Grassroots Team Spotlight on Missouri Flight 17U

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During the month of May, Prep Girls Hoops Missouri will be putting the spotlight on a number of grassroots programs from around the state that feature talented players who may operate under the radar. Today, we take a look at the Missouri Flight 17U team, which consists of players from the SWMO area. After watching some of their games from the spring grassroots season, here is a look at the players that we watched.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='645082' first='Taylor' last='Blehm'] (Marion C. Early): A 5'10" 2024 forward who combines her physical strength with an versatile skill set to be quite a matchup problem. She has excellent footwork in the post and a soft touch with either hand around the basket. She is also a very deft passer and playmaker from the perimeter. She can step out and knock down perimeter shots and beat defenders off the dribble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='509645' first='Lucy' last='Newberry'] (Marionville): A 5'9" 2024 guard with good handles and nifty passing ability. She is an excellent slashing threat who can beat defenders while going left or right. She can create offense off the dribble and she has a nice step-back 3-pointer off the bounce. She is also very good in the transition game with her athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='645080' first='Ireland' last='Jones'] (Clever): The talented 2024 point guard wasn't in action in the games I watched due to injury, but I've seen plenty of her in the past few years to know that she's an outstanding floor leader who makes her teammates better. She is quick with good playmaking skills as a passer and ball handler. She can also score on runners and perimeter jumpers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lauren Chastain (Republic): A 5'8" point guard who has a good feel for the game. She made some nifty passes as she keeps the ball moving and the offense flowing. She threads the needle very well to open cutters. She also displayed some quick hands on the defensive end to strip opposing ball handlers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Desteny Pierce (Springfield Central): A 5'7" 2024 guard who is strong with the ball and she plays at her own pace. She doesn't get sped up and she gets where she needs to go. She can make the floater in the lane or she can also create contact to score in traffic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Raigan Smith (Kickapoo): A 5'7" 2024 guard who is a high energy player at both ends of the court. She made some nice hustle plays as she ran the court to get offensive putbacks. She also battled inside for rebounds and pushed the ball up court when she had the chance. She also hit a nice 3-pointer in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='605792' first='Taylor' last='Foster'] (Branson): A 6'1" 2024 forward with good strength and a very effective offensive game in the low post. The lefty establishes good position inside and she can also wheel and deal for a bucket from the high post. She also stepped out and make a 3-pointer in one game that I watched her. She doesn't mind the physical play as she screens well and boxes out for rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='747486' first='Ellison' last='Mehrhoff'] (Branson): A 5'10" wing player who is solid on the drive and she has good shooting range from 3-point territory. They run a nice double-screen for her to shoot the triple from the head of the key and she can drain it. She also moves well and scores on off-ball cuts. She has good length, which she uses to get deflections on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aryanna Seelye (Monett): A 6'1" 2024 forward who has good hands to catch the ball and she can score with a nice touch around the basket. She is a good offensive rebounder who keeps the ball high. She is also active on the defensive end as she can block and challenge shots with her good timing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Emma Spurlin (Logan-Rogersville): A 5'7" 2024 guard who displayed the ability to knock down the open 3-pointer from the corner. She did a good job rebounding from the guard position and she also plays solid defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->