Michigan State commitment Taryn McCutcheon helped lead the West Virginia at the PSB Tip-Off Classic in Tennessee. *Photo by Ty Freeman.

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – The inaugural Tip-Off Classic Tennessee proved to be an instant success. Players from 48 teams competed at Franklin Fieldhouse during the NCAA evaluation weekend. College coaches from nearly 40 colleges and universities from around the nation, including Cal, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Ole Miss St. John’s and Vanderbilt, watched the action on the late April weekend. Here is a look back on a few of the top performers in the tournament.

TEAM OF THE DAY

West Virginia Thunder

Coach Scott Johnson carries the torch of basketball talent in West Virginia that the late coach Larry Lambert began decades ago. He helped develop class of 2014 ELITE 150 prospects Jenna Burdette, Griffin Dempsey and Mychal Johnson. The cupboard is far from empty as this year’s team is one of the best up and coming teams in the nation.

Class of 2016 point guard Taryn McCutcheon of Washington, W.Va. is the engine for coach Johnson’s team. She gave her verbal pledge to Michigan State last September. Joining her in the backcourt are guards Mychelle Johnson and Kacie Hall, both of Huntington, W.Va., who are great two-way players. Providing a scoring punch on the wing is Lexie Barrier of Lavalette, W.Va. and Shayna Harmon of Ashville, Ohio. On the frontline, 6-foot-2 posts Sarah Price of Owingsville, Ky., and Anna Hayton of Parkersburg, W.Va. give the Thunder strength and rebounding.

Coach Johnson added two new faces to the team who instantly produced this weekend. Olivia Seggie of Morgantown, W.Va. is the lone 2015 player on the roster. She showed great handling ability coupled with energy on both ends of the floor. Kortney Eisenmann of Columbus, Ohio, who stands at 6-3, gives added post depth on the block.

PLAYER OF THE DAY

Tyasha Harris (Indianapolis, Ind.), Best Choice – 2016

'16 Watch List guard Tyasha Harris. *Photo by Chris
Hansen.

Harris lived up to the buzz that surrounded her entering the weekend. At 5-8 she has terrific size for a lead guard, which allows her to score in the lane over smaller guards. Her ability to change direction and speed with the ball in her hands allow her shake defenders at will. She is able to score in the lane consistently as a result of this elite court savvy. However, the most surprising part of Harris’ game is on the defensive end. Her quick hands allow her to get deflections and steals. She is proving to be one of the best transition finishers in her class nationally. Harris is firmly planted as an ELITE 60 watch list prospect in the class of 2016. Keep a close eye on Harris as she plays this spring and summer. She could become one of the most hotly recruited point guards in the nation. Follow @JLHemingwayPSB