Gateway Challenge Team Review: Blue Star Silvey 17U

Coach Jeff Silvey’s Blue Star 17U team was a little short handed at the USJN 11th annual Gateway Challenge playing without Kymberly Schmitt from Okawville who was out with an injury and Morgan Hulme of Edwardsville who had a previous engagement. Without two of their inside the players the rest of the squad was forced to step up their game. They had some outstanding performances from the rest of the group.

Jaylen Townsend from Edwardsville had an outstanding weekend. Jaylen was named to the All Pool team and was the most consistent player on Coach Silvey’s team. Jaylen showed the ability to score the ball by averaging over 28 points per game. This will be important going into the 2018-2019 season for Edwardsville as they look to replace the top 3 scorers from the 2017-2018 season. Jaylen rebounded well from her wing position showing the toughness and grit that has been a part of her role for the Tigers over the last two seasons.

Sophia Bonaldi from Columbia, IL really picked up her game throughout the day. Sophia was also named to the All Pool team by putting up 16 and 19 points in the last two pool play games. Her shot was not falling in the first game but that changed and her day ended with 5 three pointers in the 8:00 game. Sophia is 5’10 guard that shows the ball handling and athletic ability to get her own shot. With some more consistency in hitting the mid range shot she will be very hard to stop.

Kierra Winkler from Breese Mater Dei was a 3rd Team IBCA 3A/4A selection her Junior season. Kierra was struggling with her shot during the Gateway Challenge but was a contributor in other aspects for the team. As one of the primary ball handlers she did a good job of leading the offense with 3 and 4 assists in the games I observed. In addition she did a good job on defense and came away with 5 steals in those two games. Kierra average 14.3 points per game for Mater Dei during the 2017-2018 season so I am sure she will find her shot soon.

Megan Silvey and Madelyn Stephen were the other two contributors to Coach Silvey’s team. Both are Edwardsville girls that will have an opportunity to really contribute during their senior seasons. Silvey is a nice guard that can hit the 3 but will not force shots. She is willing to help handle the ball, facilitate the offense and play her role. Stephen is a stretch 4/5 that showed the ability to score by hitting double figures in 2 of the pool play games. She can step out and hit the 3 if left alone and worked hard in the post to seal off and gain position for a low post feed.

With the unfortunate injury to Schmitt it will be important for Coach Silvey to find that post player/rebounder that everyone is looking for to fill the void during the July period. He has a strong group of guards/wings to watch for in Southwestern Illinois for the upcoming season.