Spooky Nook: Can’t Miss Games (17U)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the April live period just days away, these are some games you DO NOT want to miss in Manheim. With over 550 teams in all classifications competing over the course of 3 days, it can be overwhelming trying to find the MUST-SEE action! I can assure you, these Jersey girls will be putting on a show you won't want to miss:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>17U</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Sunday, April 27th at 9:10 am- Court 16</strong></td><td><strong>NJ Soldiers vs [program_tooltip program_id='714726' first='Positive' last='Direction']</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Soldiers have a feisty guard combo in [player_tooltip player_id='583712' first='McKenzie' last='Palek'] and Hannah Cappelletti. These two play off each other really well, alternating between the 1 &amp; 2 to be equally as good scoring as they are facilitating. They can slash to the basket and knock down long range buckets in rapid succession. Oh, and they LOVE to run and push the pace. They'll have to be clicking on all cylinders in their tourney finale vs NY-based [program_tooltip program_id='714726' first='Positive' last='Direction'], a program littered with talent, including some highly touted D1 prospects. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Friday, April 25th at 3:55 pm- Court 34</strong></td><td><strong>Team DAPA HGSL Black vs [program_tooltip program_id='714654' first='NJ' last='Shoreshots'] Liggio</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game will feature a plethora of talent on both sides. I'll have my eyes especially drawn to the battle inside between [player_tooltip player_id='878692' first='Akeelah' last='Lafleur'] and [player_tooltip player_id='719416' first='Scarlet' last='Levake']. At 6'3" and 6'2", respectively, each is more than capable of holding their own in the post. Lafleur is a walking double-double and with stout defense, can easily rack up blocks and record a triple-double on any given day. Levake's versatility is impressive, being able to play both inside and out. When put at the 4 (or 5), she shows off disciplined footwork and plays really tough around the rim! In the back court, I'll be drawn to [player_tooltip player_id='1132611' first='Edore' last='Pela'] and the Shoreshots twins, [player_tooltip player_id='559043' first='Katie' last='Liggio'] and [player_tooltip player_id='559041' first='Tessa' last='Liggio']. Pela controls the point with so much poise and can both score and dish at a high level. The Liggio sisters come equipped with a mean mid-range game and the ability to decimate from deep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Sunday, April 27th at 9:10 am- Court 17</strong></td><td><strong>AUF Lady Hawks Narozniak vs Mid-Atlantic Heat</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6'1" forward Grace Hempsell and 6'0" forward [player_tooltip player_id='1157951' first='Marilyn' last='Togun'] will bring some size to a matchup that will be predominantly guard-heavy on both sides. The Heat are known for playing quick, uptempo basketball in a lineup that, at times, features five guards on the floor. If Grace and Marilyn can establish some command in the paint and convert post-entry feeds, they may be able to disrupt the fast-paced flow and tally lots of points for the Hawks. On defense, they'll have to clog the lanes and deny drives in order to slow down the attack. This contest is sure to be competitive!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Saturday, April 26th at 10:20 am- Court 10</strong></td><td><strong>NJ Rise Masonius vs Exodus Europe</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coached by one of the best in Ellen Masonius, this NJ Rise squad comes equipped for battle this season. There are no easy games on the schedule in Manheim, with probably the most difficult coming against a talented international Exodus team. Led by [player_tooltip player_id='559031' first='Daniela' last='Maletsky'] and [player_tooltip player_id='559044' first='Synai' last='Blychanton'], this squad features a guard-heavy lineup that is sure to have college coaches lined up and locked in. Daniela is a confident three-level scorer, Synai brings shiftiness and slashing drives, [player_tooltip player_id='601517' first='Ava' last='Coyle'] is electric in transition and can light it up from distance, [player_tooltip player_id='559040' first='Lola' last='Giordano'] has excellent court vision and hustle and [player_tooltip player_id='559069' first='Jordyn' last='Hollawell'] brings poise, leadership and a winner's mentality. Last year in Louisville, I remember watching this Exodus team and being impressed by their height and length. The Rise should be prepared to battle with size at all positions and bring their A game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Friday, April 25th at 1:40 pm- Court 33</strong></td><td><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='774068' first='NJ' last='Panthers'] Black vs Connecticut Basketball Club HGSL (Fairfield)</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Panthers squad has size and speed, with guards like [player_tooltip player_id='601334' first='Alissa' last='Myers'] and [player_tooltip player_id='964995' first='Gianna' last='Mattia'] in the back court and versatile forwards like [player_tooltip player_id='601333' first='Megan' last='Logan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='601520' first='Allison' last='Snyder']. They'll need to put their best foot forward if they want to slow down D1 lock Serenity Lancaster and co. The 6'1" forward is a multi-level scoring machine and underrated 3-point shooter. Her versatility playing and defending both inside and out at a high level gives her an edge over a lot of players in this matchup. This game is sure to have scouts packing the stands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Friday, April 25th at 2:50 pm- Court 3</strong></td><td><strong>United NJ vs Team Northeast</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A clash of titans in the Power 24 division, this battle might just be one of the day's most anticipated! The court will be littered with next-level prospects looking to impress on opening day! Led in the back court by [player_tooltip player_id='644270' first='Gabby' last='D'Agostino'] and [player_tooltip player_id='601341' first='Sophia' last='Georgiades'], United is loaded with firepower and slashing guards. Expects lots of 3's, especially early, and speedy transition basketball. This guard-heavy squad loves to run and thrives when pushing the pace! At 5'11" and 6'0" respectively, swings [player_tooltip player_id='564268' first='Toni' last='Pernetti'] and [player_tooltip player_id='871374' first='Sophie' last='Lane'] bring versatility to the table. They'll be able to do some battle with Northeast's bigs. NE is led in the back court by [player_tooltip player_id='866432' first='Emily' last='McDonald'] and boasts an impressive lineup of speed and size. Ava Kopetskie can light it up in a hurry and tally points quickly, while 6'3" Swiss Army knife [player_tooltip player_id='870560' first='Priyanka' last='Ponnam'] is equipped with a strong post game and can knock down shots from the perimeter. I will be front and center at this one!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->