This is the first of many junior college games that GC3 Hoops will be covering this season. The Arizona Community College Athletic Conference is filled with hidden talent that would make an immediate impact at the (4) year level. The staff at GC3 Hoops and Arizona Preps is committed to evaluating and promoting the top athletes from Arizona JUCO's.
The first junior college game I had the privilege to cover was between the Glendale College Lady Gauchos and the Scottsdale College Lady Fighting Artichokes. Out of the gate, Scottsdale built a lead behind fantastic shooting from sophomore guard Malia Ukestine. Ukestine would go on to lead scorers in the first half with 11 points.
In the second half, Scottsdale would put it into overdrive, as Coach Tasha Washington flexed her team’s depth to unload the bench. In a boxing match-type strategy, the jabs seemed to wear out the Lady Gauchos in the ending of the 3rd quarter, as the Lady Fighting Artichokes built a lead and never looked back.
Scottsdale would win 78 to 62, led by an array of long-range shots from freshman guard Amaya Felix. Here are some of the prospects who impressed me:
Glendale Junior College
Lauryn McIver Glendale JC SOPH Guard
McIver is a downhill guard prospect who thrives in slashing and finishing at the rim. She does a great job in facilitating the offense and can defend. Has a college-ready frame. She will be a steal for any (4) year school needing an impact, slashing combo-guard. I feel she is a solid D-2 prospect.
Vinesha Jordan Glendale JC SOPH Guard/Forward
Jordan led her team in scoring with 12 points. She has an excellent feel for the game and plays physically inside the paint. Jordan will be a fantastic small college prospect needing a wing who competes hard.
Scottsdale Junior College
Faith Diggs Scottsdale JC SOPH 5-7 Guard
Diggs impressed me with her ability to control the tempo of the game. Besides being able to run the point, she has good scoring ability at all three levels. Her best attribute is her clutch play-making ability on both ends of the floor. A solid floor general for (4) year schools to keep a tab on.
Monique Shim Scottsdale JC SOPH 5-5 Guard
Shim is a lights out sniper, and, if left open, she is confident to let it fly. I love her shot form and stroke. I believe she is one of the more efficient shooters in the conference. Shim thrives in transition and is a bucket.
Asia Patterson Scottsdale JC FR 6-2 Forward
Patterson plays with passion and energy. Her active motor rewards her with being able to fill the stat line with rebounds and points. A solid low-major post player, Patterson is well on her way to have a big season for the Lady Fighting Artichokes.
Danay Williams Scottsdale JC FR 6-1 Forward
Williams forms a solid front-court 1-2 punch for the Lady Fighting Artichokes, alongside teammate Patterson. Another high-energy post player who poses a strong inside presence with good rebounding and inside scoring ability. She is a good low major prospect with upside.
Amaya Felix Scottsdale JC FR 5-4 Guard
Felix is an aggressive playmaker who is a microwave. She’s a microwave, because of her ability to heat up quickly and provide an instant spark for her team on both ends of the floor. Felix is a gritty defender and can score the ball from long range. She is a great sleeper prospect who will quickly wake up (4) year schools unaware of her ability to be an impact player.
Malia Ukestine Scottsdale JC SOPH 5-6 Guard
Ukestine is a bucket! Scottsdale College has a nice collection of shooters and there are always one or two on the floor. Ukestine had a huge first half to help spark the lead going into halftime. She is a nice guard with a quick release and range. Ukestine would be a phenomenal small college prospect, as she has tremendous upside and scoring ability.
