Live Period: Elite Performers

The Live Period is where reputations are built, offers are earned, and true competitors separate themselves from the noise. In this article, BTN Scouting takes a deep dive into the standout performers who made the most of their moment on the women’s AAU circuit.

Our evaluation goes beyond the highlights. We focus on feel for the game, adaptability, energy on both ends, and how each player translated their skill set against elite competition and college coach eyes.

Whether you're a recruiter, coach, fan, or player looking to understand what excellence looks like during the Live Period, this feature is your go-to resource.

LENGTHY FLOOR GENERAL: Sydney Douglas

6'7" | Point Forward | Class of 2028 | Ontario Christian High School (CA) | AAU Team: FBC West Coast

Sydney Douglas is a special prospect. At 6’7”, she’s the kind of player that immediately shifts the geometry of the court, forcing opponents to adjust their game plan before the tip even goes up. But what makes her truly rare is how she moves and thinks the game. She’s not a project — she’s already producing, already leading, and already reimagining what the point forward role can look like at the next level.

With the ball in her hands, Sydney plays with patience and presence. She doesn’t rush. She reads. She dictates tempo like a seasoned floor general, not a developing big. Her handle is tight for her size, and she shows advanced feel navigating pressure, changing pace, and setting up teammates. Whether it’s a live-dribble dime through traffic or a skip pass to the opposite corner, she delivers with touch, timing, and intent.

She thrives in the open floor — that’s where you see her stride out and separate. Her transition game is a nightmare for defenses: too long to stop early, too skilled to sag off, and too smart to make the wrong read. She makes fast-break decisions like a true lead guard, but with an overhead view no one else on the court can match.

Defensively, she’s a disruptor. Her wingspan alone changes shot selection, but it’s her instincts that really shine. She’s vocal, active in rotations, and consistently in the right place at the right time. Lateral movement? Surprisingly smooth. Switchability? Elite. She can step out and guard a shifty guard, then bang in the post on the next possession without flinching.

What’s most exciting about Sydney is the upside still ahead. Her shot mechanics are coming along, and once she adds more strength and consistency to her perimeter touch, she’s going to be nearly unguardable. There simply aren’t many players — at any level — with her size, skill, and feel. She’s not just an intriguing prospect; she’s a potential cornerstone for a high-level program.

Sydney Douglas has all the tools to be one of the most game-changing players in the 2028 class—and she’s building something special, one possession at a time. - BTN Scouting

POWERFUL WING WITH GUARD SKILLS: Joba Oyedeji

6'1" | Forward | Class of 2028 | Windermere Preparatory School (FL) | AAU Team: FGB 2028 GUAA

Joba Oyedeji is the kind of player you notice before the ball even finds her hands. Long, strong, and relentless — she plays with a motor that doesn’t quit and a physical presence that demands attention. At 6'1", she already looks the part of a college-ready wing, but what sets her apart is how well she blends that strength with smooth, guard-like fluidity. She's not just overpowering players — she’s out-skilling them too.

Offensively, Joba brings a versatile, inside-out arsenal that makes her a matchup problem no matter who's guarding her. She’s at her best operating in that in-between space — the top of the key, the elbows, trail actions — areas where she can read the floor, catch in rhythm, and make a decisive move. Whether she’s stepping into a jumper, slashing off a reversal, or facing up and attacking downhill, she’s always under control, always playing on balance.

Her shot is compact and confident — she doesn’t need much space to get it off, especially when trailing the play or spotting up after ball movement. And when defenders close out hard? She’ll put it on the floor and make them pay. There’s a maturity to her reads, an understanding of when to be aggressive and when to keep the offense flowing. - BTN Scouting

SHARP SHOOTER: Ashlynn Day

5'8" | Guard | Class of 2028 | Gateway High School (FL) | AAU Team: FGB vs Everyone

Ashlynn Day brings fire to the floor every time she laces up. She’s a fierce young competitor who plays with an edge far beyond her years—confident, composed, and completely locked in from the opening tip. What makes Ashlynn special isn’t just the scoring numbers she puts up (though she can fill it up in a hurry), it’s the way she carries herself—as a leader, as a tone-setter, and as someone you can trust with the ball in the biggest moments.

