A long list of heralded young players have competed for the South Carolina 76ers over the years, but none has created as much of a stir as young Ashlynn Watkins. Just a fifth grader, the 6-1 Watkins became an internet sensation thanks to video of her dunking on a nine-foot rim.
“She is definitely getting a lot of attention from the media,” said Coach Roshan Myers. “She is a long athlete who can really jump. When she dunks, it is a real two-handed dunk. That video got the media interested, and of course the college coaches are already peeking.”
All of the 76er standouts will be on stage at the Suwanee Tournament of Champions, which will be hosted by the All Star Girls Report staff from July 5-8 in Suwanee, Ga. The event, which will draw an outstanding national level field, will be played at the tremendous Suwanee Sports Academy facility.
The 76ers have a number of collegiate prospects in their ranks, but the youngster has stolen the spotlight for now.
“Watkins is a great athlete, an explosive athlete with length,” noted ASGR analyst Bret McCormick. “She obviously has unbelievable potential, and I’m sure she is already on everyone’s list.”
In addition to Watkins, the college coaches will also be watching Kristen Wall (2018, 5-10, CG), who is rated as the No. 57 prospect in her class nationally by ASGR, as well as Nia Sumpter (2018, 5-8, G) and Ahlea Myers (2018, 5-5, PG).
“Kristen is a well-rounded player,” said Coach Myers. “She can attack the basket, and she has a nice step-back jumper. She can do it all. She has the flash and the fundamentals. Nia is a high IQ player who is a floor general, and she can consistently hit the long shot. Ahlea is another intelligent guard, and she can score with her jump shot or by attacking the basket.”
“Wall has good quickness and a very strong skill set. She is definitely a BCS caliber talent,” added McCormick. “Sumpter is a quick combo guard who is good in the open floor. She can also post up, or step out and shoot it from beyond the arc. Myers is a very quick leftie who knows the game and has the ability to create off the dribble.”