Today’s SPOTLIGHT TEAM IS THE EYBL NEW JERSEY GEMZ.. The Gemz are the newest EYBL team in New Jersey. There clearly have the go big or go hone approach. Thats because they are coached by the best in the business Dawn Karpell. This is a team made up of all 2024’s. They have some of the best rising juniors in the state in this roster. The GEMZ are stacked from top to bottom. The players on this roster all come from mega successful high school teams. its a collection of players from the tri – state area. This is a group college coaches will follow around like bees to honey. That’s because the players on the roster already have D1 offers and are some of most in demand players in there class. This is a powerhouse group with a powerhouse coach.
THE TRACK RECORD
The first thing you must understand about this group is that they are use to playing against elite competition. The players on this team have all seen elite competition and play on highly ranked competitive high school teams. There length and size is special. That length and size is surrounded by elite shooters and quickness. The competitive nature and IQ of the group will be a major asset. Expect them to play uptempo with trapping and a tough aggressive man to man style defense. They will play unselfish and everyone will be given a impactful role.
Before I start I would like to clear up a little terminology. When I say a player is a lock Division one player that means a player has a offer on the table or I believe will eventually have multiple D1 offers at some point…key word being “multiple” MY TRACK RECORD IN THIS AREA SPEAKS FOR ITSELF…
When I call a player a GYM RAT, that player is constantly in the gym, outside there team practices and comfort zone, seeks outside competition and there work ethic is bigger than their ability. GYM RATZ don’t train alone, they train with killers. These players train against high level competition. I never call a player a Gym Rat, unless I have seen them against older elite competition and PERFORM at a high level while doing so. They are in the gym at every turn and seem to always be around. These players will be better in college than high school and can play a level HIGHER than there recruitment. I believe you build programs with gym rats…they have a added value recruiters do not get to see. Gym Rats are tough to find as all coaches know. There are hard workers and then there are GYM RATS…Learn the difference.
2021 LIVE PERIOD SCHEDULE
THE COACH
DAWN KARPELL
She simply is the best in the business. Nobody develops talent better, puts a unit together or challenges her kids more. The SJV head coach has dominated NJ basketball the past decade. She has won every title and her teams have been ranked Top 5 Nationally. She has developed more D1 players and college players than anyone. More importantly her kids actually play and dominant on the college level. She has been in the AAU world for years. She built the NJ ELITE into one of the best organizations in New Jersey. There are a few things every college coach knows will happen this summer. Her players all will get better and her team will improve each time they hit the floor. She is a master at getting kids to the next level.
THE TALENT BREAKDOWN
CURRENT DIVISION ONE LOCK PLAYERS–(7)
Possible D1 players- (8)
POWER FIVE D1 PLAYERS (0)
Special note– this team has( 1 ) DIVISION 1 fence sitter
GYM RATS– (4)
JULIA KARPELL- 5’11” – COMBO
She is big, strong and long. She is a deadly high percentage shooter to 25 ft. Her shot selection is a picture of total perfection because of her IQ. In the past year she made two major upgrades to her game. First she turned herself into a tough on ball defender. Then last summer she started getting down hill to the rim in big time fashion. Her game is well rounded as she is the best post passing wing, I have seen this year. Because her handle is solid as a rock, no doubt from playing against 6 D1 guards in practice everyday for two years. She can indeed slide to the point. She is a next level rebounding guard. Her competitive nature is next level like her physical toughness. She has played against every elite player in the country. She has D1 offers and is a high major lock. Now the big question is she power 5 good enough?
***** Coach must read: (https://nothingbutskills.com/coaches-only-need-read-julia-karpell-aint-like-the-rest-of-these-girls/)
CAROL ”Chole” ESCANILLAS -5’9”- COMBO
She played for TOC finalist Rutgers Prep. She is smart, plays with confidence and very competitive. That’s a good start for the “highly” skilled guard. She has a tight handle and excellent feel for the game. She can knock down jumpers or get to the rim. She is wonderful in the open court and is a mistake free quality decision maker. She has long arms and always on balance making her a excellent defender. She plays hard and is not afraid to be a playmaker in big moments as she prove for Rutgers Prep this season. She is an excellent rebounding guard and has wonderful vision. After a summer with Coach Karpell she could be in high demand. She has a wonderful upside and future…. PROGRAM KID ALL THE WAY!
MORGAN MARSHALL 5’8”- COMBO
I saw last season as a freshman. She was a walking bucket coaches. This young lady simply knows how to score. She can get to any spot on the floor. Her creativity with the ball is special. She has a presence and commands a room like you can’t believe. She is a reliable 3 point shooter who certainly will get better over the years. Her quickness and hand speed allow her to dance in and out of passing lanes. There is no question college coaches will be waiting to see what this young lady brings to the table. She averaged 21 points a game as a freshman.
