Labor Day Holiday Weekend I took the opportunity to check out Week 2 of the Exposure Fall League in Memphis, TN. The league is made up of 115 players from the Memphis region, Mississippi and players from several cities in Arkansas.
What really impressed me about this league was the teaching focus for younger players. The early games are developmental games for players 5th grade and up. The Junior High Division of 7th, 8th and 9th graders was loaded with Arkansas talent. The High School Division did not disappoint with high energy and competition.
25 players were added to my personal Watch List to follow.
Here are 3 players that also stood out:
‘24 G Aaliyah Converse (St. George’s) played how a senior is supposed to played like she is a senior and is the best player in the league. She is a high energy scorer that can knock down the 3, pull up and get to the rack. Plus, she is a lock down defender. She announced her commitment to North Alabama recently and they are getting a worker. Players should come watch her play for an understanding of what game speed and playing hard looks like.
‘25 G/F Zoey Rixter (Bartlett) made me stand up out my seat. She has transformed out of her timid shell into a player that wants to handle the ball and knows how to pitch up in transition. Her long frame is more filled in and looks to be taller at about 6’1. She reminds me of Aaliyah Whiteside (Memphis Central/Georgia Tech) with her quiet and smooth like demeanor. She loves to attack, will pull up and has 3 range. Defensively, her length is a problem for players. Plus, she has the ability to quickly lunge laterally and jump vertically.
The players knew what to do when ‘26 6’2 P Jala Wilson (Craigmont) was on the block. Pass her the ball! Jala not only turns left shoulder from a back to basket position. I was shocked to see her go right shoulder also. I don’t know why I was so shocked. She plays exactly like her mother/coach, Antasha Jefferson. In transition, Jala is fast up the floor. She impressively hunts rebounds. On defense, she comes out to guard on the perimeter and is ready to block a shot in the paint.