Nike Girls EYBL 2026 Session 2 - New Orleans (Part 2)
Frances Vollett of Kia Nurse Elite 17 EYBL: One of Canada's best in 2027 now making a name for herself in the USA.
Really too much talent to absorb in one weekend!
June 10, 2026
Before proceeding into discussing players that impressed in New Orleans, let me throw two trivia questions at you! These tie together the now-in-season WNBA with high school basketball. For the most part, the high schools and high school coaches that helped prepare these future pros get overlooked while the colleges these players finished at are much more often mentioned for credit.
Name four U.S. public high schools (in an era when public school talent becomes less and less, moving to private, academy or prep) which each had two of its graduates on active WNBA rosters as of May 31, 2026?
Name the one U.S. private school which had three of its graduates on active WNBA rosters as of May 31, 2026?
Answers below at end of article!
Congratulations to those coaches who helped these 11 players on their journey to the WNBA!
Viewing strategy in New Orleans
The goal was to see at least a half of as many EYBL 17u teams (saw just under 30 of 32) as possible as well as see the better (as least for record from April’s session 1) 16u teams. The 15s were largely not viewed except to see a few like the exceptionally talented, super-young Proskills 15u team. There was simply not enough time to see the Jr. EYBL where even more young talent lay (one reason professional scouts come to more than one Nike club stop).
Below within graduation class are players that stood out when viewed. Several well-known highly ranked players (2027’s and 2028’s) may not have been commented on and noteworthy players discussed in articles earlier this year may also not be mentioned. Players are listed within graduation year with listed height, position and club team with school information as available and any college commitment in parenthesis.
2027
Jazman Bailey. 5-9, point guard, Legynds 17 EYBL (Mansfield Lakeridge High School, Texas).
Recently selected for the USA U17 team, Bailey is a good athlete who can run offense and defends well. Shooting range could be an area to improve on.
Charlotte Cavin, 6-0, wing, Proskills 17 EYBL (Wakefield High School, Texas)
Cavin is one of the top scorers in the 17s shooting the ball well inside and beyond the arc. Offers posted online are just below the Power 4 level (probably looking for an uptick in athleticism). Recently listed in the 2027 ESPN SportsCenter Next 100, maybe Power 4 schools will give this player a serious look in July (if EYBL success had not done so this spring).
Syniah Coachman, 5-11, wing, Missouri Phenom 17 EYBL (Har-Ber High School, Arkansas)
Having Power 4 offers, Coachman has an above average motor and attacks strongly off the bounce.
Geornae Davis, 5-10, shooting guard, Fairfax Stars 17 EYBL (Bishop Ireton High School, Virginia)
Above average athletically, Davis showed three-level scoring for Fairfax, averaging more points for them than her talented high school team!
Harmony Golightly, 5-8, guard, Sports Academy Swish 17 EYBL (Mater Dei High School, California)
Having Power 4 offers, Golightly can play point but is more scorer at heart able to hit the three, pull up or attack the rim.
Vivian Grenald, 6-2, forward, Proformance Athletics 17 EYBL (JSerra Catholic High School, California)
Word is Grenald (justifiably) added Power 4 offers at the New Orleans event. Above average athletically, she plays with a good motor, defends multiple positions hard and can attack the rim. Adding perimeter shooting range might be something to work on. Recently she was listed in the 2027 ESPN SportsCenter Next 100 at #70.
El-Anita Joe-Samuel, 5-11, guard, Jersey Gemz 17 EYBL (Lenape Regional High School, New Jersey)
Joe-Samuel is a good athlete who has a nice pullup and can attack the rim with force. Offers noted online appear to be just below Power 4 level. If so, adding more consistent 3-point range might raise her stock into Power 4 territory.
Seleste Massey, 6-0, wing, Drive Nation 17 EYBL (Boswell High School, Texas)
A quality athlete, Massey is a strong driver. While she can hit the three, improving that skill might add more Power 4 interest.
Kylah Patterson, 6-0, forward, Indy One 17 EYBL (Hammond Morton High School, Indiana)
A bit undersized as an inside player with a good motor, word in the gym was this player is finally receiving non-major Division 1 interest having none prior to New Orleans. The point here is playing in a strong club setting like EYBL 17s can help players below the Power 4 level as well as above in getting recognized by college.
