PGH Kansas City Clash: The Team's Source Of Energy

Being a team's source of energy is something that might not always show up in the stat book but it can be the deciding factor on whether your team wins or losses a contest. In this article we highlight some players that really brought the energy to the hardwood this weekend. They showed they were vital to their team's success and that did not go unnoticed.   Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!    One of the most impressive recruits from the 14U level at this event was [player_tooltip player_id='878961' first='Aspen' last='Drake'] of [program_tooltip program_id='713014' first='MO' last='Legacy'] 14U. Drake has better size than most around her a 5'11 and she works well in the post. She has demonstrated the ability to move around to the outside as well but she is at her best on the right block with some time to go to work. She is dominant going towards the right side of everything, which is fine for now. As she gets older, she will have to prove that she can attack from the other side too. If she does that, she is going to be someone we hear about for years to come out of Missouri.     [player_tooltip player_id='1245361' first='Jovie' last='Hirsch'] is a baller. A prospect out of the 2031 Class that has a handle, solid athletic ability for her age, and she is fairly skilled. She can score at all three offensive levels, while having a tight handle and elite vision as a Scoring Guard. She is selfless enough to pass it once she creates but you can tell that she is experienced in the scoring aspects of the game. This 12U team put on a clinic this weekend in KC and Hirsch was a big reason for that.     I was impressed seeing Arma Caldarevic this weekend of [program_tooltip program_id='712694' first='Missouri' last='Phenom'] - Columbia 14U Fink. Caldarevic is a 6'0 PF/Center, that has everything you need to be a successful player next to the hoop. She has the size for her age that is dominant, she has a soft touch, coordinated balance, knowledge of the game, and most importantly - on the high catch, she doesn't bring the ball down for smaller opponents to get their hands on. All in all, Caldarevic has height and everything you want as a recruit. Now she just needs to keep working on her weaknesses to become the best version of herself over-time.     I was walking by the courts this weekend and a 16U team playing up in the 17U division was putting on a showing. That group was the [program_tooltip program_id='712694' first='Missouri' last='Phenom'] KC 16U EYCL team. One of their guards specifically stood out to myself and that [player_tooltip player_id='525617' first='Kiera' last='Ross']. Ross has the ball on a string. She has a great handle, she understands timing and control of pace throughout a contest, and she doesn't force unneeded action. Instead, she sets up her team for success a majority of the time. A lot to like about this one. Not sure who has college interest but she will definitely have some suitors out there before she graduates high school.     McKinley Lalumendre of Play4Him Academy 2029 Gold is a well rounded player for her age. Offensively, She could be considered pass-first but she also is willing to take it herself when those opportunities present themselves. Defensively, she is scrappy. She will mix it up with anyone and everyone to be successful, doesn't matter with who or where at. With her basic knowledge of the game, her well rounded coordination and attitude, along with her willingness to adapt in any given situation shows a ton of promise. This helps keep her team's energy on the right track, even if they aren't winning that given contest.

Being a team's source of energy is something that might not always show up in the stat book but it can be the deciding factor on whether your team wins or losses a contest. In this article we highlight some players that really brought the energy to the hardwood this weekend. They showed they were vital to their team's success and that did not go unnoticed.