Grassroots Spotlight: Empire State Blue Flames 15U

Even though the 2025 AAU season got underway in early April, the fact that we are now past the first live period of this year's club campaign means attention on grassroots teams will certainly be on an uptick.    This means more eyes will be on teams like [program_tooltip program_id='714688' first='Empire' last='State Blue Flames'] 15U squad. The organization, along with fielding a 15U team, also has 16U and 17U teams – which we highlighted in earlier articles.    It is coming off spending its first live period in Pennsylvania and is slated to take part in its next event in mid-May in Manalapan. Here is a look at [program_tooltip program_id='714688' first='Empire' last='State Blue Flames']' 15U roster.    [player_tooltip player_id='1278327' first='Charlotte' last='Hazelton'] – Hazelton has a bit more experience than the average freshman given she played her first season at the varsity level as an eighth grader with Harrison. She is one of the taller members of the team at 5-foot-10.   Chloe Angello – Her 2024-25 Tuckahoe team advanced to the Class C state semifinal against Frewsburg this past season. Between her scoring, ability to grab rebounds and six foot stature, she played a huge part in what was a successful season for the Tigers.   [player_tooltip player_id='1278330' first='Izzy' last='Espindola'] – Espindola is a two-sport athlete who also competes in lacrosse alongside her basketball accolades. She is listed at 5-foot-7 and had to work her way up from the junior varsity team to varsity status at Clarkstown South   [player_tooltip player_id='1278335' first='Juliana' last='Manginelli'] – Manginelli – similar to Angello – also gives representation to Tuckahoe on this year's team. And Manginelli – similar to Espindola – is a multi-sport athlete with her second athletic discipline of choice being soccer.   [player_tooltip player_id='1278337' first='Karolina' last='Klajbanova'] – This talented youngster out of Mahopac is another shining example of how hard work can earn the call-up from the junior varsity team to the big squad. She thrives in the frontcourt at either the four or as a traditional big.   Kayla Mouzon – Connecticut – more specifically St. Luke's – has a presence on this year's team in the form of Mouzon. She was with the AAU team last year and is returning for another go-round on the travel circuit this club season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1278339' first='Maddie' last='Becerra'] – When basketball is not taking up the majority of her athletic plate, that time is reserved for lacrosse. Listed at 5-foot-8, Becerra is a name on the rise for her Pleasantville team.   Natalia Gabrielle – Gabrielle has played at the varsity level since she was a seventh grader – meaning she has a bit more experience than the average 2028. The Woodlands standout can give a team productive minutes either at the one or the two.   Paige Hesler – Listed at 5-foot-7, Hesler adds to the guard depth on this year's [program_tooltip program_id='714688' first='Empire' last='State Blue Flames'] 15U roster. She adds to the Immaculate Heart presence throughout the program which is also present on the 16U and 17U versions.   Rachel Hort – One cannot go wrong when one is under the stewardship of Sue Liddy who has coached the Academy of the Holy Angels program for nearly four decades. Hort stands at 5-foot-3.   [player_tooltip player_id='1278325' first='Sonya' last='Prozes'] – Prozes is the lone representative from Mamaroneck on this year's 15U team. One of the taller participants of the team, she stands at 5-foot-11 and thrives in the frontcourt as a four.   Schedule   Apr. 12-13 – Team Northeast Event – Albany, NY   Apr. 25-27 – Select 40 Session 1 – Pennsylvania (Live Period)   May. 10-11 – Select Spring Classic – Manalapan, NJ   May. 16-18 – Select Showcase – Atlantic City, NJ (Live Period)   Jun. 7-8 – Select Prime East – Pennsylvania   Jul. 10-14 – Select Super Showcase – Ohio (Live Period)   Jul. 18-21 – Select 40 Finals – Ohio (Live Period)

Even though the 2025 AAU season got underway in early April, the fact that we are now past the first live period of this year's club campaign means attention on grassroots teams will certainly be on an uptick.