Music City Showdown: Session 1 Morning Edition

As the sun rose early in Franklin, TN, young Ballin divas were eager to hoop at the Music City Showdown. The TOA Center provided an awesome venue, where girls were primed and ready to showcase their skills. As soon as the doors opened, girls laced up their sneakers and were ready to hoop. You saw girls diving for loose balls, slashing to the hoop, and knocking down the 3 balls, providing some early excitement for the fans as the tournament kicked off. There was tons of energy in the gym, and the stage was set for what would turn out to be an awesome day. The early session provided some highlight reels for some young hoopers. Girls took advantage of the platform that was given to offer scouts and fans a little taste of something bigger to come. As teams settled in, your saw some fierce competition going on amongst many teams. Though the pendulum could have swung either away, here are some notable girls who stood out amongst the early morning hoopers in session 1. Albertine Cyuzozo (PF, Overtime Performance) - The 6’1 8th grader was a beast for her team. She led her squad with 12 pts and showcased why she is one of the next young up-and-coming kids out of the Kentucky area. She is long, athletic, and can change ends very quickly. She has great instincts and was clearly a dominant force on the boards. Offensively, she displayed a nice mid-range game to complement her game on the blocks. Defensively, she was a huge presence as she blocked a couple of shots and controlled the boards. The skies are the limit for this young ballplayer. [player_tooltip player_id="257280" first="Emma" last="Filiatreau"] (So., PF/C First Step) - The 6’3 post player was a huge presence for her ball club. Defensively, she controlled the boards, which led to many outlet transition buckets. She sent a few shots back to where they came from, leaving her opponents trying to figure out different ways to score high percentage shots. Offensively, she showed great footwork as she used an arsenal of different moves to put the ball in the cup. Look for this baller to lead her First Step club to Bigger Steps this upcoming season. Maddie Zeek (So./ SF/ Overtime Performance)- The 5’10 small forward was a go-getter for her club during the first game. She made great passes, slashed to the rim, and hit open clutch shots when her team needed them. She provided the energy needed by playing scrappy and doing the little things right. She was on early and when her opponent-adjusted, she did her part by finding open teammates so they could eat as well. Maddie had an awesome first game and she is someone you need to keep your eye on moving forward. Ishia Dean (So./ PF/ Overtime Performance)- The 5’11 power forward is long and rangy. She uses her body to her advantage, creating turnover opportunities for her ball club. She displayed a nice mid-range game to complement her ability to take to the rim and finish with contact. She crashed the board well and fed her teammates early in transition. Look for her to grow even more as the season progresses. Catherine Hendershott (Sr./ SG/ Team Ambition) - The 5’10 SG is a deadly sharpshooter. She ranked in the top 10 in scoring throughout the state of Tennessee this past high school season. Catherine displayed the ability to shoot the ball downtown at a high clip. She was great at setting her feet to get in a catch-and-shoot position. She is a tough kid who plays the game hard on both ends of the floor. Though her forte is shooting the three, she has the ability to pull from the mid-range and take it to the rim as well. This kid has gone under the radar for sure and will be a steal for any program looking for a tough competitor. [player_tooltip player_id="277101" first="Hope" last="Holt"] (Sr./PG/ Team Ambition)- The 5’7 PG is nice with the ball in her hands. She is very shifty and patient, yet knows how to get downhill after coming off a screen. She has the ability to take it to the hoop and finish with contact. She distributes well and one time to her teammates. She is a floor general who commands the offense with fierce leadership. Defensively, she can make it difficult for her opponent to score. She is in their face, digging, sliding her feet, and diving for loose balls. This girl has flown under the radar as well. Look for her to continue to have a big summer moving forward. Janiya Polk (So./C/ Alabama Rim Rockers)- The 6’5 post is a huge presence for her ball club. She runs the floor well, has great hands, and dominates down low. Janiya has great footwork and works well moving from block to block. She is great in the pick n’ roll game and can use her body to finish against contact. Defensively, she is a rim protector who controls the boards. As she gains more experience on the court, look for her to become a steal for any collegiate program looking for a big to groom. [player_tooltip player_id="245253" first="Jaden" last="Winfrey"] (Jr./SF/ Alabama Rim Rockers) - The 5’7 Cullman, AL product was a swiss army knife for her club. She has a quiet game but knows when to strike when it’s the right time. Jaden has great court vision where she distributes the ball through tight spaces. She has the ability to shoot the ball consistently at a high clip, yet can also finish at the rim with contact. She is a tough kid who provides the spark for her club when it’s needed. Look for her to grow even more as she gains more experience playing against top competition. [player_tooltip player_id="245332" first="Azariah" last="Abell"] (So./PG/ EAB Tennessee) - The 5’6 PG has a little swag to her game. She is nice with the ball in her hands, using her shiftiness to attack gaps that lead to mid-range opportunities. She provides a little “Iverson” energy that gets her teammates going. From shooting stepback 3s to distributing the ball, AZ is the little engine that could for her ball club. Look for her to gain confidence as she competes throughout the course of the summer. [player_tooltip player_id="421980" first="Atiya" last="Moss"] (So./ CG/ EAB Tennessee)- The 5’9 CG is a floor general coming into her own. She is a conductor who knows how to command an offense. She has a nice 3pt shot that she will unleash at any moment. Atiya has a quick first step that allows her to attack the lane and finish with a nice euro. She is deadly in the pick n’ roll game, providing the necessary spacing to create opportunities for others. Defensively, she is scrappy and won’t hesitate to do the dirty work. Coaches, be on the lookout for this girl. She is a diamond in the rough.