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Overcoming Injuries: Young Athletes Returning to the Game

Overcoming Injuries: Young Athletes Returning to the Game
Brandon Tinnon
Brandon Tinnon August 7, 2025 @ 11:41 AM
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In this article:

Merli Routh
Merli Routh 5'4" | PG | 2026
TN
Lily Morrow
Lily Morrow 5'11" | SG | 2026
TN
Lilly Espelet
Lilly Espelet 6'0" | SF | 2026
TN
Anna Clay Shirley
Anna Clay Shirley 6'0" | SG | 2026
TN
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this game, there are unfortunate circumstances that can hinder you from being on the court. From bumps and bruises to significant injuries, there are things out there that can set you back or derail your career. It's a long road back at times, and in order to handle adversity, you must become mentally focused.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like I said, injuries are a part of our game, and I wish that everyone could be 100% all the time. I wish there were a cheat code like on sports games on PS5 and turn off all the injuries. Unfortunately, there is not. It comes with the territory, and in doing the sport we love, sometimes things just happen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Well, I wanted to give a shout-out to some young ladies who have been battling back and are on their way back to the hardwood. They have been doing great when it comes to rehabbing, been working on their craft, just have become laser focused and counting down the days until they can hoop again. I won't say what their injury was/is, but I will say we all can't wait until you are back out there showcasing your skills. These are a few young ladies who have gotten bit by the injury bug. I am sure there are others I haven't mentioned. Just know that we will be cheering for you to have a speedy recovery, and we can't wait for you to join us back in the gym.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some young ladies who will be back on the hardwood this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["514119"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6894d6f55980c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A leader. A captain. A true warrior who competes night in and night out. This kid is the ultimate facilitator when it comes to this game. She can knock shots down from multiple spots on the floor, but drawing two and kicking out is what she does best. She, too, is a beast on the defensive end. Turning her opponent left and right, eventually cornering them into a turnover, this kid will be a welcoming addition back to the CPA lineup. Look for her to have a big year and help lead CPA back to state contention.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["513275"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6894d6f559888"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When this young lady gets back on the floor, you better believe she is going to be a lethal threat. She is a dynamic guard who can knock it down from 3, exploit the mid-range, or finish around the rim using different counter moves. She can play as a primary ball handler or off-ball as well. The kid is a true competitor, and once she gets back into the fold, CPA will be even harder to deal with.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["513240"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6894d6f5598ce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"> Well, teams in the Division II-A will have a problem on their hands that's for sure. This young lady has been putting in the work, getting bigger and stronger. Once she hits the floor, well words can't describe how much she means to that MTCS ball club. She is a sharpshooter, and once she is on, it's hard to slow her down. She can will a team to victory, especially when the chips are down. A lethal multi-level scoring threat who doesn't care who she is going up against, she is going to compete. Look for her to be one of the top players in the district and a force to be reckoned with.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["513279"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6894d6f55990e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She's back, and she is ready to help lead the Lady Patriots towards state contention. The UT-Martin commit is excited to take the floor once again. This kid can stretch the floor and sink shots from multiple spots from the field as well as beyond the arc. She can utilize her size and exploit the low-post areas. She is tough on the defensive end, where she not only blocks shots but also controls the boards as well. She has a nice mid-range jumper on her that will be her bread and butter this season. Look for her to pick back up right where she left off. A top district player and a top kid in the state as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION

Merli Routh

Merli Routh

TN
PG
HEIGHT 5'4"
POS PG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Merli
Routh PG
Class
2026
Height
5'4"
HS
CPA
|
TN
Overcoming Injuries: Young Athletes Returning to the Game
A leader. A captain. A true warrior who competes night in and night out. This kid is the...
Written by Brandon Tinnon
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Merli Routh

State: Tennessee
School: CPA
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Lily Morrow

Lily Morrow

TN
SG
HEIGHT 5'11"
POS SG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Lily
Morrow SG
Class
2026
Height
5'11"
HS
CPA
|
TN
Overcoming Injuries: Young Athletes Returning to the Game
When this young lady gets back on the floor, you better believe she is going to be a...
Written by Brandon Tinnon
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Lily Morrow

State: Tennessee
School: CPA
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Anna Clay Shirley

Anna Clay Shirley

TN
SG
HEIGHT 6'0"
POS SG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Anna
Clay Shirley SG
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
HS
MTCS
|
TN
Overcoming Injuries: Young Athletes Returning to the Game
 Well, teams in the Division II-A will have a problem on their hands that’s for sure. This young...
Written by Brandon Tinnon
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Anna Clay Shirley

State: Tennessee
School: MTCS
Club: Kentucky Premier
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Lilly Espelet

Lilly Espelet

TN
SF
HEIGHT 6'0"
POS SF
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Lilly
Espelet SF
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
HS
Page
|
TN
Overcoming Injuries: Young Athletes Returning to the Game
She’s back, and she is ready to help lead the Lady Patriots towards state contention. The UT-Martin commit...
Written by Brandon Tinnon
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Lilly Espelet

Twitter
State: Tennessee
School: Page
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
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