Southpaw Problems: Hampton Roads Basketball’s Left-Handed Talent

For reasons I've never fully been able to explain, I've always been fascinated by left-handed basketball players.   Maybe it's because my mom swears I was born left-handed before a broken hand at age three forced me to start coloring and learning things right-handed. Maybe it's because I grew up loving Golden State Warriors legend Chris Mullin. A player many called the “left-handed Larry Bird.”   Whatever the reason, a player's handedness is one of the first things I notice.   As a former player, I can say this with confidence: left-handers are different. They create problems because they attack the game from a mirror image. The angles feel different. The drives look different. The reads come from the opposite side.   Unsuprisingly in Hampton Roads, with so many talented girls basketball players, there are several left-handed hoopers who immediately stand out.   Here are a few of my favorites.    This left-handed point guard uses a quick first step and downhill scoring ability to create constant problems for opposing defenses. In an offense built around her ability to attack the paint, Eaton thrives when defenders give her space. Often exposing them with an explosive first move.   Using her left-hand dribble to throw defenders off balance. She also possesses the handle and change-of-direction ability to quickly bring the ball back right. A move that freezes slower defenders on her way to the basket. Her ability to play with pace, attack angles, and keep defenders guessing makes her a difficult matchup in the open floor and the half court alike.     Speed and explosion are the name of the game for Selby.   A defensive menace, Selby uses her length and anticipation to wreak havoc in the passing lanes. Adept at picking pockets. She often allows her assignment to naturally push the ball right before flashing a quick hand to knock it loose and turn defense into offense in transition.   While the move may sound simple, Selby has mastered it, averaging an eye-opening 11 steals per contest.   Offensively, her game is built around that same burst and athleticism. Using her length, speed, and ability to attack angles. Selby routinely blows past defenders on her way to the rim. Consistently putting constant pressure on opposing defenses from end to end.     The recent William & Mary commit, Spain is a pure shooter.   Her left-handed release makes her jumper even tougher to defend. Spain pairs a quick release with the natural advantage of attacking against a defender's non-dominant side. Whether spotting up or creating space off the bounce, Spain has the ability to make defenders pay the moment they lose positioning.   While she can finish at the rim with either hand, it's her left-handed dribble penetration that consistently keeps defenders guessing. By the time opponents recognize the angle she's attacking, they're often already out of position and too late to make a play.     Long, lean, and left-handed. Scruggs' southpaw game in the post creates problems for defenders whenever she gets her back to the basket. Her ability to score from uncommon angles, combined with smooth footwork and touch around the rim, makes her a difficult cover inside.   Defensively, she uses her length and reach to alter and block shots. Utilizing her left-handed timing often matching up perfectly against right-handed shooters. On the wing, her combination of size, mobility, and natural feel gives her the tools to create matchup problems for unsuspecting defenders in the Class of 2027.    Left-handed players have always brought a different rhythm to the game, along with problems for unsuspecting opponents. Whether it's the angles they attack from, or the unfamiliarity of defenders, southpaws have a way of standing out.   From explosive guards to skilled shooters and versatile wings. These players each use their left-handed advantage in unique ways that make them difficult matchups and exciting prospects to watch. As the 757 continues to produce high-level talent, expect these southpaws to keep giving defenders headaches in the upcoming season and seasons to come.