Giaunni Rogers, 5-9, shooting guard, Her Elite 17 EYBL (St. Francis High School, Georgia)
Having Power 4 offers, Rogers has been known as a three-point shooter often needing volume to get her points. To Rogers’ credit, she has shot the ball (inside and beyond the arc) with efficiency through the first two EYBL stops.
Patience Simmons, 6-0, wing, Legynds 17 EYBL (Lone Star High School, Texas)
A division one prospect, Simmons has a good motor, ability to score on the perimeter and drive to the rim. Improving consistency in these areas would raise stock.
Kaylei Thornton, 6-1, forward, Drive Nation 17 EYBL (Wakefield High School, Texas)
A quality athlete, Massey is a strong driver who can hit the three. Offers posted online start just below Power 4 level.
Sophia Towne, 5-10, shooting guard, Team Prime Nation 17 EYBL (Nazareth Academy, Illinois)
Verbally committed to Northwestern University, Towne is very poised and an above average three-point shooter. If observation is indicative, she sometimes settles for the three a bit early in the possession.
Frances Vollett, 6-1, forward Kia Nurse Elite 17 EYBL (Lincoln Prep, Ontario, Canada)
While her team has struggled some in the EYBL, Vollett has posted quality numbers from behind and inside the arc as one of the leading scorers in EYBL 17s. She is opportunistic and moves well without the ball. Having Power 4 offers, she was recently recognized by ESPN SportsCenter Next 100 as prospect #39 for the 2027 class (they include Canadian-based players in the list).
2028
Hailey Benbow, 5-11, guard, Jersey Gemz 17 EYBL (Rutgers Preparatory School, New Jersey)
Having Power 4 offers and considered one of the top prospects in New Jersey’s 2028 class, she shoots the ball well inside and behind the arc. In the two sessions of EYBL, one’s only criticism might be a need for her to cut down on turnovers.
Giovanna Burress, 5-10, shooting guard, Philly Rise 17 EYBL (DePaul Catholic High School, New Jersey)
Another of New Jersey’s top 2028 prospects, this powerful perimeter athlete (father played in the NFL) was one of the top 2028 scorers playing up a year in the EYBL 17s. She shot the ball well inside and beyond the arc. In the two sessions of EYBL, one’s only criticism might be a need to cut down on her turnovers.
Lanae Dallas, 5-9, shooting guard, Cyfair Elite 17 EYBL (Dallas Lincoln High School, Texas)
Having Power 4 offers, Dallas is an above athlete who can hit the three but is of a more threat at the midrange and attacking the rim. Online stats indicate foul shooting (under 60% thru New Orleans session) may need work. Easy to remember: Dallas from Dallas!
Leah DeWitt, 5-9, guard, AEBL 17 EYBL (Marietta High School, Georgia)
Having Power 4 offers, this heady guard can play either guard slot. DeWitt has helped her team to a successful start in its first EYBL 17s season. She is considered one of the best shooters in Georgia.
Meg Moore, 6-0, shooting guard, AL Southern Starz 17 EYBL (Tishomingo High School, Mississippi)
Having Power 4 offers, Moore moved up to the 17s after a successful 16s showing at the EYBL Phoenix stop. Known as a shooter, she has improved her toughness and driving ability.
Taylor Morris, 6-4, forward, Mountain West Premier 17 EYBL (Mesa High School, Arizona)
Having Power 4 offers in hand, Morris shoots the ball well inside and beyond the arc. In watching her in EYBL play, at times adjusting to a very up-tempo game speed could still be improved. Regardless, she has major upside combining height and stroke with generally good mobility.
Amelia Newman, 5-11, shooting guard, Her Elite 16 EYBL (Whitefield Academy, Georgia)
Newman is a Georgia-based player that I was familiar with prior to New Orleans. Her improved (shooting, handles, decisions) overall game since last seen in January has her pointed in the right direction as to Division 1 offers.
