Grassroots Preview: Team Hickory 16U
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North Carolina is the Hoop State after all – so one can expect that any AAU team that hits the travel circuit from said state will be a tough task for many an opponent to put into the loss column. …
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Continue ReadingNorth Carolina is the Hoop State after all – so one can expect that any AAU team that hits the travel circuit from said state will be a tough task for many an opponent to put into the loss column.
Among those many travel teams is Team Hickory. The organization – which is based in the western part of the state – competes on the Under Armour Rise circuit and fields a 16U team along with a 17U squad.
We recently unveiled our preview of the group’s 17U team. Without further ado, we now turn our attention to who comprises its 16U rendition.
Emma Wallace Emma Wallace NC – Wallace has gained junior varsity experience during her time at 3A Crest. She is the lone representative from the Chargers on this year’s roster. As a freshman, she is playing up a year in class.
Shelby Thompson Shelby Thompson NC – Thompson played her sophomore season for Watauga – one of the premier teams in the 4A ranks. Last season, the Pioneers finished with a 25-6 record along with a berth in the West Region final.
Kaylee Ellis Kaylee Ellis 5'4" | PG Lake Norman | 2026 NC – When speaking of premier teams from the Hoop State in the 4A ranks, Lake Norman also has to be a part of the conversation. Ellis’ Wildcats team was one victory shy of the West Region final in 2023-24.
Cheryllana Cunningham Cheryllana Cunningham 5'5" | SG Freedom | 2027 NC Cunningham – Just as 3A Freedom had one representative on the 17U roster, they also have a lone representative on the 16U roster in Cunningham. She can give a team productive minutes either at the two or at the wing.
Khiara Culliver – In addition to what she gets accomplished on the basketball court, Culliver also thrives on the junior varsity softball team at 2A Maiden. She stands at 5-foot-11 and averaged a double-double of 16.3 points and 11.1 rebounds this past season plus 2.5 steals and 1.6 blocks.
Jessica Bailey Jessica Bailey 5'7" | SF Fred T Foard | 2027 NC – Bailey put together a breakout season in 2023-24 as a freshman at 3A Fred T. Foard. She averaged nine points and 8.1 rebounds plus 2.3 steals in the 24 games she competed in.
Khiley Sims – Sims is another on this year’s Team Hickory 16U roster that is playing up a year in class as she is a 2027. Her career has also seen her participate in track and field events in addition to basketball.
Sarah Thompson Sarah Thompson NC – Thompson is the second representative from 4A Watauga on this year’s roster. In addition she also managed to gain experience as part of the junior varsity Pioneers team.