Battle on the Island: Underclassmen Standouts

In this article we look at some of the young talent at Battle on the Island. The underclassmen not only played but are major contributors on their teams. In this article, we look at some of the Freshmen and Sophomore players who participated in the Battle on the Island tournament. Of the 8 players who made the all tournament selection, 4 of the players were underclassmen.    [player_tooltip player_id='823463' first='Presley' last='Norman'] has been balling out all season and making the all tournament team was expected. Norman has been lights out this Season and probably the top shooter that I have seen in person this season. Through 10 games, Norman was shooting over 43 percent and averaging 11.3 points per game. In addition to shooting the lights out, Norman has been excellent in her ball handling duties and directing the offense. She has interchangeably run the point or shooting guard position depending on the personnel on the floor. She is a selfless player who does it all within the concept of “team.”     [player_tooltip player_id='221598' first='Trinity' last='Berry'] knocked down a three and had a traditional three point play by driving to the rim. The young Berry continues to impress on both sides of the ball and she is just touching the surface of where she will be in a few years. Berry plays solid defense and can defend two to three positions on the floor. The young guard always gives it the extra effort, whether she has 2 points or 20. She was one of the top shooters in the area over the summer and has shown she can deliver from the perimeter on a consistent basis.     [player_tooltip player_id='638560' first='Gianna' last='Crawford'] is only a Freshman and plays with so much poise. She played well in the middle and had a few nice plays on Championship Saturday. Crawford displayed some nice up and under moves, executed some nice pivot moves, scored on a nice bank shot as the first half expired, and delivered a jump baby hook in the paint. Crawford rebounded the ball well all game and kicked the ball out to her guards consistently. She even got in on the action bringing it up the floor a few times herself. The young Crawford is just that versatile. The talented Freshman was selected to the all tournament team.     [player_tooltip player_id='1117350' first='Danessa' last='Pierce'] was very impressive and it was her composure and IQ on the floor.  Pierce plays with great anticipation.   She makes good passes and always appears to be under control.  Pierce is a competitor and any ball in her vicinity she goes for it.  During one sequence, Pierce had a blocked shot on an attempted layup,  a layup off of a deflected pass, and a steal.  The Sophomore guard is an energy player who can impact the game in numerous ways.      [player_tooltip player_id='1117349' first='Micah' last='Bussey'] had a few positive plays while on the floor.  She handled the ball well and had a few nice memorable shots: A baseline jumper and another score in the painted area.    She made some great plays on the floor against a lot of pressure. The young guard has great court vision and does a good job of advancing the ball and passing the ball to the open teammate.      [player_tooltip player_id='1117347' first='Seven' last='Gourdet'] was very good on Saturday. Gourdet rebounded well,  ran the floor  well and scored in transition all game long.   Her competitive nature really stood out and her multiple offensive rebounds were impressive.  Gourdet is a physical player who doesn't mind mixing it up against the opponent.  She was special in the transition game and capitalized on multiple fast break layups.  The talented Freshman was selected to the all tournament team.       [player_tooltip player_id='1117355' first='Bella' last='Brown'] was impressive during the tournament. Her ability to handle the ball and pass the ball stood out. The young guard runs the floor well, handles the ball well in transition, has good court vision.   Brown displays a high ball IQ and has great anticipation.

In this article we look at some of the young talent at Battle on the Island. The underclassmen not only played but are major contributors on their teams. In this article, we look at some of the Freshmen and Sophomore players who participated in the Battle on the Island tournament. Of the 8 players who made the all tournament selection, 4 of the players were underclassmen.