A Tennessee Takes The Natty in Elite 40!

Well, what can I say? As I have mentioned time and time again in my articles, Tennessee girls are just built differently. Live from Louisville, KY at the National Championship, [program_tooltip program_id='713296' first='Team' last='Brandan Wright'] captured both Elite 40 and NE2K championships. Witnessing both games, I loved the energy the players played with and the crowd was electric. The girls played hard with a lot of grit, and you could tell they weren't going to be denied this opportunity.   TBW took on Always 100, a solid program from Indiana. Right from the tip, the ladies from the Volunteer state came out with a vengeance . They locked up on D, eliminated second chance opportunities, and flew around and did the little things right. Communication was at a premium as it echoed loudly. Defensive rotations took away easy buckets. You saw charges, steals that lead to transition buckets , and just kids out there having fun. Daps and hugs were given everywhere and the bench was lit as the program's other teams flooded the sideline. Talk about a fun team to watch, this squad got it done with only 7 players.   After talking to Coach Jamal Malone, he knew this would be their year. They had come up short the previous year, this time, the girls made sure to finish. They were focused. Bought into the process. Sacrificed for each other. They knew there was a bigger prize awaiting for them at the end if they played one possession at a time collectively. What they took home, a Diamond ball. The ladies who wear red and black finished on top beating Always 100 , 62-36.   Here are some young ladies who stood out from the Elite 40 championship game.   [player_tooltip player_id='366664' first='Lyriq' last='Mastin'] (Sr./PG/5'8/Blackman)- A ultimate floor general, Lyriq was pushing that rock in transition. Talk about threading the needle, she was hitting teammates in strides for the easy lay. Multiple times, she was getting downhill to attack to finish at the rim. This kid who committed to Tennessee Tech was tough. With the ball in her hands, her ability to facilitate was uncanny . She will look to take this momentum into the high school season and deliver some big time results for her Lady Blaze team.   [player_tooltip player_id='409017' first='Ella' last='Ryan'] (Sr./G/5'10/Brentwood)- Poise. Collective. Tough kid who loves the game. Passionate. Some things that stand out when watching this young lady. A determined kid who can score it from all 3 levels with confidence. She plays hard on both ends of the floor, doing whatever it takes to win a ball game. She is selfless, hungry, and looks to dominate. Any time the ball is in her hands, good things happen. She makes timely assists, splashes it from anywhere on the court, and just finishes. She exudes energy and is so fun to watch. Exceptional talent heading to Quinnipiac after her senior year.   [player_tooltip player_id='506248' first='Molly' last='Brown'] (Sr./G/5'8/ Lincoln Co.) Sticky hands, sticky fingers. A defensive juggernaut, she was flying around creating chaos on the defensive end. Molly was in attack mode , displaying energy and effort on both ends of the floor. Solid kid who can score the rock on all 3 levels. However, if she gets going towards the paint, she's coming full speed. Talented kid who is still uncommitted.   [player_tooltip player_id='506234' first='Leilani' last='Washington'](Sr./CG/5'7/Nolensville)- Speedy two way player who can defend and fill it up. Has nice court vision, plays with pace and space, this kid is a go getter and a finisher. A multi-level scoring threat, she looks to deflate the opposition early and often. A tireless worker, Leilani is hard to contact as she gets going. Brings energy and a lot of heart every time she steps onto the floor. This kid is super talented and can go! Look for her to be playing ball on the next level after her senior season.   [player_tooltip player_id='409632' first='Hilary' last='Shikuku'] (Sr./F/5'9/Collierville)- Energetic kid who is a speed demon. Look, she does all the dirty things and this some. Rebounds on both ends of the floor. Locks up on D, the full length of the floor. Knocks down shots from multiple spots from the court. Unleashes 3s, attacks down hill, and never seems to run out of energy. This kid plays hard every possession, all the time. She is an underrated prospect who has flown under the radar. A program would be a fool not to go after her. A hungry kid who is a tough competitor.    [player_tooltip player_id='810566' first='Emma' last='Sharp'] (Sr./G/ 5'6/ Spring Hill) - Sharp shooting kid can fill it up from deep. Excels from the catch and shoot position, this kid finds the bottom of the net time and time again . Contributes on the defensive end, runs the floor well, a hungry kid who does her job well and then some.    Libby Geisler (Sr./ G/ 5'7/ Mountain Brook (AL))-  The ultimate role player who steps onto the court ready to compete. Sharpshooting guard who lets it fly from the arc with confidence. She brings the energy and her teammates feeds off what she gives. Dives on the floor for loose balls, she makes all the extra effort plays. Gritty , tough, on both ends, she is sensational and finishes plays. Solid kid who gets after it on every possession.    Out, but not for long. Key contributors who will be back that soon!   [player_tooltip player_id='409016' first='Jayda' last='Bernard'] (Sr./ C/ 6'2/ Stewart's Creek)- Dominant big who can get it done in the paint with the ability to step out and shoot the 3. Owns the boards on both ends. Great in pick n roll and pick n pop situations.    [player_tooltip player_id='409018' first='Leah' last='Cohen'] (Sr./SG/5'9/Lipscomb Academy)- Solid kid who can fill it up from the arc. Plays with a lot of heart and passion. A spot of shooter who can knock it down at a consistent clip.   This group was fun to watch. You could tell they truly care and played for each other. What I love most about these girls is that they played the game the right way. Hats off to you all for a job well done! Congrats on your championship win!

Well, what can I say? As I have mentioned time and time again in my articles, Tennessee girls are just built differently. Live from Louisville, KY at the National Championship, Team Brandan Wright captured both Elite 40 and NE2K championships. Witnessing both games, I loved the energy the players played with and the crowd was electric. The girls played hard with a lot of grit, and you could tell they weren't going to be denied this opportunity.