WV Thunder players who caught our eye on Day 3 of the WPA Tip-Off
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AAU Sundays don’t get much better for programs than what the W.Va. Thunder experienced on Easter in Pittsburgh. The organization led by director Scott Johnson successfully capped an incredible weekend that stretched from the 17U group featuring Dee Alexander and…
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Continue ReadingAAU Sundays don’t get much better for programs than what the W.Va. Thunder experienced on Easter in Pittsburgh. The organization led by director Scott Johnson successfully capped an incredible weekend that stretched from the 17U group featuring Dee Alexander and Kymora Johnson all the way down to the Thunder 5th grade team piloted by Rex Frohnapfel. Overall, every group finished with a winning record and seven of the nine groups went 3-1 against some of the best competitors in the country.
Here are the Day 3 standouts from the WV Thunder organization:
Trinity Rowe Trinity Rowe 5'7" | PG Pikeville | 2024 State KY , WV Thunder 2024 UAA, CG, 5-5 – Coaches won’t find many more pure point guards in the mold of Trinity Rowe Trinity Rowe 5'7" | PG Pikeville | 2024 State KY . She’s playing the position with such a passion and intelligence. When she’s on the court she’s learning, evolving and putting her teammates in great positions to succeed. Her latest example came this past weekend. She piloted the 2024 unit to a 4-0 record against some of the best competition in the country. Nearly everything ran through her on the court. She got the ball, confidently diagnosed defenses and efficiently moved her teammates into position. She also excelled when it was her turn to shoot the ball. Her range goes from the 3-point line to slicing layups down the lane. If you aren’t in on Rowe, I suggest you get in on her right now.
Rayana Breckenridge, WV Thunder 2027, G, 5-4 – This young lady always wants the ball on defense. It almost seems like she just has a knack for getting to it. Then using her high basketball IQ and long limbs, she gets up close and personal with a defender and makes them feel uncomfortable. That’s to say nothing of her court awareness and what seems like natural instincts for help defense. She knows when to help and back off. She projects as a beast of a defensive player.
Addison Godby, WV Thunder 2026, PF, 5-11 – If you are a coach interested in a multi-tooled and multi-positional player, then Godby is for you. She’s making it look easy. Put her at guard, she excels. Put her on the post, she excels. Put her on the wing, she excels. That doesn’t just go for her scoring points, she defends well and understands each position thanks to that willingness to step up and the ultimate team player. During her opening game Sunday, she showed off her low post game. Her size and mobility allowing her additional opportunities on the block. She calls for the ball than it becomes about deciding for a jumper, drive or pass, she can do all three. Don’t take your eyes of this Fairland and Thunder product, you will be sorry you didn’t add her to your team.
Niko Kaufmann, WV Thunder 2025 Gold, SG/PG, 5-6 – Other than Dria Parker Dria Parker 5'10" | SF Spring Valley | 2025 State WV and Josie Cross Josie Cross 5'10" | PF Woodrow Wilson | 2025 State WV , I did not know a whole lot about the Thunder 2025 team. But I sure do know. Niko Kaufmann saw to that. With a three-point barrage against the Cincinnati Tigers, she’s not only on the radar, but someone who impressed. She stretches the floor with her ranges and makes a lot of teams choose the lesser of two evils, commit a double team to her or risk a 3-point shot. She’s quick with her release and she’s only going to get better.