2025 USA Basketball Women’s U16 Trials – Uconn Players of Interest | The Boneyard

2025 USA Basketball Women’s U16 Trials – Uconn Players of Interest

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The invitation to the U16 National Team selections opens tomorrow. There are 52 athletes vying for one of the 12 available spots. The final composition of the USA U16 team will be known on Monday May 26. The Americas U16 Championship will be held in Irapuato, Mexico, from June 16 to 22.

Seven of UConn's players of interest will be taking part. In Class 2026: Olivia Jones, Class 2027: Sydney Mobley and Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka, Class 2028: Zaire Hatter, Chloe Johnson, Ella Pepper and Arianna Peterson. The above names were on HuskyNan's list from May 2024, 7 players from Class 2029 were also invited, but this one wasn't there yet. See attached for invitations. You can click on WU16 Trials Roster, for more information.

FIBA international age-group competitions are based on the date of birth on January 1. This means that for this year's U16 championship, players selected must have been born on or after January 1, 2009. Don't be surprised if some names don't appear - they're probably not eligible. As for the 2026 class, to be eligible, the athlete must have started school early or skipped at least one year. In the 2027 class, for example, the best players in the ESPN rankings were born in the last months of 2008, so they are not eligible. As for the 2028 or 2029 classes, they should all be there, unless they started school late or for other reasons. The requirements for kindergarten entry age and compulsory school age differ from state to state (attachment).


Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)



Colin Wilkerson on Instagram: "BREAKING : AZ 2028 Superstar @cherri.baller24 Makes the @usabasketball 16u trial team. As the trials are underway and her relentless effort in play should guide her an opportunity to secure a spot on the National Team! Stay Tuned for more! #usabasketballteam #womensbasketball #usa #nationalteam #usawomensbasketball #trails #2028 #reels #reelsi̇nstagram"
Chloe Johnson #5 on Instagram: "BLESSED for this opportunity. @alliowaattack @dyamistarks_basketball @marshallgirlsbasketball.24_25 @lcaduluth @usabasketball"
Bay State Jaguars on Instagram: "Congratulations to Bay State Jag @ella_peper20 for being invited to participate in the #USABWU16 team trials‼️"
ari peterson on Instagram: "SO BLESSED thank you USA for this opportunity!!"
 
Seven of UConn's players of interest will be taking part. In Class 2026: Olivia Jones, Class 2027: Sydney Mobley and Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka, Class 2028: Zaire Hatter, Chloe Johnson, Ella Pepper and Arianna Peterson. The above names were on HuskyNan's list from May 2024, 7 players from Class 2029 were also invited, but this one wasn't there yet. See attached for invitations. You can click on WU16 Trials Roster, for more information.



First time I've seen UConn connected to Zaire Hatter. There is no mention of her on the board, just her name on the list. Another reason I like a general recruiting thread, though that's another story.


I have to presume someone at UConn is following Hatter because I can't find any articles suggesting interest.
 
Of the 22 finalists at the U16 National Team Camp - 4 players of interest from UConn



Of the 52 athletes invited, 22 now remain. USA Basketball will have to cut another 10 players. The final decision will be known next Monday. There are still 4 players among UConn's P.O.I.: Chloe Johnston, Olivia Jones, Ella Pepper and Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka.
 

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Olivia Jones and Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka selected for the U16 National Team


Of UConn's seven POI, only two will finally earn a spot on the U16 National Team. They are Olivia Jones from class 2026 and Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka from class 2027. The 12-player squad includes one from the 2026 class, 6 from 2027 and 5 from 2028.

 
Prospects Nation reports on the U16 trials:


Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka


Wilson-Manyacka of Frederick, Maryland, is a bit of unicorn here as she already has experience with the USA Basketball format having been on last summer’s U17 national team. Her veteran status shows in her leadership and calm demeanor on the floor. He talent is well documented as one of the top players in the country so seeing her excel as a leader in this environment is great to see.


Olivia Jones

But there’s a growing argument that Olivia Jones of Bayshore, New York, is more than capable of being a lead guard in this environment, be that at the point or off the ball. She’s comfortable in this setting and it’s allowing her to play freely but with purpose. In a game that’s evolving to more and more versatility, OJ’s game is a fit.



Chloe Johnson of Hermantown, Minnesota, was one of the players most talked about coming into trials and she’s handling that added pressure well. Her decision-making and size allows her to play in a lot of roles in this setting.


Sydney Mobley of Sunbury, Ohio, is playing with supreme confidence. She has a chance to be sort of a point forward if she’s selected, feeding the versatility reigns argument.


Ella Peper of Newton, Mass., is another kid playing with a high level of confidence. It’s been interesting watching her adjust to the room where she doesn’t need to reach as deep in her bag on each possession. Whether she makes the team or not this format and environment should help her sharpen her game.



 
Of the 22 finalists at the U16 National Team Camp - 4 players of interest from UConn



Of the 52 athletes invited, 22 now remain. USA Basketball will have to cut another 10 players. The final decision will be known next Monday. There are still 4 players among UConn's P.O.I.: Chloe Johnston, Olivia Jones, Ella Pepper and Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka.

Yeah, no that's not a dunk. It's something but no way is it a dunk.
 
First time I've seen UConn connected to Zaire Hatter. There is no mention of her on the board, just her name on the list. Another reason I like a general recruiting thread, though that's another story.


I have to presume someone at UConn is following Hatter because I can't find any articles suggesting interest.

Does Zaire Hatter play with attitude? She could be "Mad Hatter."
 
Corbin continued that “Ojo is everywhere.” Indeed, Ojo felt that her variety of skills is what earned her the prestigious selection.