She plays with a rare balance of purpose and poise. Nothing about her game feels rushed, but make no mistake—she’s aggressive. Ashlynn knows how to change gears and keep defenders guessing. One second she’s probing with a hard dribble downhill, the next she’s stopping on a dime to pull up or fire a pass to an open teammate. Her feel for the game is instinctual, and she’s not afraid to take over when her team needs a bucket.

Ashlynn is an absolute sniper—deadly from deep, always locked and loaded, and quick with the trigger. She doesn’t need much space, and her shot mechanics are tight and repeatable. Whether she’s coming off a screen or spotting up in the corner, you can count on her to rise, fire, and bury it. The release is fast, the confidence is high, and the results speak for themselves.

Ashlynn Day is the type of player who makes you take notice. You don’t have to check the box score to know she impacted the game—her presence is felt in the pace, the energy, and the clutch plays that matter most. She’s already one of the more exciting young prospects in her class, and the scary part? She’s only getting started. - BTN Scouting

SHARP-SHOOTING FLOOR SPACER: Ella Vierra

5'10" | Guard | Class of 2028 | South Fayette (PA) | AAU Team: WPA Bruins GUAA Ziese 15U

Ella Vierra is the kind of scoring guard every coach wants in their system—smooth, composed, and deceptively lethal without needing the ball in her hands for long stretches. Standing at 5’10”, she brings ideal positional size to the backcourt, but what really sets her apart is how intelligently she uses it. Whether it’s elevating into a midrange jumper over a late closeout or catching defenders off balance with a quick rip-through, Ella consistently creates clean looks without over-dribbling or forcing the action.

She’s a master at running lanes in transition—disciplined, focused, and always shot-ready. Her off-ball movement is crisp and calculated, often sneaking behind defenders or curling into space for a quick catch-and-fire three. There’s no wasted motion in her game; she flows within the offense, stretches the floor with gravity, and punishes teams that leave her unchecked.

Ella plays with confidence, but not ego. She understands spacing, thrives in rhythm, and elevates team flow with her ability to read the game a pass or two ahead. Whether she’s filling the corner or flaring out to the wing, she moves with a purpose—and her teammates know to find her when the defense breaks down. - BTN Scouting

STRONG-BODIED CENTER WITH TOUCH: Samaya Wilkins

6'3" | Center | Class of 2027 | Purcell Marian (OH) | AAU Team: WV Thunder

Samaya Wilkins is a dominant post presence with soft hands and a strong interior feel. Her 6’3” frame gives her a physical edge, but it’s her touch and footwork around the rim that really elevate her game. She’s a low-post anchor who commands double teams and creates opportunities for others.

Wilkins finishes well with either hand, uses drop-steps effectively, and excels in high-low action. She’s a constant threat on the offensive glass and runs the floor hard in transition—qualities that make her a game-changer in the paint.

Defensively, she controls space in the paint, alters shots, and boxes out consistently. She’s disciplined, rarely fouls unnecessarily, and communicates effectively on rotations and screens.

Her continued development as a mid-range shooter and outlet passer will only add to her offensive versatility. Already an imposing presence, Wilkins is establishing herself as one of the most impactful true centers in the 2027 class. - BTN Scouting

DYNAMIC LEAD GUARD: Jordan Speller

5'6" | Guard | Class of 2027 | Grace Christian School (NC) | AAU Team: Team Jordan Speller

Jordan Speller is an explosive and cerebral point guard who commands attention every time she steps on the floor. With elite quickness, tight handles, and advanced court vision, she controls the tempo and flow of the game like a seasoned floor general well beyond her years.

Speller is a natural scorer who thrives in both transition and half-court sets. She gets downhill in a hurry and can finish creatively around length with floaters and off-hand layups. Her jumper is compact and smooth, particularly effective in pull-up situations, and she reads pick-and-roll actions like a pro.

Defensively, she’s a ballhawk. Her lateral speed and anticipation allow her to pressure ball handlers full court, generate steals, and disrupt rhythm. She’s vocal and tough, taking on assignments with grit and helping anchor the team’s perimeter defense.

Speller has cemented herself as one of the top guards in the Class of 2027. Her mix of IQ, skill, and leadership make her a true franchise point guard prospect and one of the most polished players in her class. - BTN Scouting

POWER WING WITH EXPLOSIVE ATHLETICISM: Ivanna Wilson Manyacka

6'1" | Forward | Class of 2027 | Bullis High School (MD) | AAU Team: WV Thunder

Ivanna Wilson Manyacka is an imposing presence on the court with the raw athleticism and skill set to dominate both ends of the floor. Her length, agility, and explosive leaping ability make her a standout transition player and rim protector.

