Texas Live Period: Final Day Takeaway

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. Attacking teams to watch on the Final day of the tournament that I have not watched. I was not able to watch all but most, from observation, here are some takeaways from the final day of the live period tournament weekend. &nbsp; <h3 class="entry-title font-weight-bold mb-3"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Texas Live Period: Final Day Takeaway</span></span></h3> &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>OK Shock 2020 vs Ohlde Elite 2020 Pink Game of the Day</strong></span> Close game down the stretch of the final time, the game eventually goes into overtime. OK Shock 2020 competed against a solid team, Ohlde Elite 2020 from Kansas to eventually end the winner by 10 points. Ohlde possessed a lot more size than the OK Shock, but their size was not enough to defeat the Shock. <strong>Alexys Keys</strong> were clutch in overtime with important 3 shots, ball handling and facilitating the ball to always make the right decision. To add, <strong>Makenna Vanzant</strong> made all of her lay ups which ultimately helped seal the win for the Shock. &nbsp; <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Player Standout: Delaine Crawford</span></strong> Witnessed many glimpses of Delaine on Day 2 but finally had a chance to watch more of Crawford. Different dynamic to her game in the summer than school ball, she was still consistent in many areas. She did not force one shot, scored from the outside wing, created her shot in transition, scored open shots, and helped create for others. On the defense end, she is always active, and I loved how she uses her length to cover the ground of the ball, which results in steals or many touches for her. Only a sophomore that I am positive has not even touched her potential. Excited to watch her progression over the next few years. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>The Silent Players </strong></span> Every teams need those players who have such a huge impact but in such a silent way. Rarely are they off of the court, because of their important impact on the team.<span style="font-size: 1rem;">The way these players effect the game is not easily seen by many spectators, but I particularly noticed their benefit on the court.</span><span style="font-size: 1rem;"> </span> <strong>#24 Kinley Gentry, Freshman, 5’9, Forward, Muldrow HS Tulsa JYD</strong> Her presence is most felt on the defense end because she is always in the correct spot in order to make the defensive play. Also, she is moves well in the offense in which her presence likely will result in positive actions for her team. <strong>#12 Ariyah Smither, Sophomore, 5’9, Forward, Del City HS, Unity Basketball</strong> The amount of energy she brings to the floor is what makes her special. She crashes the boards, plays hard defense and always makes herself a threat with or without the ball because of her constant movement on the court. <strong>#13 Cedar Stewart, Junior, 5’4, Point Guard, Edmond Santa Fe HS, Team Oklahoma Platinum</strong> Continually keeps her head up when she had the ball. Does well to draw defense and make the correct pass between teammates. Especially during or before traffic, she gains ball control to make decisions. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;