Marathon Athletics 17U & 15U Try-Out Standouts

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Last Saturday, Marathon Athletics held their inaugural try-out for their 17U and 15U girls basketball teams - an event that drew in players not only from the local area but down to South Medford as well.  In the two hour event, the players did individual drills that eventually led up to three on three as they were able to showcase their individual talent and skills.  [player_tooltip player_id="158495" first="Tiara" last="Bolden"] and Danaeja Romeo-Ah Sam were amongst local stand-outs to attend the event.  Perhaps the most intriguing story of the morning were the four players from South Medford in attendance - [player_tooltip player_id="158483" first="Kaili" last="Chamberlin"], [player_tooltip player_id="158487" first="Toni" last="Coleman"], [player_tooltip player_id="158503" first="Bella" last="Stone"], and Laini Dahlin.  Crater’s [player_tooltip player_id="158529" first="McKenzie" last="Hirsch"] was another out of town player that impressed with her solid play.  Overall, the event was quite the success as the players were able to augment their play with the help of great coaches and a superb atmosphere.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158483" first="Kaili" last="Chamberlin"] 2021 5’9" SG South Medford HS</strong> - the versatile guard displayed why she is South Medford’s front and center as far as scoring capabilities.  Chamberlin can score at all three-levels - as she can post-up smaller defenders but as well as take slower defenders off the dribble.  She has adept scoring skills with an amazing feel matched with an offensive repertoire that is difficult to match. </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158487" first="Toni" last="Coleman"] 2021 5’6" PG South Medford HS</strong> - Toni is the elusive and incredibly quick two-way guard that initially makes her mark as a defender with her unmatched lateral speed.  She translates this onto the offensive end as a steadfast guard who is difficult to keep up with in the open court and has a variety of ways to finish around the rim.  Guard with immense athletic upside as she ran 12.4 in the 100 meters as a freshman.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Laini Dahlin 2021 5’9" SG South Medford HS</strong> - Laini is the all-around guard who is solid offensively as she has a consistent stroke from alongside the arc, but where she makes her mark is as a high motor player who makes a lot of plays with effort and length.  She carries the DNA from her South Medford squad as a capable and determined player who makes her mark on both the defensive and offensive end.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158503" first="Bella" last="Stone"] 2021 5’6" SG South Medford HS</strong> - Bella is the piercing guard who has a wide variety of ways to hurt you, as she likes to take it to the rim and finishes with strength but can also hit the open jumper.  Stone plays at a nice pace and is constantly trying to get the edge over her opponent when the ball is in her hands.  Gritty and determined, she plays with a chip on her shoulder constantly.  </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Danaeja Romero-Ah Sam 2024 5’7" PG Springfield HS</strong> - One of the youngest at the event but also one of the most skilled.  Danaeja has been turning heads as of late in Arizona at “The Bubble” as a skilled guard with an array of moves to get to the rim.  She plays at a few different paces and has an ensemble of moves that she uses - none forced as she reacts to defenders with innovative dribbling moves.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158495" first="Tiara" last="Bolden"] 2021 5’9" SG Churchill HS</strong> - The skilled shot-maker who doesn’t need a lot of rim nor dribbles to get the job done.  She scores at all three-levels but perhaps her most uncanny skill is at the midrange level where she sizes up her competition and punishes them for the smallest of gaps when she gets a clean look at the rim.  Stringy athletic ability with a good wingspan.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>McKenzie Hisrch 2022 5’10" SF Crater HS</strong> - The Crater wing is incredibly scrappy and plays with tremendous effort and now she is piecing together her game around all seams.  She is an aggressive slashing type who gets to the rim with no problem with a quick first step and finishes with strength.  A superb defender who makes a lot of plays with her awareness and initiative.</span>