We here at Insider Exposure believe in taking no handouts. There will always be a genuine respect for the programs that work their way up from nothing. It’s a true success story when you can look back on all the good that you’ve done over the years. The NC Lady Gems share the same story and we’re happy to have them on the Insider Exposure League!
Year one they had one team, now develop and produce athletes from 2nd-11th grade. They’ve extended their brand to Charlotte and have locations in South Carolina. This is a blue collar organization. They do their own recruiting, run fundraisers to support the program, and put more money in than they gain. This program is backed by people who are in it for the right reasons.
Numbers don’t lie. 95% of the student athletes are scholars in the classroom. Each player is held to a high academic standard. Over the years, the NC Lady Gems have put over 140 athletes in college. It was a real tough time when covid hit, recruiting was at a standstill and the transfer portal was shot. This organization went the extra mile to make sure they’re girls got to where they needed to be.
Things seem to be getting back to normal and they are picking up where they left off. This program is as strong as evert this year from a talent standpoint. They aren’t a nationally known shoe brand team, so they often get overlooked. Top tier competition brings the eyes and they will make sure they are at the forefront of it all.
Let’s meet the team….
NC Gems 2023 (Coach Montra Cole)
Janiya Adams (PG, 5’6, Bessemer City HS) represents the smaller guards in the world! Gaston County’s all time single game scoring leader. She broke her own record of 50 pts scoring 55 this season. Even when she sets the bar, it’s never enough. Speaks volume to what kind of player she is. What’s interesting about Adams is that she’s really a pass first guard. Based on size she’s being overlooked in areas, but this is a dynamic guard who can really light it up.
Kennette Bess (CG, 5’7, Ashbrook HS) was conference player of the year at Ashbrook HS. She’s currently averaging around 24 points per game. Bess is a versatile playmaker who can hurt you from deep or banging inside. Got to love those players who are exuberant! She is a burst of energy all over the floor. When times get tough, she’ll put the team on her back and carry them to the promise land. All characteristics of a leader.
Nysheria Wright (G/F, 5’9, Clover HS) received 1st Team All Region honors. College coaches should really key into her athleticism. Defensively, she’s everywhere. Jumping the passing lanes, contesting inside and outside shots, defends multiple positions, and rebounds fairly well forr her size. Wright can be a gamechanger.
Anyssiah Love (F, 5’9, Hunter Huss HS) is a heart over height player. She led the class of 2023 in rebounds in NC. Also, led the state with 14.4 rebounds a game. Love has an extremely high motor, and knows how to fight for position in the paint. She isn’t afraid to step outside of her comfort zone either. Well versed defender who can defend the 1-5. She will be one of the hardest working athletes on the floor at all times.
Madison Cole (CG, 5’10, Ashbrook HS) creates mismatches all over the floor. Cole’s frame is very unique and adapts well with her kit. She’s a long guard that can bully shorter players and her athleticism takes over when battling in the paint. Magic Johnson comes to mind when looking at Cole. She averaged 16 ppg, 5 spg, 5 apg, and received 1st team All-Conference honors.
Ginny Overbay (G/F, 5’10, East Lincoln HS) is an inside-outside playmaker. What’s special is she knows how to use her frame to find the best opportunities. She has a wide range and knows how to move without the basketball. In the low post, she’s very quick with her movements and has a soft touch around the hoop. Defensively, she’s active in the passing lanes, breaking away in transition. Another player with All-Conference honors.
Madison Self (F, 6’0, East Lincoln HS) alongside Overbay created a 1-2 punch for East Lincoln. She received all conference honors. She recorded 18 double-doubles this season. Self is very active on the boards and creates a lot of second chance opportunities. High motor player with a sense of urgency. Her interior game speaks for itself. She has a solid mid range to 3 pt jumper as well.
Emerald Butler (F/C, 6’2, Ashbrook HS) is the perfect definition of a rim protector. She averages around 3.2 blocks per game and provides this group with a solid interior presence. Rebounding is something she has a knack for as well. Always have to appreciate the ones who hold down the paint.