“My versatility with rebounding, talking and defense — showing that I could guard any position on the court — were key,” she said. “I showed that I was not just limited to one skill set.”


 
1. Olivia Jones (2026, 5’11”) – The most experienced and mature guard in the group. Athletic, skilled, and composed, she’s the only 2026 and looks like a near-lock from where I sat.


3. Chloe Johnson (2028, 5’10”, MN) – Often viewed as a scorer more than a traditional point, Chloe continues to grow her PG skills. She’s the best shooter in the country and you want the ball in her hands—period.


5. Caroline Bradley (2027, LA) – A dominant presence at the 5 with tremendous potential. Big, physical, skilled, and already very productive—her ceiling is sky-high.


6. Eve Long (2027, KS) – Fundamentally solid offensively, but her true strength is on defense. Her ability to run the floor, switch onto guards, and defend multiple positions is rare and impressive for her size.


7. Ivanna Wilson Manyacka (2027, MD) – A do-it-all player with size and versatility. She occasionally forces shots, but her ceiling is massive. This group needs star power, and she could be that rising star.


9. Micah Ojo (2027, VA) – Recently offered by South Carolina, Micah is a long, athletic wing who can shoot and attack the rim. She’s continuing to grow as an off-ball player, but when she has the ball, she consistently makes things happen.


  • Arianna Peterson (2028, MN) – An explosive downhill player who would benefit from extending her shooting range. You can see the tools and potential.

  • Ella Peper (2028, MA) – Tons of upside. She’s still growing into her role, but the potential is clear and intriguing.


 
Caroline Bradley, C, 6-5, 16, 2027, Oak Grove High School, Oak Grove, LA

Bradley is considered to be one of the best centers in the 2027 class. She finishes well on both sides of the rim. While scoring mostly at the low post, her range is improving to beyond the key.



Reece Gilpatrick, F, 6-4, 15, 2028, Broomfield High School, Broomfield, CO


Word out of Colorado was thar Gilpatrick may be the best of the 2028 class in the state. She showed good mobility for her size. While scoring was primarily in the lower paint, her stroke is solid and range should expand over time. Perhaps the “find” of the event to multiple national media!



Olivia Jones, G, 5-11, 16, 2026, Long Island Lutheran High School, Bay Shore, NY

Jones had an edge coming in - that she was the only player with three years of high school experience. With good basketball IQ, height and above average athleticism, she can play the point or shooting guard.



Eve Long, F, 6-3, 16, 2027, Olathe South High School, Olathe, KS

Considered the best player in Kansas, Long has above average basketball IQ and athleticism. Her ability to find the rim on either side of the basket can make a layup into a work of art.



Micah Ojo, F, 6-0, 15, 2027, Princess Anne High School, Virginia Beach, VA

Ojo plays all over the court with a great motor! As I have said in a recent article “Ojo is everywhere!”
Ivanna Wilson Manyacka, G/F, 6-2, 15, 2027, Bullis School, Frederick, MD


A standout carryover from last year’s 17U team, Wilson Manyacka was the top performing 2027 at trials. Known more for attacking the rim and rebounding, her outside shot must be respected.



Chloe Johnson, G, 6-0, 15, 2028, Duluth Marshall High School, Hermantown, MN

Johnson is a major factor for the Iowa Attack 17U of the NIKE EYBL (one of the top club teams on any circuit). Playing two years up, she helps make her teammates better. While at trials, she looked fine in drills. However, playing point guard much of the time in live game situations, this setting made it difficult for her to play to that similar nature. Had she made a few bigger plays, perhaps that would have given her an edge to stand out sufficiently.



Ella Peper, G/F, 6-4, 15, 2028, Dexter Southfield High School, Newton, MA

Peper is filling out her tall frame and in time should be one of the top recruits in the 2028 class. She has a very smooth stroke and in spite of height is not a low post player (which may be why she did not make this team as they were looking for one).



 
U16 team member and UConn POI Eve Long models her game after a certain Breanna Stewart.


 
AmeriCup U16 starts next Monday


The 9th Americas U16 Women's Championship made its debut in 2009, and has been held continuously every two years since. For the USA and Canada, who are automatically qualified, it is the entry point for players at international level. The other countries in the Americas have to go through the U15 qualifier held the previous year.

Mexico seems to be the designated host, since it will be hosting the tournament for the 7th time. The Americans have dominated this competition, sometimes even outrageously, being defeated only once, in the 2015 semi-final against Brazil, who lost in overtime in the final game against Canada.

I like to follow FIBA age-group competitions during the summer, as it's often an opportunity to see the future stars of tomorrow play for the first time. Here are a few UConn players who have already participated in the AmeriCup U16: Kiah Stokes (2009) - Breanna Stuart (2009) - Kia Nurse (2011) - Katie Lou Samuelson (2013) - Paige Bueckers (2017) - Azzi Fudd (2017) - Aaliyah Edwards (2017) - Blanca Quinonez (2019), she was only 12. - and KK Arnold (2021). Enjoy the tournament, the official website is attached.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

 
US up 50-29 at the half. Wilson-Manyacka the best player on the court.

Of the other UConn POI, both Eve Long and Micah Ojo have shown some upside. Bradley and Gilpatrick have hardly played.
 
The US leads Puerto Rico 77-20 at the half in game 2. Americans have about 40 points in transition, mostly uncontested layups.

Wilson-Manyacka is a demon on the break and playing in the middle of a pressing defense. She has 10 steals at halftime.

Ojo and Long still looking good though this has been mostly a scrimmage.
 

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