Texas Live Period: Day 2 Takeaways

The first live period is such a special date, It is has a little more value than the other live period dates! Not only is it the first evaluation period to kickoff the year, but I also love the amount of individual game measurements this weekend provides. The first live period is a good test to see the improvement from the young ladies from high school ball. After this first weekend, many players and coach's will have a better reference to measure their game against other players to know what they need to improve before the next live period. I spent time in the Dallas area this weekend at the Heart of Texas by Premier Basketball and the Adidas Gauntlet in Texas. So many teams and players to watch, I was not able to watch all but most, from observation, here are some takeaways from Day 2 of the tournament weekend. <h4>Effortless wins in Texas</h4> Oklahoma Swarm BlueStar 17U Richie/Jim and THSS MAVS Elite has swept many teams in games played on Day 1 and Day 2 in the tournament. .Swarm has beat every team by 35 points or more. They make it look effortless as they play, especially with win margins consistently in the double digits. OK Swarm is playing at a high level even with two players missing. THSS Mavs Elite has not met any competition outside of Oklahoma. One tough game with OK Swarm BlueStar 15U Shawn, they've swept all other competition in their games. As they continue through the tournament, they’ve beaten teams by 18 points to even 30 points in one game. <h4>Standout player: Ashanti Day</h4> Ashanti Day performance on day 2 seemed like she was everywhere a player could possibly be in a game in the first live period. On the offensive end she does a great job at taking what the defense gave her. Consistent with making three pointers, facilitating the ball, drive in the half court set, push the ball in transition. To add, I really like watching her organize her body to slide her feet in order to get in front of her opponent and often times results in a steal or deflection. <h4>Standout Team: OK Swish 2021/2022 White</h4> There was so much to say about everyone on this team. Based on their defensive chemistry, one could think they have been a team together for a long time. They rotate well on the defense end and rarely allow the opponent for opportunities of uncontested shots. To add, this team understands the concept on help rotation, especially helping the helper. Every person on the team can handle the ball up the court but in their own different way compared to one another. They play well in a fast game and also do well in their half court offensive sets. Very solid team to play the game. Great thing is, they’re all pretty young so there’s some time to check them out.