New PGH Circuit Team Profile: Illinois Legends 16U
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After accepting an invitation to the Illinois Legends practice, I drove down to the Pullman center on a snowy Saturday to watch. Each and every player was giving their complete attention to their coach. Cheering each other on seems to…
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Continue ReadingAfter accepting an invitation to the Illinois Legends practice, I drove down to the Pullman center on a snowy Saturday to watch. Each and every player was giving their complete attention to their coach. Cheering each other on seems to be a natural reflex for these girls and displays their culture. The players were holding each other accountable during every drill and are extremely coachable. If this team plays the way they practice, the 16U teams out there need to be on guard. Here are some of the 16U players that I was able to watch and will be on the PGH Circuit this year.
Neveah Wright
Neveah Wright
Nevaeh has great awareness on the court. Her ability to anticipate her teammates placement is key for a guard on this speedy team. She knows where she needs to get the ball and does it in time to get them to score.
Plain and simple, Aunyai HUSTLES. Quickness and control is the name of her game. Her on the ball game is stellar and she is a commander on the court. She is smooth in the paint and can shoot lights out. Other than that, she is just plain GOOD!
You need to see Kaylea’s wingspan to believe it. She uses that wingspan to rout her opponents under the rim. If her wingspan impresses you, then wait until you see her vertical. She flies into the air and uses her length and jump to rout her opponents. Her defensive game is untouchable with the way she uses her physical skills. She will be the one to watch in this class.
Jemiyah McDonald
Jemiyah McDonald
Jemiyah uses her great shot fake to throw off defenders. She did this effectively a number of times and was frustrating her teammates. She successfully uses her strong handles to dribble through defenders. She did this especially well in the paint and finishes strong.
Valencia is such a well-rounded player. Taking a charge is a skill that most players don’t have. She can take a charge better than most college players. Under the basket, it is almost instantaneous that her hands go up whenever the ball is hot. Great shot fake and tight control of the ball.
Highlights
Aniya Blackmon
Aniya Blackmon
Aniya’s ability to communicate on the court makes her stand out. When a shot goes up, either on offense or defense, she is immediately in a box out position. She fronts the post well, especially for her size, and will be a huge deterrent to her opponents.