Believe it or not, I’m pretty good at making the time to sit & really break down game film from all Empire State Takeover events. It serves as a tremendous resource for me to identify & evaluate talent from all corners of my coverage region.
I’m just not very good at taking the additional time to write about it sometimes.
So, in an effort to keep myself honest, I’ll try something a little different in coming weeks.
Enjoy a new usage for “Views From The Couch”, generally reserved for the winter in instances that weather stinks and I opt for streaming over traveling. I still plan to write articles specific to each EST event, but along with that comes some daily (or at least consistent) stream of consciousness writings. I watch, I put down some observations, I post after every time I get done watching. It’s almost like you’re watching with me… I guess.
Straight to it! My EST event game film review for today:
Date: June 10, 2025
What’s on the Menu: 7th Annual EST Middle School Combine (3v3 footage – Part I)
TODAY’S OBSERVATIONS (100 Words or Less per player)
Camryn Allen (Saratoga Springs 2029, Foothills Flash): IQ matters at all levels of basketball – and I promise more so the further along you progress. First impression in 3×3 was that Camryn is a solid IQ player, which will serve her well as she continues the process. She helped steady the ship for her team after they experienced a shaky start with solid, assertive “right play” basketball. She operated well from the wing and had a couple opportunistic scores, got off the ball quickly & kept it moving otherwise instead of letting it stick, spaced effectively, made correct reads, and got her big involved to help create offensive balance.
Sandy Cirilla (Schalmont 2029, NY Havoc): All gas, no brakes for Sandy, who brought firepower in the backcourt & showed undeniable scoring ability. What was most on display, partially because of the enhanced spacing of 3×3 play, was her quick burst off the bounce and ability to get to the rack in iso situations. She set up well to cross to her left hand & got downhill in a hurry when she got to it. Although she generally played with more of a scorer’s mindset, Sandy displayed more well-rounded playmaking in P&R reps later in 3×3 as an effective creator that could draw eyes & hit the roll.
Avery Kroening (Webster Schroeder 2029, NY Royals): The standout among standouts that I’ve seen so far in 3×3 footage, Avery didn’t come out from Rochester to just fit in. An exceptional end-to-end athlete who tends to shine in full-court 5v5 play, it was promising to see how dominant she was in spots during 3s. She showed the full array at the jump & was noticeable immediately, scoring off drives, offensive rebounds, and flashing the perimeter jumper (she may really take off as she builds consistency with this). Mix in moments of swarming defense with multiple efforts & active glass work… complete start for one of the event’s top dogs.
Avery Mackenzie (Colonie 2029, NY Havoc): I’ll say it again… IQ. It shines at any level; in a “showcase” environment with middle schoolers? Things like on/off ball awareness and correct individual & team-based reads really stick out. I thought Avery played within herself at the jump & was a bright spot in getting her team moving with solid, maybe not highlight reel stuff but “gets the job done” play. She probed assertively on wing touches but did it with control – couple opportunistic scores & showed left/right finishing ability, several correct kicks after drawing attention to put the D in scramble mode. Looking forward to watching more.
Avery Ostrander (Ballston Spa 2029, Vibez): Purest shooter at this event? I haven’t watched all the game film yet, but if someone matches Avery, I’d like to see it. She’s displayed a well-rounded skill set in previous viewings, but event trainer Mark Williams (Team Footprintz) always says “what’s your superpower?” and it looks like pure shooting ability serves as Avery’s. First shot from the 5’8” guard was an effortless make from a couple feet behind the line, and it carried through 3×3 play with her showing as a high level shooter with consistent, fluid mechanics & strength to not need perfect rhythm on the catch. This translates.
Julia Sbardella (Colonie 2029, NY Havoc): It took a couple rotations for Julia to get settled in during 3×3 play – nothing wrong with that, I even prefer it over forcing the issue – and once the settling-in happened, she took off. Being a smaller guard leaves less margin for error & room for wasted movement, and it looks like she’s developed shot mechanics that’ll allow her to get it off easily as she gets older & advances in level. She showed tight footwork, good mechanics, and quick release on the jumper, and especially as play transitioned to the second opponent, she made shots at a high clip.
Savannah Simmons (Bishop Ludden 2029, Syracuse Nets): The heightened comfort level beamed through game film as Savannah came out in attack mode & performed at a high level during 3×3. It looks like she’s in the process of building & establishing in-game comfort working off the bounce – growth process with a full year of varsity basketball under her belt. As 3×3 wore on, she gradually had more success getting to spots & creating quality rim attempts. In addition, she showed rhythm shooting ability off the catch, understanding of creating & exploiting mismatches, and maybe most notably – she defended! Active dig hands, didn’t sag, got up & pushed ballhandlers out of comfort zones.
Jacklyn Townes (West Genesee 2029, NY Royals): Ahh… sister, sister. Jordyn graduates, Jackie enters the fold, and although she’s carving her own lane, you can tell they come from a similar school of training. Jackie was impressive in the later stages of 3×3 play as she began to consistently put the primary defender on her heels & create rim scoring opportunities. Probably most notable – even more than her ability to get paint touches – was her close range footwork. Jackie showed patience & displayed a knack to carve scoring angles with pivots & extensions after coming to 2 foot stops – like a Jalen Brunson highlight tape – or ya know, big sis.
Amirah Warren (Columbia 2029, Vibez): Few people have impressed more in early 3×3 playback than Amirah, and she did so by not overstepping her abilities & doing what she does best at a high level. Physical tools often don’t show accurately through game film, but Amirah’s power is easily noticeable, and she used it to carve space in the post, hold driving lines on face-ups, create finishing angles, & earn position on the glass. I also appreciated her ability to finish with either hand along with balance of aggressiveness & willingness to make the right “team” play, kicking out of doubles to send the defense into scramble mode.
Macy Young (Bethlehem 2029, Vibez): From what I’ve seen so far, at least in this event’s opening stages, few players showed well-rounded scoring ability while generally playing to their strengths like Macy. Most of the time, dribbles were kept to a minimum and with a purpose – 2-3 to get to a spot, try to turn the corner, or use a screen. The midrange pull-up looked pure and she connected on a few during 3×3 play. She built on that “third level” as time went on, flashing the perimeter J and mixing in some in-between float work. Habits & process of play were solid. Good early impression.
Addisen Seeberger (Hoosac School 2030, Albany Capitals): How do you separate yourself when you’re not getting all the touches? Addisen only scored one time in 3×3 play, and I wouldn’t say she got a ton of on-ball reps either, but she stuck out to me just as much as many that scored 5 times as much. Her presence on the offensive glass was second-to-none on her court, and that consistent engagement over both games – and efficient activity, tracking & elevating for the ball, not just running around wildly – gave her team several extra possessions. Positive habits, positive impact even when the ball isn’t running through her – everything matters.