashed the glass with every opportunity which in return gave her team multiple second chance opportunities. Hughes also did a nice job of finishing through contact scoring several “and-1” opportunities. Hughes is an impressive young prospect that coaches should watch when given the chance.
2020
Emma Capps, 6’1 F, North Cumberland MS, Crossville, TN – Emma was the best young big prospect at the event. Capps showcased the ability to play the 3-5 spots on the floor offensively while being able to defend those same spots on the defensive side. Capps is a very intriguing prospect with a high ceiling. She is a player that you will hear about for several years to come.
Lindsey Freeman, 5’10 G, SouthSide Middle School, Mount Juliet, TN – Lindsey was one of the top young guard prospects at the event. Her athletic ability mixed with her above average skillset makes her a dynamic guard with tons of upside to her game. Freeman was very impressive throughout the 5-on-5 competition. Freeman is a must watch young guard prospect for college coaches to get in on early.
Aaron Grace Lester, 5’7 G, Lebanon MS, Lebanon, TN – Freeman was a player that caught my attention in games as she came with some athleticism, a nice fundamental game, and the ability to score in a variety of ways. Lester displayed a very solid over all game scoring in different ways, finding teammates, and understanding where to be on the floor. Lester is a solid young prospect that is going to be good for years to come.
Tim Lownsdale is the feature evaluator and writer for NEB Media. He has spent several years watching girls basketball in the state of Tennessee and beyond. Follow the updates from Tim in the gym on Twitter @NEB_Media and @TLownsdale.