Offensively, she’s a powerful slasher who thrives in open space and uses her athleticism to finish over defenders. She’s comfortable facing up and attacking off the dribble, and knocks down jumpers that stretches defenses. Her energy on the offensive boards creates second-chance opportunities.

Defensively, Manyacka is a menace. She moves laterally well enough to guard wings and has the shot-blocking instincts of a center. Her ability to switch screens and cover ground quickly adds tremendous value at the next level.

Ivanna’s upside is as high as anyone in her 2027 class and a major target for high-level programs. - BTN Scouting

DOMINANT FORCE IN THE PAINT: Caroline Bradley

6'5" | Center | Class of 2027 | Oak Grove High School (MS) | AAU Team: MAVS Elite GUAA

Caroline Bradley is a towering interior player with great touch and timing. At 6’5”, she anchors the defense with her rim protection and provides consistent scoring around the basket. Her physicality and presence alone make her a mismatch nightmare for most opponents.

She has great hands and patience in the post, with a soft baby hook and a strong drop-step. Bradley doesn’t rush her offense—she reads help defense well and knows when to kick out or go up strong. Her ability to run the floor adds another dimension to her game.

Defensively, she changes the way teams attack the paint. She contests everything, boxes out with force, and communicates well as the last line of defense. Her verticality and timing make her one of the more feared post defenders in her class.

With size and feel that can’t be taught, she’s a high-upside big with national-level impact. - BTN Scouting

SCORING GUARD: Pressley Watkins

5'11" | Guard | Class of 2027 | Benilde-St. Margaret’s (MN) | AAU Team: MN Fury 2027 UAA

Pressley Watkins is a competitive scoring guard who blends toughness and finesse in equal measure. At 5’11”, she plays with control and confidence—willing to attack the rim or pull up with touch from mid-range. She brings an edge to the floor every time she plays.

Watkins is a three-level scorer who thrives in isolation or within team action. Her jab-step and footwork are sharp, and she shows a scorer’s patience when setting up her defender. She has the strength to finish through contact and consistently gets to the free-throw line.

Defensively, she’s locked in. She takes pride in limiting her assignment, challenges passing lanes, and isn’t afraid to battle bigger players for boards. She often sets the tone for her team’s effort and intensity. She’s a big-time gamer with the poise and scoring ability to be a focal point for any backcourt. - BTN Scouting

DO-IT-ALL WING: Sheridan Beal

6'0" | Wing | Class of 2026 | West Bloomfield High School (MI) | AAU Team: Michigan Storm Elite

Sheridan Beal is a multi-skilled wing who consistently impacts games with her scoring, rebounding, and defensive effort. She’s strong and agile, with the ability to create her own shot, defend multiple positions, and anchor key moments for her team.

Offensively, Beal plays with a scorer’s mentality. She can operate in the post, knock down mid-range jumpers, and attack off the dribble. Her strength allows her to finish through contact, while her footwork and fakes make her tough to contain one-on-one.

She’s also a standout rebounder—pursuing the ball with intensity and boxing out effectively. Defensively, she guards both wings and forwards, leveraging her strength and motor to frustrate opponents and deny driving lanes.

As she continues to refine her ball-handling and develop range from deep, she’ll only become more complete. Already a high-impact player, she has all the tools to succeed at the next level. - BTN Scouting

PHYSICAL FORCE WITH SKILL: Kelsi Andrews

6'1" | Forward | Class of 2026 : IMG Academy (FL) | FBC United

Kelsi Andrews brings toughness and polish to the court every time she steps on it. As part of the elite FBC United program, she has developed into a high-motor forward who plays through contact, dominates on the glass, and can stretch the floor with shooting touch.

Andrews is relentless inside, constantly crashing boards and finishing through defenders. Her face-up game is underrated, with a quick rip-through and soft jumper that adds to her versatility. She thrives in high-tempo systems that let her run the floor and finish in transition.

Defensively, she holds her ground in the post and is smart with rotations. She communicates, rebounds well out of her area, and uses her strength to challenge stronger forwards and centers. Her physical style of play and offensive diversity make her one of the most impactful forwards in the 2026 class. - BTN Scouting