Khloe Nicholson, 6-3, guard, Missouri Phenom 16 EYBL (Quincy Senior High School, Illinois)
As a very tall, well-skilled guard with Power 4 offers, Nicholson can do a lot with the ball. From viewing and talking on coaches’ row, at times she is too passive. As the saying goes, “yes, you are good; you still can be better!”
Delaney Noll, 5-10, wing, Indy One 17 EYBL (Homestead High School, Indiana)
With decent size and solid frame, Noll is a perimeter shooter with a solid stroke. Playing up a year in the 17s, she can still improve her percentages in settings with more athletic opposition.
Rylee Seavert, 6-1, forward, North Tartan 16 EYBL (Shanley High School, Noth Dakota)
Seavert is a mobile forward who can step out and shoot the three. She has helped North Tartan to remain undefeated (10-0) through the first two 16s EYBL stops. Current offers listed online are just below the Power 4 level.
Erin Thomas, 6-1, forward, Sports City Angels 17 EYBL (Princeton City High School, Ohio)
Last seen by me over a year ago, Thomas has become more physically mature as well as improved her range beyond the arc. She also showed good movement without the ball. Considered one of the top players in Ohio’s talented 2028 class, she has numerous Power 4 offers.
Sahara Wilson, 6-4, center, North Tartan 17 EYBL (Lakeville North High School, Minnesota)
A strongly built center with good hands, Wilson’s game is in the low-post area. Ranked #42 for 2028 by ESPN SportsCenter Next, she must be careful to maintain her conditioning given her build.
For the three classes below, all mentioned are likely to get Power 4 offers if not already having them.
2029
Addison Archer, 5-9, guard, Why Not Premier17 EYBL (Rancho Christian School, California)
Playing up two years, this quality athlete stood out attacking the rim. She is considered one of the best 2029’s in Southern California and is listed at #13 for 2029 on the recently released ESPN SportsCenter Next Terrific 25.
Jha’Ziya Babb, 5-2, point guard, BWSL 17 EYBL (Manor High School, Virginia)
As guards go, Babb can do a bit of everything. Despite lacking size, Power 4 schools are offering.
Jaiyana Bogan-Jacobs, 5-11, guard, Why Not Premier17 EYBL (Campo Verde High School, Arizona)
An attacker who can go left or right, Bogan-Jacobs can hit the three be it not option one. She passes well. A double-digit score in 17s playing up two years! She is listed at #3 for 2029 on the recently released ESPN SportsCenter Next Terrific 25.
Kennedy Deener, 5-9, shooting guard, Kentucky Premier 17 EYBL (Taylor County High School, Kentucky)
Mobile and strongly built, Deener can attack the rim not fearful of contact but can also hit the three. Advanced understanding for age moving well without the ball!
Ashlyn Evans, 5-10, point guard, AEBL 16 EYBL (Byrnes High School, South Carolina)
Evans is a tall, poised lead guard who can score via attack or midrange. Her three-ball is still a work in progress! She is listed at #22 for 2029 on the recently released ESPN SportsCenter Next Terrific 25.
Ashlyn Evans of AEBL 16 EYBL: One of South Carolina's best in 2029 now getting known nationally.
Beckett Greenway, 5-8, point guard, North Tartan 16 EYBL (Providence Academy, Minnesota)
Younger sister of McDonal’s All-American and Kentucky signee Maddyn, Beckett Greenway moves well without the ball and has instinct to be in the right place at the right time. She may think the game better than her older sister did at the same age! Perhaps top prospect on undefeated North Tartan 16s!
Brooklyn Henderson, 5-10, shooting guard, Proskills 17 EYBL (Midwest City High School, Oklahoma)
Playing up two years, Henderson still needs to fill out. Above average athletically, she looks to attack and has a nice spin move. Her court vision/passing is above average. Building shooting range might be something to work on.
Lucia Khamenia, 6-2, forward, Why Not Premier17 EYBL (Harvard-Westlake School, California)
Khamenia is a tall mobile player who looks to step out to shoot the three or stroke the ball at midrange. She is listed at #16 for 2029 on the recently released ESPN SportsCenter Next Terrific 25.
Aaliyah Mack, 6-3, center, Why Not Premier17 EYBL (Fairmont Preparatory Academy, California)
Mack is a solidly built, physical, adequately mobile low post who hits the glass. Offensive skills still developing!
