Finding Their Tempo: Expo Standouts Ready to Break Through

Last week, I watched a documentary on the ESPN app about the Toronto Tempo, one of the WNBA's expansion teams. In this documentary, the people explained why they chose the name Tempo and their logo. The logo represents movement and rhythm. There are 6 lines: 5 representing the players on the floor, and 1 representing the fans. Also, there are 6 boroughs in Toronto. The word Tempo comes from the beat or rhythm associated with basketball. From the sound of the basketball or shoes squeaking on the floor, to the pace of the game, basically all the sounds that basketball brings to the table.   When watching our girls hoop at the Expo, the thought of tempo kept popping into my mind. The way each girl moved, how they created space or attacked, how they used themselves to find shots. They created such movement with or without the ball while they played with others they may have or may not have known, which brought such harmony. See, we as people complicate the game of basketball. It's a pretty pure and simple game once you boil it down. My point in saying all this was that there were tons of girls beating to a different drum who really impressed me.   I'm excited about a ton of these girls. In my opinion, they have flown under the radar and are just ready to shine and have a breakthrough moment. Their time is now, and I feel this season we are going to see a lot of girls given a chance, take their opportunity, and run with it. Check out some kids from the Expo that are ready to shine this upcoming season.    Quickness was the one thing that stood out to me. Twitchiness: she took a quick first step to get past her defender. She got many paint touches with ease, getting to the rim and challenging her opponent. She picked her spots on the floor, knocking down shots, feeding others, and stepping up on defense. This kid will definitely be an asset to the Lady Dragons ball club.     A kid who is very deceptive in her game. She has speed and quickness and gets to her spots easily. Has a nice stroke from deep, but can also penetrate and finish at the rim, displaying a nice touch on the ball as it kisses the glass. Wasn't afraid to go at better players or bigger players on the defensive side of the ball. Made it tough for them to get shots off. A solid ballplayer on both ends of the floor.Heads to Columbia Academy, where she will bring stability at the guard spot. Look for her to play a solid role for the Lady Bulldogs ballclub.     Displayed grit and toughness on both sides of the ball. Knocked down shots from multiple spots on the floor, especially in the mid-range. She was in attack mode, getting past defenders and making the right reads. You can tell this kid is playing with such confidence as she went at opponents. Look for her to compete and help this Lady Tigers ballclub make some noise this season. She's a kid who will get after it and make a bigger name for herself along the way.     An athletic wing who just plays hard. She was just solid and did the little things right. Made multiple shots from different spots and contributed in many phases of the game. She played with poise, communicated well, and hustled. You could tell she's a type of kid who is willing to do whatever it takes and just competes. Look for her to help HVA turn up this upcoming season. Keep tabs on this young lady because she is primed to have a breakout year.     A heady ballplayer who has a great feel for the game. A heady ballplayer who knows how to tap into her strengths. She shot the ball well from the arc, finished at the rim, defended well, and really competed at a high level. You could tell the qualities and traits she plays with at Cookeville were on display. This kid is a gamer, and anytime there is competition, she shows up. Look for her to continue on an upward trajectory and help Cookeville maintain their winning tradition.

Last week, I watched a documentary on the ESPN app about the Toronto Tempo, one of the WNBA's expansion teams. In this documentary, the people explained why they chose the name Tempo and their logo. The logo represents movement and rhythm. There are 6 lines: 5 representing the players on the floor, and 1 representing the fans. Also, there are 6 boroughs in Toronto. The word Tempo comes from the beat or rhythm associated with basketball. From the sound of the basketball or shoes squeaking on the floor, to the pace of the game, basically all the sounds that basketball brings to the table.