Pride Basketball 21 Practice

[program_tooltip program_id='715769' first='Pride' last='Basketball 21'] is an independent travel club and training organization based out of Saginaw. Their mission is to "provide a safe and fun learning experience to youth sports training. Giving guidance to youth with a Spiritual base, using sports as a tie-in to safe and healthy living and dedication from Sports to Life." Program Director Eugene Seals, Saginaw County Sports Hall of Famer, is also the Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach at Saginaw United.   On Wednesday, I traveled to Saginaw Swan Valley High School to watch the 17U team practice. Jason Desmyter, who played college basketball at Spring Arbor University, is their Head Coach. During our Q&A, I was encouraged to learn that everyone on the team has attended a women's basketball game and all have seen either a D1, D2, D3, NAIA, or JUCO game--many have seen multiple levels. Kendall asked me, "What do college coaches look for when they are watching us play?" and you can read all about my response <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2025/04/what-do-college-coaches-want/">here</a>. Every girl showed something positive at practice, and I've highlighted those observations for each girl below.    Toraya made a great impression at [program_tooltip program_id='715769' first='Pride' last='Basketball 21'] practice with her quick lateral feet, determined defensive effort, positive communication, leadership, and skills on the offensive end. She chose to run sprints with her teammates, even though she reached the free throw goal. Toraya was one of the best perimeter shooters, knocking down several three pointers and long jumpers throughout practice. She pushed the ball with both hands down the court, scored a layup using a high-pick-up move, and made a good read to score a backdoor layup with her left. Toraya was the most active communicator on the floor. She talked on defense and picked up her teammates with high fives after mistakes.     Maddylynn led by example at [program_tooltip program_id='715769' first='Pride' last='Basketball 21'] practice and was one of the best prospects on the court. Her effort and focus were constant. Maddylynn showed quality footwork, sealing her defender to score using a drop-step move and finishing another layup using a forward pivot with a step-through. She made a smart backdoor cut to score a layup and finished a flex cut with another layup off two feet--she moves to space off the ball. Maddylynn knocked down several mid to long-range jumpers from different spots with her feet in shooting position on the catch. She used her length to block shots inside and has a passion for the game.     Kendall was a player whose potential stood out at [program_tooltip program_id='715769' first='Pride' last='Basketball 21'] practice. She's a lefty who used crossovers to put defenders on her back and worked hard to deny entry passes in a drill. Kendall had a soft touch on her finishes around the rim and made two straight full-speed layups off two feet during the transition drill. Kendall communicated on defense, forced steals, and walled up without fouling. She recognized and communicated mismatches on offense. Kendall showed her perimeter range by swishing two straightaway triples off the bounce.     Taylor made several plays that showed her potential at [program_tooltip program_id='715769' first='Pride' last='Basketball 21'] practice. She was one of the best in the group at using hesitation dribbles during the drill. Taylor knocked down multiple corner jumpers during a transition shooting drill and made a great extra pass to a teammate instead of forcing her shot. She made a nice backdoor cut to score a left-handed layup and swished a smooth wing three off the hop. One of her best plays was when Taylor grabbed a steal, made a quick crossover dribble, and dished a perfect pass on the money for an assist.     Destiny is an athletic forward with promise in the [program_tooltip program_id='715769' first='Pride' last='Basketball 21'] program. She blocked shots, jumped passing lanes to create several steals, and finished many layups at the rim. Destiny knocked down a confident triple up top and hit mid-range pull ups. She was one of the top free-throw shooters. My favorite play from Destiny was when she dove on the floor to secure a loose ball going out of bounds and fired an assist to a teammate.     Lia has an athletic profile and is a guard with potential in the [program_tooltip program_id='715769' first='Pride' last='Basketball 21'] program. She deflected the ball with her outside hand to secure a steal, hit the deck for loose balls, and paced the team during sprints. Lia sealed her defender and scored an impressive contested shot off the glass using a drop-step. She finished multiple layups off two feet, swished a wing three, and worked hard to secure offensive rebounds.     Maliyah was one of the most competitive players on the court at [program_tooltip program_id='715769' first='Pride' last='Basketball 21'] practice. She threw a pass that was stolen and immediately chased down the ball to steal it right back. Maliyah had a quick change of direction and burst with her dribble that made her very difficult to defend. She exploited gaps and scored several layups using crossovers. Maliyah called for the ball and kept her feet ready to shoot on the catch. She worked hard on defense and led the team in steals. Maliyah chased the ball all over the court, was a leader during sprints, and showed athleticism that makes her an exciting point guard to watch.     Je'maryah is a hard-working guard with quickness and potential in the [program_tooltip program_id='715769' first='Pride' last='Basketball 21'] program. She scored layups off hard cuts to the basket and added a shifty spin dribble layup. Je'maryah finished multiple layups off steals and dished out assists to teammates. She was a leader during sprints and an unselfish player on the court.

Pride Basketball 21 is an independent travel club and training organization based out of Saginaw. Their mission is to "provide a safe and fun learning experience to youth sports training. Giving guidance to youth with a Spiritual base, using sports as a tie-in to safe and healthy living and dedication from Sports to Life." Program Director Eugene Seals, Saginaw County Sports Hall of Famer, is also the Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach at Saginaw United.