Faces On The Rise 2030 Division: Gems Select Crowned Champions

The 19th Annual Myles McGowan Coaches Classic proved once again why it is one of the premier grassroots basketball events in the nation. Among the many powerful showcases, the Faces On The Rise 2030 Division stood out as a glimpse into the future of the game. The Gems Select 2030 squad stole the show, storming through the competition undefeated and capturing the championship with style, toughness, and unity.

What made this group special was not just their talent, but how they meshed. Assembled from California, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon, and Arizona, the team played like they had been together for years. They shared the ball, communicated with intensity, and executed on both ends of the floor with maturity beyond their age. It was clear from the jump—this wasn’t just a group of individuals, this was a team.

And when the lights were brightest, players shined.

Player Evaluations

⭐ 6’2” – 2030 |

Aniston Carpenter (NV)

Carpenter was a force in the paint and beyond. With strong hands, polished footwork, and the ability to score over both shoulders, she was nearly impossible to contain one-on-one. Her soft touch extended to the midrange, making her a matchup nightmare. Defensively, her relentless rebounding and surprising agility on the perimeter allowed her to neutralize opponents of all sizes. Her shot-blocking timing was impeccable, and she anchored the defense every time she stepped on the floor.

🏆 6’0” – 2030 |

Flo Borchardt (OR) – Division MVP

The heart and soul of the championship run, Borchardt’s combination of motor, IQ, and versatility was unmatched. She ran the floor end to end, attacked gaps with speed, and knocked down shots from deep when defenders sagged. Her leadership and vision elevated her teammates, setting the tone for the Gems Select’s selfless style of play. Coaches and fans alike could see why she was named the MVP of the Faces On The Rise 2030 Division—she did everything, everywhere, all game long.

🔒 6’1” – 2030 |

Jezrael KeAloha (CA)

KeAloha was one of the most physically dominant players of the event. A rebounding and shot-blocking machine, she carved out space inside and cleaned the glass with authority. Offensively, she blended finesse with power—hitting the trey ball off the bounce, punishing defenders with her quick jump hooks, and showing much-improved footwork. Her growth was evident, and her presence was felt on every possession. One of the most exciting frontcourt prospects in this class.

🎯 5’6” – 2030 |

Kya McCrae (OR)

McCrae was the floor general every championship team needs. A true point guard with toughness, she controlled pace, created for others, and wasn’t afraid of contact when attacking the rim. Time after time, she finished through defenders and then turned around to deliver pinpoint passes that led to easy buckets. Her ability to blend scoring and playmaking at such a young age sets her apart as a rising guard to watch.

🪄 5’2” – 2030 |

Lexington Nesland (AZ)

Nesland may have been the smallest on the floor, but her impact was massive. A high-IQ guard with elite fundamentals, she dissected defenses with her pocket passes and flawless execution in the two-man game. Her shot fake was a weapon, allowing her to create space for treys or midrange looks. Beyond skill, her toughness and poise made her one of the most reliable and entertaining players to watch all weekend. Simply put—she’s a flat-out hooper.

⚡ 5’4” – 2030 |

Saige Scarborough (CA)

Nicknamed “All Day”, Scarborough never stopped. She sprinted the lanes, advanced the ball early, and made the kind of hustle plays that turn momentum. More than just energy, she was a smart decision-maker who defended at an elite level. Every championship squad has that one player who embodies grit and heart—that was Saige. Coaches dream of having players with her motor and team-first mentality.

🚀 5’6” – 2031 |

Channing Shavies (CA)

Shavies, playing up a division, proved she belonged. Arguably one of the most athletic players in the event, she showed off her ability to make tough acrobatic shots while guarding multiple positions with physicality. Her quickness, handles, and willingness to take on challenges stood out, and she more than held her own against older competition. Her upside is enormous as she continues to refine her game.

🔥 5’7” – 2030 |

Ava Ubaka (CA)

Ubaka was one of the purest scorers on display. A shifty, creative guard with length, she scored at all three levels—pull-ups, treys off the dribble, and crafty finishes inside. Yet what impressed most was her defensive discipline; she pressured the ball aggressively without fouling. For a player with such an offensive arsenal, her commitment on the other end showed a maturity that sets her up for long-term success. Her ceiling is sky high.

🎯 5’5” – 2031 |

Lilicca Giometti (Bay City)

Giometti wasted no time proving she belongs in the conversation as one of the most skilled young guards on the rise. Her feel for the game is tremendous, constantly finding teammates with on-time, on-target passes that led to easy buckets. But what separated her was her shooting—one of the premier shooters in her class. With effortless mechanics and range well beyond the arc, she stretched defenses and put pressure on opponents every trip down the floor. When Giometti let it fly, the gym knew it had a chance to drop.

Closing Thoughts

The Faces On The Rise 2030 Division wasn’t just about wins and losses—it was about seeing the future of the game unfold before our eyes. The Gems Select 2030 team showcased what happens when talent, teamwork, and selflessness collide. From Borchardt’s leadership to Carpenter’s dominance, from McCrae’s playmaking to Ubaka’s scoring, and from Nesland’s toughness to Giometti’s shooting—every player had a hand in history.

The 19th Annual Myles McGowan Coaches Classic once again proved it is more than a tournament—it’s a stage for stars in the making. And if this group is any indication, the future of girls basketball is in phenomenal hands.