Ohio Team Preview- Akron SVSM

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>According to coach Carley Whitney, her squad is deep at every position and in every class.&nbsp; Akron St. Vincent St. Mary will be a team to keep an eye on for a deep tournament run this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Players to Watch &amp;&nbsp;More Names to Know</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='894602' first='Kendal' last='Batchik'], 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Very experienced player who is a returning starter. Kendal is a very effective scorer and is able to score in a variety of ways including a very consistent shooter from behind the arc. Smart basketball player who brings a lot to the game with is solid at both ends of the court. Getting some D2 looks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='941173' first='Denni' last='Lawrence']</strong>, <strong>2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another returning starter and her defense is very solid and dependable. She has all the tools to be a next-level player with the ability to score in the paint and is a good leader on the floor. Good range and can run the offense in transition. Also getting D2 looks at this time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='537550' first='Tatum' last='Smith'], 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the players who can get on a roll and shoot you right out of the gym. Deep range. Good shooter off the dribble and has good range. Long and athletic, able to defend and another player who is drawing the attention of college coaches. <em>(Featured photo above)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='812588' first='Melania' last='Cornute'], 2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you need a big bucket, Melania is the player to get it of you. She can score on anyone and can do it in bunches. Also on the other end of the floor, can defend and has drawn the attention of D1 coaches. Oh... and she is only a sophomore so watch out for her to keep improving. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Taylor Rogers- Williams, 2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor is a workhorse on the court ,and doesn't take plays off. She sees the floor well and can distribute to the open player. Also can score with a good midrange jumper. Solid on the boards and she will be one to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='743704' first='Jonna' last='Albertson'], 2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you need an all around player, this sophomore is her! Uses her length to protect the rim, good on the glass and can defend. Runs the floor well in transition and gives it her all. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='966449' first='Sydney' last='Ferguson'], 202</strong>8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I heard about her a couple of years ago and this 2028 has finally arrived. She is playing on a team filled with experience but she should add immediately. She has great length and her 6'2 frame can do it all. Tell me something she can't do....plays beyond her years. D1 player in the making. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Player With Breakout Potential</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='319332' first='Laila' last='Fleetwood'], 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you leave her out behind the arc, forget about it. She will light you up. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Underclassmen To Keep An Eye On</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elli Lenington, 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another pure shooter, who can do a lot of damage when she gets on a roll from behind the arc. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2024 Schedule/Games to Circle</em></strong><br>Schedule is still pending.&nbsp;<br>They will travel to Las Vegas, Nevada this year for The Chosen 1's with LeBron James. The boys will go as well. Date and times are TBA.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Also have notable opponents like</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a>@Brush<br></a><a>@MLK Showdown<br></a>Home vs Walsh Jesuit<br>Home vs Richmond Heights<br>Open&nbsp;@ Cleveland Heights event</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->