Ohio Team Preview- Maumee Valley

Head coach Niki McCoy is ready for an incredible turnaround this season. After playing just a JV schedule last season, McCoy looks to build that into something special with some talented players ready to make a difference.   PLAYERS TO WATCH   I'yonna Sawyer - 5'5 - Freshman 2029 - PG   I'Yonna has already made a name for herself as she is a member of the PGH 2029 freshman list that was released in the fall. The first thing that comes to mind when her name comes up is her ability to be a vocal leader at a young age. While her offense continues to develop, she is a defensive stopper which turns into scoring chances. With the ball, she is a threat and continues to improve. She can score in all three phases of the game, can create and get her teammates involved. One of the top freshman in NW Ohio.   [player_tooltip player_id='808886' first='Norah' last='Angel'] - 5'7 - Junior 2027 [- SG   Get Norah the ball in her spot, and you can count it to drop through the net. She knows where to get to be the most effective and she plays the game with confidence. Able to score with a quick shot and like Sawyer, she is also a good vocal player. Being named captain will help her confidence and her game improve as she becomes a strong leader. Should be one to contribute on both ends of the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='1279944' first='Sani' last='Jackson'] - 5'5 - Sophomore 2028 - PG / SG   Sani is a combo guard even though she played point last season, but her natural position is at the off-guard spot. Loves to shot fake according to her coach, and is a natural born leader making sure her team is ready and focused on what is in front of her. She gets to play her natural position this season which should make her more effective and be a strong force with a strength of a catch-and-shoot player.   Elaine Shen - 5'7 - Sophomore 2028 - SF   Another young rising player hoping to make an impact this season. She gives 100% all the time and plays the game with a high motor. Elaine can run the floor in transition and makes the right play for her team and is able to contribute in a variety of ways. Her coach stated that Elaine has default movements that kids go to trainers for years to learn. She will be a force on the boards.   Amaiya Simmons - 6'0 - Freshman 2029 - PF   Amaiya is another underclassman who should contribute or at least has the chance to do so. She has great speed with length and is effective on the break with her length that will translate into buckets. Her work ethic is stellar and she has been in the gym fine-tuning her footwork and has become a scorer. Her chance is now as she will be starting as a freshman with the ability to become an early contributor for Maumee Valley.     UNDERCLASSMEN TO KEEP AN EYE ON     In addition to the two freshman named above, Maumee Valley should also have a couple of other freshman players waiting for their chance to contribute this season.   Emma Dewire - She looks to contribute as she develops her game. While she is a very solid shooter and hard worker.   MJ Conover - An excellent ball handler with good speed. Still working on perfecting her shot with fundamentals and learning, and once that is fixed, she will increase her production. Promising future!   Team Strengths   According to Coach McCoy, this team has a lot of positives even though they are so young:   Playing together   Off ball movement   Ball movement    Getting whole team involved    Going both inside and outside    Team chemistry    Attacking the basket   Aggressive defense for quick steals   Our aggressive press   KYP - know your personnel (playing smarter not harder. So setting everyone up where they will be successful)

Head coach Niki McCoy is ready for an incredible turnaround this season. After playing just a JV schedule last season, McCoy looks to build that into something special with some talented players ready to make a difference.