The Clash Day 1: 2021 Standouts

Indianapolis has become the Midwest hotbed for basketball this summer with surrounding states forced to cancel events because of pandemic restrictions. All the better for Hoosier state basketball fans as some of the top teams and players from the area have descended yet again on Indianapolis, this time, for the Clash. There were a number of standout performances during Day 1 action Friday and I’ll look to highlight some of those, by division, starting with the 2021s. This is split up into the Aqua and Blue divisions, but for brevity sake, we’ll combine the two. Look for updates on the 2022, 23, and 24 divisions throughout the day and weekend. But first up, we start with the upperclassmen. By no means is this an exhaustive list. A lot of basketball has been played already with more to follow. I tried to keep it to the most notable from each particular team. Sports City U starting roster alone could take up the majority of this list. Also, I’m primarily sticking with Ohio and West Virginia teams and players unless others happen to be rostered on one of said teams. <strong>Notable All-Around Efforts</strong> <strong>Megan Leraas, Team Ohio Coffee (Carroll, 2021)</strong> Leraas started quickly vs. Rush Elite knocking down a pair of 3-pointers. She didn’t stop there, leading Team Ohio Coffee with 18 points in a 59-45 win. Leraas shot 60 percent from the floor and 40 percent from range (4 of 5). Strong-bodied and quick at 5-foot-10, Leraas displayed the ability to score at multiple levels. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91075" first="Zoe" last="Miller"], Hiland Hawks (Hiland, 2021)</strong> Bowling Green recruit is an unstoppable force in the paint for Hiland. Just missed a double-double with 20 points and nine rebounds against Huntsman Select Black. The multi-level threat focused primarily on interior scoring this game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="32611" first="Cotie" last="McMahon"], Sports City U (Centerville, 2022)</strong> Sports City U is loaded with talent, but it was McMahon who stood out most, displaying lightning quickness on both ends of the floor. She totaled 11 points on 5-10 shooting, attacking the basket and blowing by defenders. She added five steals and four rebounds in somewhat limited action as SCU subbed freely throughout. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="153343" first="Alana" last="Eves"], W.V. Dream (Wayne, 2021)</strong> The Dream started out slowly, but Eves finally caught fire, finishing with 11 at the half and 20 for the game. The incoming Wayne senior was 9 of 19 from the field and her string of successive points got Dream out of an early shooting funk against a tough man defense en route to a 42-26 win. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="92529" first="Brinn" last="Hunt"] Toledo Thunder (Toledo Central Catholic, 2022)</strong> Hunt knocked down some key 3-pointers and snagged six boards helping the Toledo Thunder get past a tough Drill 4 Skill team out of Western Pa. Hunt was 4 of 5 from range and a 2 of 2 at the line. Hunt displayed a quick release from the wing and managed to create space multiple times when none existed. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="159035" first="Quantaijah" last="Huffman"], Ohio Elite Black (Trotwood Madison, 2021)</strong> Huffman put in a show vs. FIE 17u. Her first points came off a sick crossover that left the defender sprawling on the floor and Huffman nailing a mid-range shot. It continued from there. The 5-8 guard can attack the rim or pull up from anywhere on the floor with a smooth, quick release. She has great leaping ability for her size, making her a solid rebounder when called upon. Has multiple offers, most recently from Alabama A&amp;M. Finished with 19 points on 7 of 14 shooting and 3 of 7 from range.