Pre-Live Access Session 1 Standouts

There is always excitement surrounding the Live Periods, but this weekend brought a different level of energy. High-level talent, strong college coach attendance, and nonstop competition filled the gyms from start to finish. Event coordinator Blake Derrick continues to prove why his events are becoming must-attend showcases across Eastern Tennessee.   What separates these events is the focus on the athletes and the relationships being built with college programs. Derrick has created an environment where hardworking players can gain exposure to D2, NAIA, and smaller college programs that are actively looking for talent. The value these events provide for both athletes and coaches cannot be overstated.   Here are some players who definitely stood out during Session 1.    Brown was one of the most explosive guards in attendance all weekend long. She thrives in transition, pushes the tempo, and constantly puts pressure on opposing defenses. Her ability to defend multiple positions stood out immediately, and offensively she showed the ability to score at all three levels while also facilitating for teammates. Brown's pace, athleticism, and versatility make her an extremely tough matchup every time she steps on the floor.       Loy brought toughness and intensity every single possession. The ETA Ice point guard played with tremendous confidence and consistently made winning plays throughout the weekend. She is a strong outside shooter who can also attack downhill and finish around the rim in different ways. Defensively, she played aggressively, got into passing lanes, and pressured opposing guards all game long. Her ball handling under pressure and ability to control the offense really separated her. Loy also showed outstanding leadership qualities and a team-first mentality that college coaches love to see. Her stock continues to rise quickly.     Curry established herself as one of the more physical and polished forwards at the event. She controlled the paint with strong rebounding and solid post footwork while consistently finishing around the basket. Her mid-range jumper was smooth and reliable throughout the weekend, making her difficult to defend when facing up. Curry's toughness, consistency, and ability to impact the game inside made her one of the top post players in attendance.     Smith wasted no time making her presence known. In a tournament filled with talented post players, she quickly emerged as one of the best centers in the gym. She dominated the boards, scored effectively inside, blocked a ton of shots, and even stepped outside to knock down perimeter shots. Her physicality and rebounding were major strengths, but her ability to stretch the floor added another layer to her game. Smith was an absolute force throughout the weekend and drew plenty of attention from everyone in attendance.     Beard's shooting ability immediately stood out. The stretch forward showcased her confidence from deep, especially during her second game where she shot 5-for-9 from three-point range. She spaces the floor extremely well and has a quick, confident release that forces defenses to stay attached to her. Beard's perimeter shooting alone makes her a major offensive weapon, and she continued to show why she is a player worth following closely moving forward.     Schaffer displayed a very advanced overall game for such a young player. Her court vision and ball handling stood out immediately, and she consistently made smart decisions with the basketball. She also showed a polished mid-range jumper, elite footwork around the basket, and tremendous effort on both ends of the floor. Defensively, she competed hard and stayed active on the ball. Schaffer already possesses impressive athletic size and carries herself with the confidence and work ethic of a high-level prospect. Her future is extremely bright.     Plemons proved to be one of the top young shooters at the event. She was deadly from behind the arc and consistently made defenses pay whenever given space. Beyond the shooting, her basketball IQ really jumped out. She understands positioning, plays under control, and makes smart reads offensively and defensively. Plemons also showed strong on-ball defensive ability and is beginning to develop a more aggressive downhill game by getting into the paint. Her all-around skill set and feel for the game make her one of the more intriguing young guards to watch in the coming years.

There is always excitement surrounding the Live Periods, but this weekend brought a different level of energy. High-level talent, strong college coach attendance, and nonstop competition filled the gyms from start to finish. Event coordinator Blake Derrick continues to prove why his events are becoming must-attend showcases across Eastern Tennessee.