“Coach Speak” GA: North Metro Elite ’28 Preview
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In our Coach Speak series, I wanted to give high school and aau coaches the chance to tell their state about their teams. It’s easy for a writer like me to think I know about a team or a player,…
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Continue ReadingIn our Coach Speak series, I wanted to give high school and aau coaches the chance to tell their state about their teams. It’s easy for a writer like me to think I know about a team or a player, while it’s another to hear it directly from the mouth of a coach. Nobody knows their player’s skills sets, games, attitudes and efforts better than their head coach, and I wanted to give the coach’s a voice. A thus….here is “Coach Speak” GA.
North Metro Elite
‘s 14U Girls team – 2028 8th Grade – has been put together from several previous travel teams and numerous players who starred in their middle school seasons. Those schools – feeder teams for their high school programs – play in metro Atlanta’s 50+ team CCJBC Conference, the most competitive in the State of Georgia. With only 4 practices and new to one another, the girls went 2-2 in the Hoopseen Georgia Cup this past weekend, with a great win over Alabama Basketball Academy and a very competitive showing into the semifinals.
Their Coach has high hopes for the upcoming season as he describes his roster:
Ava Bray
Ava Bray
#22 – Ava Bray Dyer – Combo Guard – North Paulding High School
“Tremendous high-end, spot up shooter. Averaged over 30 in the post-season for her school team. Daughter of legendary Paulding County High School Coach Ryan Dyer. Elite scorer and high basketball IQ”
Olivia Walton
Olivia Walton
#10 – Olivia Walton – Wing – North Paulding High School
“A defensive specialist who has good guard skill and an excellent jumper. Defensive stopper we rely upon to make plays on the defensive side of the ball.”
Destiny Wilmington
Destiny Wilmington
#0 – Destiny Wilmington – Combo Guard – East Paulding High School
“One of the most skilled players on the team; elite ball skill with both hands; playmaker on both sides of the floor. Necessary component if we are going to have a great season.”
Madison Whitfield Madison Whitfield 5'4" | SG East Paulding | 2028 GA
Madison Whitfield Madison Whitfield 5'4" | SG East Paulding | 2028 GA
#1 – Madison Whitfield Madison Whitfield 5’4″ | SG East Paulding | 2028 GA – Wing – East Paulding High School
“Madison provides us with great dribble drive and a consistent scoring ability. Great in transition and has already been clutch in late game situations for us.”
Sarah Glover
Sarah Glover
#2 – Sarah Glover – Wing – 3/4 – East Paulding High School
“Another high-end defensive stopper with high upside. Sarah was one of the first players we wanted when we looked to put this team together. Heart and soul of the team.”
#3 – Kennedy Smith Kennedy Smith 5’4″ | PG Mount Paran Christian School | 2028 GA – PG – Mt. Paran Christian School
“Kennedy is a 7th Grader playing up who has elite guard skill, reliable perimeter shooting, and HIGH basketball IQ. Always one of the best players on the floor when we are playing and electric to watch!”
Demi Jamison
Demi Jamison
#12 – Demi Jamison – Wing – Allatoona High School
“Hardest working player we have, always willing to dive on the floor and win the 50/50 ball. Deliver physicality when we need it. Great attitude, great potential, great young lady.”
Kaylen Ojibway Kaylen Ojibway GA
Kaylen Ojibway Kaylen Ojibway GA
#20 – Kaylen Ojibway Kaylen Ojibway GA – Center – Mt. Paran Christian School
“High IQ, hard-working, reliable, good post moves….unafraid of themoment as she made a game saving rejection/block to secure the win of our first game at Hoopseen. Great two-way player with great upside. At 5’11 in 8th Grade she will have the size for success as he career progresses”
#24 – Rose Kuria Rose Kuria 5’10” | C North Cobb Christian School | 2028 GA – 4/5 – North Cobb Christian
“Another of our twin towers at 6’0”, Rose already has shown growth and an advanced learning curve – she will reject shots and rebound the ball. We will need her to produce on both ends of the floor if we are going to be successful this season.”
Kelsey Kuykendall
Kelsey Kuykendall
#33 – Kelsey Kuykendall – Stretch 4 – North Paulding High School
“Kelsey has to carry a big load – catch and shoot from the short corner, knock down open looks and also pick up loose balls and rebound for us. She is a great young lady who gives everything for her team.”
Madison Anavitarte
Madison Anavitarte
#42 – Madison Anavitarte – 3/4 – North Paulding High School
“Multi-sport star who is willing to give all she has for her teammates. Always in the mix with loose balls, rebounds and can knock down the open jumper. Glue Girl/locker room girl for NME!”
The coaching staff includes two assistants who are current NCAA college basketball players – Conference Rookie of the year in 2023 at University of West Georgia Ms. Aliyah Washington; and, Division I Kennesaw State wing Taylor Cullinan. That gives this NME team unmatched college-level instruction for our kids.
Aggressive scheduling may make a tough early road for the kids, but they
already have two wins in the win column and they are competing at a high
level. Looking forward to watching them grow and get better as players
and a team!