Nike Nationals: More Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On <strong>July 18th-21st,</strong> the <strong>Nike Tournament of Champions</strong>, presenting <strong>EYBL</strong> and <strong>Nike Nationals</strong>, took place in <strong>Chicago</strong>. The event consisted of over 800 teams spanning all 50 states as well as parts of Canada. I was able to check out several teams in action during the 4-day event.<br><br><strong>Here, I look at some of the standouts at the Nike Nationals</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='754702' first='Margaret' last='Luba'] <strong>(Cal Storm AZ Elite 17U)</strong> – Luba was often effective from the mid-range in over the weekend. Her length and quick release made her a tough cover for the opponents. She also rebounded very well for her squad with good instincts and athletic ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='608450' first='Jaila' last='Flowers'] <strong>([program_tooltip program_id='1276371' first='Southwest' last='Premier'] 17U EYCL)</strong> – Jaila made quite a few big plays throughout the weekend. Her strength and toughness were a big problem for opponents. She got to the free-throw line often by being physical. On defense, she more than held her own, often against taller opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='530989' first='Tysyn' last='Johnson'] <strong>(Desert Dream Elite 17U)</strong> – Johnson had stretches during the weekend where she was simply dynamic. When her three-pointer was hitting, she was pretty much unguardable with her quickness. She was often able to get into the paint and do damage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='677263' first='Nevaeh' last='Limbacher'] <strong>(Peak-Patricia 17U)</strong> – When Limbacher got going, she was a force on both ends of the floor. On offense, she was aggressive off the dribble, and with her length, there was not much opponents could do. On the defensive end, she blocked shots in bunches and at times had opponents second-guessing going into the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='481475' first='Averi' last='Mehlberg'] <strong>([program_tooltip program_id='1276371' first='Southwest' last='Premier'] 17U EYCL) </strong>– Mehlberg performed consistently and showed that she is much more than a shooter. On defense, she guarded multiple positions from the perimeter to the interior. She showed a versatile offensive skillset by showing that she could put the ball on the floor and pass the ball as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='663052' first='Savannah' last='Tobias'] <strong>(Desert Dream Elite 17U) </strong>– Tobias was impactful on both sides of the court. On offense, she used her size to her advantage, attacking the basket and operating from the mid-range. On defense, she made who she was guarding uncomfortable with her energy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->