NC Gems 2024 (Coach Whitney Houy)
Savanni Harris (PG, 5’9, Hunter Huss HS) is a jack of all trades! She recorded the only quadruple double in county history. This is a true point guard with extraordinary court vision. She looks to get her teammates involved but knows how to get a bucket when needed. She also received All-Conference honors and finished top 5 in NC in assists for the 2024 class.
Myla Hoover (CG, 5’7, Hunter Huss HS) is a stat sheet stuffer. She’s won player of the week multiple times this past season. Creativity is the best word to describe her skill set. When she attacks the basket, everything is calculated. The craftiness she comes up with is uncanny. She must be accounted for or she’ll heat up quickly.
Eliza Phillips (CG, 5’7, Spartanburg HS) is one of the sharpshooters for the group. She won’t hesitate if she has a good look. Phillips shot around 45% from the 3 point line. Microwave scorer for sure.
Kendal Manning (CG, 5’8, Forestview HS) is another very athletic combo guard with all the intangibles. She’ll be a bright prospect this summer in the IE League. Manning gives her teammates a boost anytime she’s on the floor. She looks to create opportunities for them, rather than herself. When it’s time for her to step up to the plate she does just that. She received All-Conference honors and averaged 15ppg and 3.2 spg.
Shyrique Parker (G/F, 5’10, Gaffney HS) is extremely active on the floor. Multi-dimensional scorer with a winner’s attitude. She has the length to overpower smaller guards and the quickness to beat bigger players off the first step. She was an All-Region player averaging 16.0 ppg and 8.1 rpg. Keep an eye on Parker as she is an exciting player to watch.
Genesis Young (Post, 6’0, Spartanburg HS) is a sneaky player that’ll catch you off guard if you underestimate her. She’s an undersized post but is as strong as an ox! What she loses in height, she makes up for in power. Back to the basket, she’s nearly unstoppable. Great finisher with a soft touch. She received All Region honors as well.
NC Gems 2026 (Coach Ottis Holland)
Oshuna Holland (PG, 5’6, Stuart Cramer HS) is a solid point guard with IQ over her years. One attribute that really stands out is her ability to facilitate. She can pass her teammates open. Creating opportunities for others is something that’s second nature for her. Defensively, she can be a load to handle.
Brianna Carelcok (CG, 5’8, Northside Christian HS) is what I call a humble beast. She plays with a certain type of swagger that’s clearly visible. Young in age, but older in skill! She earned All-Conference honors as an 8th grader on varsity averaging 23.6 ppg. She’ll be a sight to see this summer.
Clara Powell (G/F, 5’9, Clover HS) will be a natural talent for the years to come. She plays up on the high school team as an eighth grader. High IQ athlete that makes all the right decisions. She’s money beyond the arch, and a solid mid range shooter. Powell has the mentality where no one will outwork her. This is a distinctive trait to have as a young player.
Ellia Barajas (F, 5’9, Ashbrook HS) is another young star in the making. She has no problem scoring from all three levels. All of these younger girls can play up on their high school team. Speaks a lot of volume to their work ethic. Defensively, this is a player you can put on anyone or anywhere. She understands the game and knows what to do to succeed.
Nykira Arrington (F/C, 6’1, Ashbrook HS) has athletic ability people must see. She can dunk on 9 foot hoops. If she keeps progressing at this rate, there’s no telling how good she can be. She’s a rebounding and shot blocking machine! This past season she averaged 19.3 rpg and 4.5 bpg. Those stats alone jump off the page!
The NC Lady Gems are locked and loaded this summer. Big name players on these teams will without a doubt, make big time plays. A lot of the girls play for the same high schools so chemistry is already building. As we get closer to the summer, that bond will be stronger which will cause a lot of problems for teams. Welcome to the Insider Exposure League.