Brianna Norman, 5-5, point guard, CP3 Flames 17 EYBL (Norfolk Christian School, Virginia)
Norman is a small but athletic point guard who makes things happen. She penetrates well but can shoot also the three.
Brooke Sofilkanich, 6-1, forward, Jersey Gemz 15 EYBL (Saint John Vianney High School, New Jersey)
Sofilkanich has two other older sisters who have D1 slots (Michigan and Duke). Like them, Brooke has size. She likes to step out to shoot on the perimeter.
Nelly Strong, 5-9, shooting guard, Sports Academy Swish 16 EYBL (Mater Dei High School, Santa Ana, California)
Still not filled out, Strong plays with high energy showing up in plays at both ends. She can hit the three. She is listed at #25 for 2029 on the recently released ESPN SportsCenter Next Terrific 25.
Harper Winter, 5-9, point guard, Mokan 17 EYBL (Blue Valley North High School, Kansas)
Winter is very skilled (was already last summer) and biggest question as far as level last summer was height. She has now grown sufficiently tall just needing to fill out with three-ball needing to become more consistent. Mentally very advanced for a rising sophomore! She is listed at #15 for 2029 on the recently released ESPN SportsCenter Next Terrific 25.
2030 – here more high-level prospect than star player
Tiffany Moore, 6-5, center, CP3 Flames 17 EYBL (River Road Middle School, Elizabeth City, North Carolina headed to South Garner High School)
Very tall with good hands and mobility! Skills just developing!
Taylor Nash, 6-1, wing, Cal Stars 15 EYBL (Hazel Brook Middle School, Oregon; from online information headed to Tualatin High School, Oregon)
Long in build with perimeter stroke [only watched brief clips] able to knock down the three. Still filling out physically!
Emma Powell, 6-0, small forward, Sports Academy Swish 16 EYBL (Windward School, California)
Above average athletically, Powell is very mobile able to guard on the perimeter. She looks to drive to score but needs to use left to finish on left. She also could work on building shooting range but overall is quite advanced for rising freshman.
Lauren Smith, 6-2, power forward, Proskills 15 EYBL (Ford Middle School, Allen, Texas)
Athletic, long in build, able to attack rim out of the high post!
Janai Turner, 6-4, center, Sports Academy Swish 16 EYBL (Brentwood School, California)
Strongly built low post with good hands! Skills still developing!
Jadyn Van Horn, 5-10, point guard, Why Not Premier 16 EYBL (Five Star Academy, California and has announced for Corona Centennial High School, California)
Van Horn is a strong driver with above average basketball IQ. If viewing indicative, she should work to build perimeter shooting range.
Kimora Wynn, 5-11, wing, Kentucky Premier 17 EYBL (Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, Georgia)
Long in build, Wynn primarily looks to drive to score. She still needs to fill out.
2031
Ava Nickleberry, 6-2, power forward/center, Proskills 15 EYBL (Danny Jones Middle School, Mansfield, Texas)
Mobile, strong build with skills still developing!
Alexis Parker, 6-4, center, Proskills 15 EYBL (Kennemer Middle School, Duncanville Independent School District, Dallas, Texas)
Long athletic build, already able to finish at rim! With continued physical maturation and skill development, she has a chance to be one of the top prospects in the 2031 class!
Answers to trivia questions:
Q1: Cary High School of Cary North Carolina: Teonni Key (2021) of Tempo; Azura Stevens (2014) of Sky.
Grandview High School of Aurora, Colorado: Lauren Betts (2022) of Mystics; Michaela Onyenwere (2017) of Mystics.
Hopkins High School of Minnetonka, Minnesota: Paige Bueckers (2020) of Wings; Nia Coffey (2013) of Lynx.
Princess Anne High School of Virginia Beach, Virginia: Aziaha James (2021) of Wings:
Elizabeth Williams (2011) of Sky.
Q2: Riverdale Baptist of Upper Marlboro, Maryland: Shakira Austin (2018) of Mystics; Kaila Charles (2016) of Valkyries;Jonquel Jones (2012) of Liberty.