Montini Xmas Tournament: Byron’s 1st Team All-Tournament & MVP

<strong><em>’24 [player_tooltip player_id="346995" first="Shannon" last="Blacher"]<span class="Apple-converted-space"> | 5’11 Combo Guard | Montini Catholic</span></em></strong> Winning MVP 4 games straight, Blacher was the most consistent aggressor for her team over the tournament stretch. Her dominance expanded from the paint to the arc in each game. She’s a difficult player to guard no matter the situation she’s in. She finished the tournament averaging 17 points and around 7 rebounds.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> <em><strong>’24 Danni Scully<span class="Apple-converted-space"> | 6’1 Guard/Wing | Nazareth Academy</span></strong></em> A complete issue for all defenders throughout the tournament. Danni is as skilled and versatile as you can be for her size and speed. In-game 4 of the tournament, Scully had a little scare.. went out got checked and came right back in, and went to work. Whether it was her scoring her being a decoy, she continued to be an away factor for her team’s undefeated success in the tournament <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> <em><strong>’23 [player_tooltip player_id="148131" first="Skylar" last="Jones"]<span class="Apple-converted-space"> | 6’1 Wing | Whitney Young </span></strong></em> The junior guard didn’t drop a bit of energy for each game. Her team fell short with a .500 record of 2-2, but Jones was nothing short of eye-popping from game to game. She went to work in the paint, knocked down countless shots, and was a complete spark for her team despite the outcome. Skylar has been on the radar, but I’m sure her performance at this tournament will have a few more coaches calling to have a conversation. <em><strong>’25 [player_tooltip player_id="335739" first="Destiny" last="Jackson"]<span class="Apple-converted-space"> | 5’7 Combo Guard | Whitney Young</span></strong></em> Fans of Chicago girls basketball knew what Destiny would bring to “The Stable”. She’s a seat filler and stat stuffer. The amount of talent this kid has at her young age is mind-blowing. In every game, her skillset was on the show, and she delivered every matchup .. no matter the outcome. Her aggression, confidence, and passion will continue to cause her to be a threat every time she’s on the court.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> <em><strong>’22 [player_tooltip player_id="124865" first="Angelina" last="Giordano"] | 5’9 Combo Guard | Loyola Academy</strong></em> Leader. Poised and Accepting. Through the wins and losses of the tournament, Angelina kept her composure from buzzer to buzzer. She’s an elite competitor and just a complete hooper. She’s the driving force of the team’s offense and defense. Her energy matches her class, she’s a senior and she’s always ready and willing to take over in the big moments.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Giordano’s defense is as active and aggressive as anyone in her class. </span> <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>MVP</strong></span> <em><strong>’22 [player_tooltip player_id="78781" first="Kenzie" last="Hare"] | 5’10 Combo Guard | Naperville North</strong></em> Each game Kenzie got people out of their seats for something. Whether it was multiple 3s in a row, a crafty layup with a smoother finish, or just her poised and controlled attitude. Hare is built differently.. she has no memory and has no problem putting everything and everyone on her back. An outstanding talent who showed up every game to do nothing but win. The clear consensus MVP of the tournament. There is no ceilings for Kenzie.. she will only get better