AAU Team Preview: SMAC Akron 2023/24
SMAC Akron 2023/24 Team Outlook: The focus of the SMAC AKRON 23/24 team offensive style is playing with awareness and purpose in all phases of the team’s possession. By sustained running and attacking in transition, they want to create high…
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Continue ReadingSMAC Akron 2023/24
Team Outlook:
The focus of the SMAC AKRON 23/24 team offensive style is playing with awareness and purpose in all phases of the team’s possession.
By sustained running and attacking in transition, they want to create high percentage scoring opportunities in the first 6-8 seconds of possession. They look to get this accomplished by sprinting lanes for lay-ups, running to create an advantage at the 3-point line or establishing an early post catch. They also run a spread offensive, 3 out 2 in and multiple 1-4 sets with numerous options
They then look to create scoring opportunities through purposeful ball and player movement and engaging the defense to consistently defend action such as cutting, screening, post play and penetration.
They want to showcase the unselfish nature of all our players and have them work collectively and for each other to create high percentage, predictable shots.
Defensively, their focus is on disruption and ensuring the offensive team is not able to operate in a rhythm or with any level of comfort. Being disruptive is not always about full court pressing or trapping, it is more a philosophy of taking the offense away from what they are most comfortable doing.
They will use full-court pressing defenses, half court-traps, traditional half-court pressured defenses and half-court amoeba defenses, and use their defensive principals to set the tone of the game.
Roster
Izzy Callaway, 5’7 2024 PG/SG, TBA
Anna Hurst, 5’8 2024 PG/SG, Stow
Emily Kerekes, 5’9 2024 SG/SF, Copley
Devin Harris, 5’9 2024 SF/PF, Cuyahoga Christian Academy
Cameron Hoover, 6′ 2024, OF/C, Woodridge
Lexie Canning, 5’10 2023 PF/C, Kent Roosevelt
Hadley Haidu, 5’8 2024 PG/SG, Revere
Players to Watch
Izzy Callaway- Izzy is a true point guard. Her ball handling and playmaking ability make her an unstoppable force offensively. Her ability to see the court and her creativity with using her instincts; from a no look pass, taking her girl off the dribble or hitting a three in transitions are just a few things that make her a thrill to watch. When the game is on the line, you want the ball in Izzy’s hands.
Anna Hurst- Anna is the ultimate competitor, she is relentless! She is a lock down defender, and has an unmatched ability to anticipate defensively. She is a confident player who scores in bunches. She makes strong, smart and creative passes to her teammates that put them in scoring positions. Offensively she can create her own shot, find the open girl and always makes the smart play. She is not nicknamed the “Blonde Mamba” for no reason……
Emily Kerekes- Emily is a natural athlete who uses her length with effortless grace. She can skillfully hit the open shot and can finish on both sides of the basket using both hands. She is a tough matchup, because she can play on the perimeter and the post. She is a true stat stuffer because she does it all.
Devin Harris- Devin is a freakishly athletic. She is a lock down defender that uses her length to perfection to guard all five positions. She can finish at the rim, rebound and block shots using her length. She is quick, can get up and down the court like a gazelle and a positive vocal teammate.
Cameron Hoover- Cameron is extremely athletic. She is a post player with the skilled footwork of a guard. Cameron will keep her defenders on their toes by hitting a midrange shot or beating them off the block. Standing at 6’, Cam is a strong rebounder and defender.
Lexis Canning- Lexie is an extremely skilled player that plays with both power and finesse. She can power you on the post, hit the midrange shot, take her opponent off the dribble, and hit the three ball. She can play all five positions which makes her game so diverse that she is a tough one to defend and prepare for.
Hadley Haidu- Hadley is a fierce competitor who knows how to use her speed to be a playmaker on both ends of the court. She can take her girl off the dribble, look for the opportunity to pass, and consistently knock down the open jumper. Defensively she will lock down the opponent’s best offensive player, and if there is a loose ball on the court…she will be there to get it.
Ari Crockett- Ari is a floor general. She knows the court well and uses it to her ability to score from the perimeter or to take her opponent off the dribble. A constant threat from the perimeter with her mid range and 3 point shot, makes her a consistent perimeter threat. Her “team first” mentality allows her to skillfully utilize her teammates when she is on the court. She is an aggressive on-the-ball defender making her a threat on both ends of the court.
Alaina Ray- Alaina is scoring guard. She has a solid consistent jumper paired with smart shot selection. She plays with a ton of energy and is ambidextrous with the ball. Defensively her lateral speed is what differentiates her game from others and frustrates her opponents. You do not want to foul her…she is automatic at the foul line.