Nike Nationals - All EYBL Teams

(Courtesy of StarsForTheFut1) We do not feel it is fair to compare players who finished at the Bronze level with players competing in the Platinum bracket. To have your team competing in the highest level players must sacrifice a piece of their game to make the team better. This fact should not negatively affect their ranking or recognition. Teams that are led by a single player are not usually the teams that win even though that one player’s stats may make it look like they are all-world. A deeper dive into percentages and watching how their game affects those around them gives you a better picture of how to hand out awards. Therefore, we have decided to break down our awards by the bracket the teams finished in.   Platinum Bracket All EYBL First Team   MVP: [player_tooltip player_id="103359" first="Gabriela" last="Jaquez"], Cal Stars - Affects the game in so many ways. All-out player with the intense will to win. Even when she is not shooting well, which is rare, she finds ways to take over the game with rebounding and hustle plays. Averaged 16.5 points and 7.7 rebounds a game and had 19 points in the championship game. She recently committed to UCLA to join her brother Jaime. PG: [player_tooltip player_id="163093" first="Talana" last="Lepolo"], Cal Stars - A coach’s dream as a PG. Almost got a triple double in the Championship game. Finished with 10 pts 7 rebound and 7 assist. Uncanny ability to look off the defense and find open people or finish uncontested in the lane. Her play at Nike Nationals proved she is the best PG on the Nike Circuit. SG: Chloe Clardy, Cy Fair Elite - Averaged double digits and had almost a 5 to 1 assist to turnover ratio and was ranked 11th in Steals. Finished with 14 points in the championship game. She didn’t have a great shooting night, but affected the game in many ways with 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. SF: Indya Nivar - Strong player that can hurt you from all three levels. Has a nice pull up game if you run her off the line. Poised leader who led the platinum bracket in scoring with 17ppg. PF: Kaylene Smikle, Exodus NYC - Shot an amazing 58% from the field during Nike Nationals. Strong rebounder and finisher. Breakout player at Nike Nationals. C: [player_tooltip player_id="54100" first="Breya" last="Cunningham"], Cal Stars - Balance, balance, balance. A strong base and incredible hands are the keys to her success. Works early to get easy finishes. An intimidating presence in the lane and changes the game defensively.   Platinum Bracket All EYBL Second Team   PG: Paris Clark, Exodus NYC - Excellent rebounding PG who tied for most rebounds on her team was second on her team in scoring. Scored 21 points vs Philly Rise in the quarterfinals. SG: Madison St. Rose, Philly Rise - Led her team in points, assists, steals and second in rebounding. When the team needed a bucket, she delivered. SF: Gisella Maul, Cy Fair Elite - Baby Harden is her nickname and she has a knack for getting to the basket. Led her team in FT attempts and rebounds. PF: Elle Ladine, Cal Storm Team Taurasi - Strong powerful player who finishes well through contact. Excellent three point shooter and rebounder. C: Kennedy Basham, Cal Storm Team Taurasi - When Basham is on, she makes Team Taurasi tough to beat. Her shot blocking intimidates other teams getting to the rim and changes the way they must score.   Platinum Bracket All EYBL Third Team   PG: Hannah Hidalgo, Philly Rise - Good young PG who is very agile and a good ball handler and defender. SG: Ruby Whitehorn, Michigan Crossover - Volume shooter and tenacious rebounder. Hard to guard going to her right. SF: Smya Nichols, Missouri Phenom - Playmaking 2023 with the ability to attack or knock down the three. Shot 50% during the event. PF: Justine Pissott, Philly Rise - Did not shoot like she normally does, but was able to affect the game in other ways. Doesn’t turn it over and has gravity that is hard to compare to other players. C: Madisen Wardell, Michigan Crossover - Inside out stretch 5 that can hurt you multiple ways. Tough rebounder and doesn’t back down to anyone.