Top Performers Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs Basketball Classic (Part 1)

Wow! What a Saturday to be in the gym watching a lot of great talent in South Florida. I was able to see three of the top teams in the state in Miami Country Day School, Montverde Academy and St. Thomas Aquinas. The 2 p.m. match up between Miami County Day and Montverde was one that many spectators wanted to see. The game definitely was worth it as you were able to see two top teams, which both are well coached and both feature some of the top players in our state go at it. Montverde won the game by a score of 50-45. Here are some takeaways that I saw from all the action this weekend: &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Montverde Academy Eagles </strong></span> <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Mariana Valenzuela - Forward Junior </strong></span> Her hands and rebounding was awesome, made great catches and had a few strong finishes at the basket. Forced some of Miami Country Day's players to change their shot on the interior just from her presence. <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Carolina Fernandez-Nion - Guard Junior</strong></span> The floor general on the court for the Eagles. She showed an understanding of game pace by knowing when to push the ball up the court and when to settle her team down to get them into their offense. <strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Maria Myklebust - Guard/Forward Junior</span></strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"> </span> She can do it all. Maria was able to show you everything her game consists of. With her size she was able to play inside out. She can knock down the three ball, hit the mid range shot, go down in the post area and be physical, plus she defended while on defense. I can definitely seeing her winning the teams MVP award at the end of the season. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Miami Country Day School</strong></span> <strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/sydney-shaw/">Sydney Shaw</a></span> - Guard Sophomore</strong> Do it all player for Miami Country Day. Can score, create her own shot, create opportunities for her teammates to score, rebound and defend. Shaw has stepped up and takes on the leadership role for her team. Last year she had the luxury of playing with Koi Love and Maria Alvarez. Shaw kept MCD in the game by doing all that she can. Looking forward to see her growth as a leader and continued competitiveness, <strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/andrea-daley/">Andrea Daley</a> - Forward Junior </span></strong> Athletic, explosive and solid finisher around the basket. Daley's athleticism is off the charts. She's truly a catalyst for MCD on the defensive end as she can cover ground and get to spots fast when they are pressing. She can block shots and goes after just about every rebound. Runs the floor well and finishes. <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Miami Christian </strong></span> <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Samantha Vales - Guard 8th Grader </strong></span> Crafty skilled guard that can knock down the open shot. Gets to the basket and understands the game. Plays hard on both ends of the court. Only an 8th grader and is holding her own against high school players. <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Ambar Ramirez - Guard Junior </strong></span> Guard that plays the game hard and plays to win every possession. She really get her team going with her energy and aggressive play. She's able to make her teammates feed off of her energy and force them to play at a different gear. Getting in the lane and hitting her shots was something i saw her excel at over this weekend. <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Enjulina Gonzalez - Guard Sophomore</strong></span> Looking at Gonzalez you wouldn't think she can do what she does out there on the court. Deception is the word to describe her rebounding skills, she has great timing and can really get up. She's a quiet athletic player that gets out there and just does her job. <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Nova Titans </strong></span> <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Jamie Levy - Guard Senior</strong></span> Levy showed her ability to hit the open three and her teammates were not shy about finding her to knock down those shots. She moved well on the defensive end and made some great decisions on offense. I was really impressed with how she took care of the basketball this weekend. <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/trinity-delancy/">Trinity Delancy</a></span> - Guard Senior</strong></span> Trinity played hard on both sides of the floor. Being vocal and leading her team by example are the things that stood out to me the most. Trinity always gives 110% when she playing and this past weekend showed just that. Her senior leadership helped her team come out victorious. &nbsp;