Player Impressions - Lansing Waverly @ East Lansing

This was an intriguing matchup with a lot of talented athletes and players. East Lansing built a lead with some hot first half shooting. They fended off a couple Waverly runs in the second half to earn the hard fought 61-47 victory. Let's take a closer look at some of the impressive prospects from this game.

Nandi Gordon (2028, G, East Lansing)

Quite simply, this one of the best freshman performances that I've seen so far this season. She consistently put the ball on the floor, touched the paint and made plays for herself and her teammates from there. Gordon hit the lane and found cutters or open teammates in space with a bounce pass on multiple occasions. She also had a couple drive and dishes where she drew defenders and dumped the ball off for an assist. Gordon's points were all high percentage, including a few layups.

Xandaija Scott (2026, PF, Lansing Waverly)

Scott was flat out dominant in the post. She was impossible to stop when establishing position in the lane and on the block. Scott was able to score off put backs by rebounding high and keeping the ball up on the put back. She showed off an impressive back to the basket spin move to the left that earned her a layup. Scott showed that she's also a very talented passer from the high post. She saw over the top of the defense and was able to kick to shooters. Scott played through contact and lived at the line late in the game.

Syndney Black (2027, G, East Lansing)

Black is a player that I've been high on since she walked into high school. I know that there are coaches out there that feel the same way. She was dangerous in this game when she went and attacked north-south. Black showed that she could attack the paint with quickness and strength. She played well through contact and was able to get to the line. Black also showed that she could make plays for her teammates off the bounce and hit them with a timely pass.

Jazlynn Bush (2025, F, Lansing Waverly)

I really like the energy that Bush brought and the selfless way that she played the game. Bush showed early that she was willing to hit the floor for a loose ball and attack the glass, even offensively. Bush was able to find lanes and cut through them, specifically with a wing cut that led to a layup.

Sydney Hutson (2027, F, East Lansing)

Hutson was fun to watch in this game. It's nice to see an underclassman that knows how and when to attack off the wing. She saw space a couple times, attacked the lanes pass ready and either scored or got fouled when the ball was delivered to her. Hutson had a really strong 2 dribble drive from the wing that ended with a bucket. 

LaDraya Worthy (2025, F, Lansing Waverly)

Worthy is a quality basketball player. She has a strong frame that will be a huge advantages on a lot of nights for her. Worthy showed off a solid jumper, hitting a couple catch and shoot corner triples. She also buried a 3 off the bounce at the top. Worthy is definitely a player and prospect to keep an eye on as the season plays on.

Nyah Wright (2028, PF, East Lansing)

Wright is a really impressive young post player. Her game is advanced. Often time young forwards or centers will rely on bully ball near the rim. Not Wright. In fact, I really like her working off the high post. Wright really saw the floor well from the free throw line and showed that she can be a quality passer from there. She was very active on the glass in this game as well.

Amari Carter (2025, G/F, Lansing Waverly)

Carter is a player that could have a very good senior season. She solid athletically has a nice ease of movement and comfortability with her feet. Carter recognized space on the perimeter and kept her mental mistakes to a minimum. 

Aniaya Mendenhall (2025, PG, East Lansing)

Mendenhall is the perfect lead guard for this team and this roster. She's a veteran on a super talented young team and she plays a mature game from the point. She excelled in this game as the primary ball handler and she seemed to keep her turnover numbers low, despite the fast pace of the game. Mendenhall was unselfish with the ball and was able to break pressure with the pass. 

Navaeh Vasquez (2025, G, East Lansing)

I don't know if East Lansing wins this game without Vasquez. She was patient and error free coming off the bench. When her opportunity arose, she took it. Vasquez buried 3 quick triples that built the East Lansing lead. Simply, she hit big shots in big situations.