VANESSA MCMANUS- 5’6”- POINT GUARD
Coach Karpell is very excited about this young lady. She is no stranger to EYBL as she played for Exodus last season. She is also no stranger to playing top flight high school basketball. She played for New York City powerhouse Nazareth High school and Averaged 15 points a game and 5.0 assist, 4 rebounds and 1.5 steals as a sophomore all from the point… they call that beasting. The Point guard has a great first step and attacks rim well. She also can shoot the 3. She is blessed with a wonderful IQ and is an excellent passer. She has the ability to elevate her teammates game. She is a strong defender, excellent teammate and a real talent. She also gets it done in the classroom as she is a strong student. PRETTY GOOD PACKAGE!
AVA MAZUR- 5’7”- COMBO
She helped lead Mainland to a banner season. Mainland finished in the Top 20 and won a Group 3 sectional title. Along the way Ava Mazur provide the fire and energy. She is a blood and guts type player who leaves it all on the floor. She is a deadly three point shooter who can disrupt a team single handedly with her energy level. She is a excellent defender and is murder in transition. Her competitive nature is off the charts. She fits right into Coach Karpell’s coaching style and philosophy. She is a player who will out work opponents. A college coaches dream type player. She is a player that will compete from start to finish.
BELLA MAZUR- 5’7”- COMBO
Don’t try to box her in with her sister. While she plays with the same passion and fire. They are different players. Bella is a true swiss knife on offense. She can do a lot of everything. She has an excellent handle. She doesn’t overdose on three’s but is more than capable of getting a three point shooting streak. She gets put backs, run outs and makes free throws… sounds good right? But here is what I like most, she loves defense and she loves physical play. She is a 50/50 ball queen and is all out hustle 24/7/365.. It’s impossible not be inspired by her play if your a teammates. Coaches are forced to appreciate her and fans will love her. This young lady will leave every drop of sweat on the floor. Her competitive nature is beastly. Coaches this is the type of kid you win chips with… TRUST ME!
ZAHRA ALEXANDER- 5’10”- SWING
She spent the season helping Rutgers Prep make it to the New Jersey Championship game, where she showed out vs nationally 5th ranked SJV. The lefty is smooth and athletic. She has long arms and great reflexes and anticipation ability. She runs lanes like a deer and is an elite offensive rebounder. She is an excellent defender because of her quick feet and active hands. She can put the ball on the deck and will settle in for open threes. Don’t be surprised to see Coach Karpell take advantage of her strength and athletic ability and post up inside vs weaker or smaller players. She is a kid who understands her role and plays it to perfection. She will most certainly wear a Division one uniform at some point. Coach Karpell will love her in her pressing and trapping defenses.
KATIE COLLINS- 6’2”- FORWARD
She just was named the Hoop Group 2022 MOST IMPROVED PLAYER. That’s because she is tracking as one of the best young forwards in all of New Jersey. Now she is going to spend 4 months with Coach Karpell. This is wrong on so many fronts. Coaches what do you think is going to happen? Let me help you, she is going to blow up. She has D1 offers now but when Karpell is done with her, the sky will be the limit. She already can shoot the three, make the mid range jumper, beat you off the dribble and post up. She is insanely long and athletic. She can pass in traffic and rebound on both sides of the ball. She played for the Group 2 champion Manasquan and trains with the BEST OF THE BEST. Coaches the perfect storm is brewing. This is a future high major rock star!
CAMRYN GARDNER- 6’2″- SWING
She is a former FIRST TEAM ALL FRESHMAN MEMBER. She will play the entire spring and summer with Coach Karpell and that’s not a good though if you play against her. She is long for days, athletic, mobile and as tough as it gets. She will embrace competition and is a warrior in the lane. She can guard bigs or smalls. She can step away from the basket and knock down three’s. Try and put a smaller player on her and she runs into the post. She is a nightmare matchup and has the right coach to use all that diversity she brings to the table. She is a excellent baller handler and can if asked move to the point forward position because of her passing ability. She has Division one offers on the table but the problem for those schools is this… She is a GYM RAT with elite talent who is getting elite coaching in high school and now is getting elite coaching in AAU… meaning she is about to out grow her current recruitment. She is a future D1 starter!
MEGAN SIAS- 6’3″- SWING/GUARD
She was a FIRST TEAM ALL FRESHMAN MEMBER. That’s because she has elite size and skills sets. She can put the ball on the floor or bury the deep three. If that is not enough she can post up with the best of them. She runs the floor like the wind and is insanely skilled. She is a top flight offensive and defensive rebounder. Her IQ and understanding of how to play is special. She can play and guard all 5 positions on the floor, DO NOT BE FOOLED BY HER SLIGHT BUILT. She is tough as nails and has a real competitive nature that will only grown playing on the EYBL CIRCUIT. She missed all of last season with a injury but has recovered fully and been in the gym against elite D1 players, while proving she is one of the best in New Jersey’s 2024 class. She is easily a high major lock. This young lady will be the apple of every coaches heart come the end of the summer recruiting period.