Saturday Notes from TN Miracle Classic (Part 2)
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In this one I want to talk about the glue kids. The athletes that every single team need. They may not be the leading scorer, but they are the ones that will go get 5/5/5. These are the athletes that…
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Continue ReadingIn this one I want to talk about the glue kids. The athletes that every single team need. They may not be the leading scorer, but they are the ones that will go get 5/5/5. These are the athletes that I LOVE watching! They may not receive the accolades because they aren’t the leading scorer, but there is so many parts to the game of basketball that stem far beyond scoring. Check out these 5 players below:
Abby Pitman
Abby Pitman
When you are on an AAU team with loaded shooters, you have to find other ways to impact the game. However, don’t get it wrong, Abby can light it up fast too! One thing I love about Abby’s game is her ability to adjust. She has proven that she can play numerous roles. Yes, she led her high school team in scoring numerous games, so I know she can shoot! What stands out is her efficiency. She’s an efficient player that doesn’t force shots or try to do too much! She’s a smart young athlete that is extremely impactful no matter what team she plays on!
Maggie is the athlete that will have you looking into all of the non-traditional stats! Who thinks about the importance of ball reversals? Maggie never tries to do too much and she puts the defense at a disadvantage numerous times in a game because she gets the ball out of her hands and to an open teammate! What about the hockey assists? You know the play that happens before the direct play that leads to a score. It’s a huge part of this ETA Thunder Walden’s success! Maggie does so much of the dirty work too. She sits down and defends extremely well causing deflections, & turnovers! I always tell everyone that the non-traditional stats tell more about the overall game. Townsend doesn’t put up the bad, out of control shots. She’s a smart player that is willing to always do whatever is needed. I keep telling kids to be more like Gabbie Marshall. We need more athletes like Gabbie Marshall at the next level. If Maggie keeps working, there will be a place for her at the next level too!
Highlights
Ella Head
Ella Head
Phil Jackson once said, “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” Ella brings her effort and energy when she is on the court. She finished her sophomore high school season averaging 8.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. She is definitely a kid that you want on your team. She provides key impactful moments during a game. Whether it’s a much needed rebound, or an essential score. Head is a tough, fundamentally sound athlete that is going to continue to grow on the court! Keep your eyes on Ella & the Pro One team this grassroots season!
Alicia Cruz
Alicia Cruz
The more that I watch ETA Thunder Sizemore, the more I notice all of the impactful plays that Cruz contributes to. Alicia is a tough, physical athlete that is not going to back down from any challenge that is thrown at her. You know when this one is on your team that she is impacting the game. She’s a consistent glue kid that you can count on to do the dirty work! Green said it best, “No matter what, no matter how I feel, I always bring effort.” Cruz always bring effort!
Shelton can light it up fast and in a hurry. She can get you 15-20 points. However, she is also a key glue player!! Scoring is spread throughout this TN Flight Trotters team. Shelton plays extremely well off of the ball. She makes strong cuts through the lane, and when she gains extra attention, her teammates can knock it down! Shelton isn’t the 5/5 kid. She’s the 10/10 athlete that plays extremely hard. A good two-way player! Locks in, sits down, and defends! This one is going to continue to show how versatile she is and exactly why she is a next level player. You want this one on your team!