Prep Girls Hoops SC Top 250 Expo: Front-court
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It feels as if it was yesterday when the offseason and travel season began with many of the state and country’s top talents hitting the road for their AAU organizations. The grassroots campaign may have concluded, but we still have…
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Continue ReadingIt feels as if it was yesterday when the offseason and travel season began with many of the state and country’s top talents hitting the road for their AAU organizations. The grassroots campaign may have concluded, but we still have a bit of offseason to go.
One of the final stops for many on that offseason was Myrtle Beach. More specifically, the John T. Rhodes Sports Center and the Prep Girls Hoops Top 250 Expo. Unlike in previous years, the girls event took place following the boys. Over 100 kids signed up and they were sorted into 12 teams.
Here is a look at the frontcourt players that showed up to the beach with their balling shoes ready to go.
Ford and the rest of the 2A Landsharks will encounter a different schedule than they did in 2021-22 given Oceanside Collegiate Academy will drop down from the 3A class to the 2A ranks for this upcoming season. Ford presents an imposing paint presence and is a threat to score in the low post when she has the ball in her hands. She converts on many a high-percentage bucket opportunity in the paint and her rebounding make her a double-double threat on a game-by-game basis. She also helps her Landsharks team with defense and shot blocking. Her travel career includes a stint with Shots United.
Following the graduations of Ja’Niya Waters and Zandaisia McNeil, it creates a great opportunity for Ford to assume a leadership role at 1A Lake View given he is advancing into the upperclassman portion of his career. A midrange jump shot is part of her overall offensive repertoire. Ford has no problems playing the game on contact and getting to the free throw line. She stands at 5-foot-8 while playing primarily at the three. Defensively, she is a consistent threat to corral steals. Ford played a major role in the Gators’ deep run in last season’s tournament that only concluded when running into the buzzsaw that is two-time defending 1A champion Military Magnet.
Monsanto was another of the transfers that departed from the Cardinal Newman program to find better pastures at the SCISA 4A Highlanders. She recently received an offer from North Carolina A&T and displayed many of the skills as to why Aggies are looking at her. She stays active throughout the game and is constantly looking to make plays to the ball. Monsanto never gives up on a play and can haul in offensive rebounds. She is a gifted runner of the floor and can make plays in the transition game. She also will attack the rim and deliver finishes at the cup.