It’s About That Time!

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ahh yes! Ladies and gentlemen, the grind season is fast approaching.This is the time where the serious hoopers sharpen their skills against tough competitors. You play travel ball to make a name for yourself. In doing so, it's sink or swim. You adapt or_________ (you fill in the blank.)&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This weekend, a couple squads from Tennessee traveled up to Pittsburgh, PA to attend the Western PA Bruins tip-off. The event was live with over 500 teams in attendance of all ages. You talking about putting on a show, the ladies from the Volunteer state did that plus more. In fact, no Tennessee team had a losing record as they battled it out against some pretty tough foes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like I have always said, we are just built differently. Once the girls in this state get that confidence instilled in them, it's all she wrote from there. Taking in the games this weekend, you could just see the determination in the eyes of the young ladies who battled it out. The hunger is there for these young ladies and this tournament set the stage for what will be a great upcoming travel ball season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some young ladies who had a great tournament this weekend in the Steel City.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513227' first='Meeyah' last='Green'](5 '7/So./G/ Knox Webb)</strong>- Suiting up for FBC United, this young lady is primed for a great summer season. She shined on the hardwood, hitting clutch shots, making timely assists, and going toe to toe on the defensive end. I was impressed how she handled the ball to attack gaps. Her squad prevailed against some very good opponents and they are ready to take the next steps. With Meeyah there doing her thing, this squad will be super tough to deal with.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='810489' first='Malon' last='Smith'] (5'7/ Jr,/ G/ Clarksville)</strong>- TTG Free Agents got a steal on this kid. A heady ball player who has a great feel for the game. A seasoned vet who has a lot of experience in being on the big stage.Attacks the gaps, hits clutch shots from 3, and will sit down on D. Once this team gels togethers, they will be a fund group to watch.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='411847' first='Aliyah' last='Hawkins'] (5'7/ Jr./G/ Cumberland Co.)</strong>- Suiting up for TBW 25 Black Shipley, Speedo is about to have a coming out party. This kid can score the rock from all levels, but for some reason people are overlooking her. She had a great school ball season and the moment from that has just carried over. She sees the floor well, plays with poise, and like I said, can score the rock. Solid kid who is going to be a steal for a collegiate program, mark my words.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513278' first='Kayte' last='Madison Bjornstad'] (6'1/So./C/ PCA)</strong>- This kid has done nothing but get better. She dominates the paint and plays her role super well. She's enhanced her ability to score the rock by using various moves to score the basketball in the painted area. I love how she defends, anchoring the middle by deterring shots and grabbing boards. She is a smart kid who is a determined individual. She knows how to use her body to her advantage. Look for her to come out this summer and establish her presence early and often.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='898296' first='Kailah' last='Crawford'] (6'0/So./C/ Rockvale)</strong>- Her favorite hooper is Shaq and she plays just like a “Baby Diesel.” She owned the paint and established a presence down low in multiple games. Offensively she worked block to block, going through contact to finish at the rim. She raised her stock by getting put backs, which created extra chances for her ball club. Defensively, she owned the paint. Swatting shots, gathering rebounds, her team was pushing the ball in the transition game. Solid kid who is on an upwards trajectory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513285' first='Reese' last='Shirley'] (5'8/So./G/ Columbia Academy)</strong>- Athletic wing who can shoot the ball, but has a nice first step towards the cup. She's an aggressive ball player who is always in “go mode.” Uses her speed to her advantage, Reese is a tough kid who has a nice all around game. The more she plays, the more confident she seems. She had a stellar sophomore season and that momentum seems to be rolling over into the travel ball season. Nice prospect who will be turning some heads.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->