Beyond Cool: Birmingham was Live!

In the southeast, another NCAA Live Period event that Tennessee teams descended on was the Capital Cool Classic. Hosted at the Finley Center in Birmingham, AL our Tristar girls came out looking to take care of business. Lacing them up, taking the hardwood, girls from the volunteer state came to compete and showcase their skills in front of college coaches. All 11 courts at the Finley Center were live, coaches got plenty of chances to see great competition and some of our outstanding girls that call Tennessee home. So many of our good programs suited up to play down south. TN Blazers, B. Wright, FBC Reign, FBC Nashville, Memphis Idlewild, FBC Bouncenation, and others, took on stiff competition and did a phenomenal job. Our girls didn’t back down. They were tough as nails, competing to the final whistle. The cream really rose to the top, as more and more of our girls grinded it out. The teams who competed, really showed all in attendance what ball is like within our borders. Here are some notable young ladies who stood out throughout the weekend at the Capital Cool Classic. Kaelyn Flowers (5’6/So./PG/Blackman/Team B. Wright)- Tough scoring guard who is a phenomenal leader. Has great court presence, where she can help propel a team. Doesn’t back down from competition, she is a lockdown defender that does the little things to give her team a edge. A multi-level scorer, she has great court vision that allows her to knife through defenses, creating shot opportunities for others. A young warrior with a huge upside. Has played in a lot of big moments early in her career. Will continue to grow as her game isn’t finished yet. [player_tooltip player_id="409017" first="Ella" last="Ryan"] (5’8/Fr./PG/ Brentwood/ Team B. Wright)- More than a shooter, Ella has taken her game to new heights over the last couple of months. Getting it done on both ends, she has escalated her game a couple of notches. Offensively, she’s always had a lethal jump shot, now she adds a quick first step, getting to the rim to finish with either hand. Great in the transition game, she is able to distribute the ball, then relocate to knock down open shot opportunities. She’s a hustler on D, locking up opponents. She’s just getting start, look for her to continue on an upwards trajectory the more she plays. Navaeh Scott (5’4/So./ PG/ Bartlett/Team B. Wright)- Quick first step, this young floor general is tough with the ball in her hands. She can score it, distribute it, create havoc as opponents must honor her floor presence. She’s a threat on the defensive end, pick pocketing opponents and getting hands on balls. Tough two-way player who is a solid leader with huge upside. [player_tooltip player_id="245356" first="Alonna" last="Poole"] (5’11/So./SF/ Stewart’s Creek/ FBC Nashville)- Determined young hooper who plays the game with a lot of heart. Makes no excuses, as she competes every time she steps on the floor. Has great strength, uses her frame to get to the rim and finish against contact. Can score it from outside, she is a multi-level scorer who brings a dominating presence to the floor. Contributes on the boards, passes efficiently, has so many strong qualities that make her game so lethal. Tremendous upside. Gets better every time she steps on the floor. Alyssa Lewis (5’7/So./CG/ Alton (IL)/ FBC Nashville)- Hard working hooper who is like a swiss army knife. Tough kid who finishes at the rim. Can handle the ball against pressure, creating opportunities for herself and her teammates. Lockdown defender who takes pride at being a nuisance on the defensive end. Tremendous talent who loves the game and will continue to get better. [player_tooltip player_id="245283" first="Amari" last="Bonds"] (5’7/Jr./PG/ Union City/ Tennessee Blazers)- Tough kid who is just a pure hooper. Multi-level scoring threat who is as talented as they come. Can do a little bit of everything on the court, elevating her club in more ways than one. Beyond a stat stuffer, she contributes to the game in so many ways. Poised beyond her age, pressure doesn’t phase this ballplayer. Big time player who will look to have a tremendous college career. [player_tooltip player_id="245285" first="Amelia" last="Goehring"] (5’9/Jr./CG/ Jackson Trinity Christian Academy/ Alabama Southern Starz)- Tough kid who is a lethal sharpshooter. Can shoot it from all 3 levels, can handle the ball, distribute with ease, and can get after it on the defensive end. Talented kid who loves to compete. Had an exceptional weekend, helping her team to victories. Solid overall game, competes every time she steps onto the floor. Dual sport athlete who is blessed with talent. [player_tooltip player_id="245289" first="Olivia" last="Lee"] (5’10/Jr./G/Jackson Trinity Christian Academy/Alabama Southern Starz)- Hard working kid who can flat out play. Can score it from multiple levels, but excels in the midrange game and around the rim. Stat stuffer who is a great two way player. Stays on the boards on both ends. Uses her length on D to her advantage. A true dual sport athlete that is tough. Miss Tennessee winner, had a tremendous junior campaign. Was doing all the little things right throughout the tournament as her team excelled on the court. Selfless player who doesn’t force her game. [player_tooltip player_id="245354" first="Addison" last="Melton"] (5’11/So./G/ Central Magnet/ FBC Reign)- Has really gotten tougher over the past year, this young lady contributes in so many ways. From rebounding the ball to distributing the rock, she has a great feel for the game. Can score it from multiple levels on the court, using her size to take advantage of mismatches. Had a great weekend, as she gained more confidence every time she stepped onto the floor. A coach’s dream. Isn’t afraid to step up to any challenge presented to her. Great kid with tremendous upside.