17u Blue Star Silvey Run for the Roses review
Coach Jeff Silvey and his Blue Star 17u group took part in the Run for the Roses event this weekend in Louisville. While they did not get the results they had hoped for, the girls played hard and continue to…
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Continue ReadingCoach Jeff Silvey and his Blue Star 17u group took part in the Run for the Roses event this weekend in Louisville. While they did not get the results they had hoped for, the girls played hard and continue to earn respect from their opponents. Coach Silvey has been forced to play a small lineup when their post player Kymberly Schmitt of Okawville had to have a summer ending surgery. This has led to opportunities for other girls to show what they can offer and many have stepped up to the table. With a small roster everyone must contribute and Sophia Bonaldi, Morgan Hulme and Meagan Silvey all had a good weekends in helping the team go 2-2 in pool play. There are 3 players that stood out a little more than the others that are highlighted below.
Jaylen Townsend continues to show why she is expected to be a big part of the season at Edwardsville next year. She had games of 25 and 19 points and continues to show the ability to score at all 3 levels. She is still a very hard nosed defender and rebounder from her guard position and by showing the ability to score consistently Jaylen is one of the top breakout players of the summer in Southern Illinois.
Kierra Winkeler from Breese Mater Dei is off to a good start in her summer session. Kierra was an All State player during her Junior year and hopes to lead her team to a strong playoff run during her Senior year. Kierra is a scoring point guard that can not only lead the team but is a consistent double figure scorer. She can hit the 3 but excels in the mid range creating space and nailing 12-18 foot jumpers with consistency. During the Run for the Roses event Kierra was consistently scoring in the 10-12 point range while also playing a big part in running the point guard spot.
Maddy Stephens of Edwardsville had an excellent tournament. Maddy has been a player that has worked hard all of her life waiting for the opportunity at the varsity level. Being in the class behind an outstanding 2018 class those minutes have not come at the level she had hoped. Maddy has not given up and continues to work on her craft and it is paying dividends. She has always been a good catch and shoot option but has really improved her post positioning and play over the past couple of years. At 5’11 and strong she is now very capable of sealing off a defender and holding them in that spot until the ball can find her. If you don’t come out and guard her she is willing and able to drop the 3 pointer. Maddy is another player showing skills not many knew she had and making a name for herself.