AAU Spotlight: Blueprint Basketball Varsity Girls

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're back at it with another spotlight on a VT AAU program. It's Blueprint Basketball's Varsity squad which combines a tough blend of offensive creation, scoring, and defensive fortitude. Let's lock in!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Perimeter Play:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The primary ballhandling will be covered by a scoring PG in <strong>5'6 [player_tooltip player_id='450194' first='Bree' last='McDonald']</strong> with her ability to get to her spots, bend and break the defense, and hit shots or kick. Players like <strong>5'8 [player_tooltip player_id='576153' first='Alexa' last='Rabidoux']</strong>, <strong>5'10 [player_tooltip player_id='645653' first='Atika' last='Haji']</strong>, <strong>5'10 [player_tooltip player_id='645777' first='Bella' last='Schultz Mitchell']</strong>, and <strong>5'8 [player_tooltip player_id='645675' first='Meghan' last='Thompson']</strong> can all plug in handling at times and will be running the break too. Yet all four of those names I just listed know how to knock down shots from the arc or attack closeouts and get within the second layer, plus they read the floor and move well enough off ball to create offense that way. <strong>5'8 [player_tooltip player_id='645704' first='Kaitlyn' last='Jovell']</strong> brings smart wing play, greasing the offense with her passing, movement, and ability to hit the spot-up jumper. Defensively, this crew holds it down. <strong>Rabidoux </strong>and <strong>McDonald </strong>meet players early and pressure, using active hands to disrupt. Then away from the ball all are sly anticipators lying in wait, ready to jump passes, help on drives, and rotate quickly. <strong>Rabidoux</strong>, <strong>Haji</strong>, and <strong>Schultz Mitchel</strong>l rebound well from the perimeter too, assisting with closing defensive possessions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Interior Play:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the inside it's done by committee. These squad features only two true forwards with <strong>6'2 [player_tooltip player_id='645603' first='Lauren' last='Vaughan']</strong> and <strong>5'10 Alex Montgomery.</strong> <strong>Vaughan's </strong>length and versatility are considerable; <strong>Lauren </strong>can protect the rim and rebound in the post of course, yet she can also switch onto the perimeter, challenge outside shots and/or recover on drives to force tough looks inside. Offensively <strong>Lauren </strong>is finding her groove. She can hit little shots inside, move it from inside out, and step onto the perimeter to draw out the D and move the rock. <strong>Montgomery's </strong>game is founded on her a sturdy foundation and hustle. She's strong, plays bigger than she is, and makes everything tough, plus she has a jumper which stretches 15-feet or so. All being said, I anticipate sizable wings like <strong>5'10 [player_tooltip player_id='645653' first='Atika' last='Haji'] </strong>and <strong>5'10 [player_tooltip player_id='645777' first='Bella' last='Schultz Mitchell']</strong> will be tasked with guarding up at times and cleaning glass to alleviate the workload inside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Where to Watch:</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Check them out at their upcoming tournaments - Atlantic City Showcase Select Events, May 17th-19th. Gymrat Challenge June 8th-9th, and at the Hoop Group Upstate Jamfest in the Capital Area of NY June 22nd-23rd. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->