Hoops4MS Analysis: Part 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's two more articles coming your way about the Hoops4MS event that took place in early August and nearly two dozen players from New Jersey remaining to talk about. As we go through the team analysis, we head over to the second Team Faith (Gray) squad, this one comprised of players between the Class of 2027 and Class of 2029.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='913943' first='Sophia' last='Feeney'] - Horace Mann (2029)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Feeney has certainly staked her claim already as an eighth grader playing and hanging with some of the best high school underclassmen in the state. Impressive two-way game already developing with her, someone eager to get on the run and get fast breaks going offensively. Really wants to push things and get the defense-to-offense transition firing on all cylinders. Plays with purpose and isn't afraid to turn the pace of the game up if she can.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='677063' first='Lucie' last='Schell'] - Immaculate Heart (2027)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schell has moved over from Saddle River Day, who utilized the guard in a bench role. She got playing time, but it made most sense for her to look elsewhere, finding a great opportunity to blossom at Immaculate Heart. Very exciting guard with untapped potential. Plays with her heart on her sleeve and is really someone who leaves it all out on the floor, regardless where and when she is. Controlled aggression that's led to a plethora of scoring chances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1235187' first='Sumaiyah' last='Lashley'] - Neptune MS (2029)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It will be another year before we get to see Lashley feature on the floor in high school, but she's built up a great base for herself once that transition to the next level comes. Height is to her advantage and she's quickly figuring out what works best for her on the floor. Has the ability to post up with the best of them, but can step up defensively as a guard and make plays. Very agile, quick with the ball and not afraid to be aggressive, be physical.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='789188' first='Valentina' last='Triana'] - Pingry (2027)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This spring and summer was incredibly important for Triana as she's expected to grow into a much larger role for Pingry as a sophomore. Well-rounded game as she displayed as a freshman and within that, we saw a bit of everything from her. Triana's offense is what we'll be looking at most, someone who seemingly got off to a strong start, but struggled to find the bottom of the net toward the back-half of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='789167' first='Madison' last='McLain'] - Blair (2027)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McLain made a difference off the bench as a freshman for Blair with some glimpses into the future. Her playing time seemed more consistent toward the beginning of the season as her production dropped off near the end. It's about getting reps, getting experience and finding what works best within one's skillset. Bright future with a high ceiling for McLain, a future leader for this Bucs team, running the point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='982717' first='Emeryl' last='Azcona'] - Florence (2028)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One half of the Azcona twins, Emeryl graduated from Florence Middle in late spring as her freshman season at the high school level is fast approaching. Incredibly talented guard that despite her height, she's been able to light it up from deep and find creative ways to score inside the arc. High basketball IQ that's been utilized on both sides of the floor well. Plays with heart and passion and plays with a chip on her shoulder.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='651517' first='Aleah' last='Sunkins'] - Franklin (2027)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the best overall players in the state and easily one of the top players in the Class of 2027, Sunkins is now entering her sophomore season having shown off quite the highlight package as a freshman. Double-double threat, an elite-level shot-blocker and plenty of intangibles across the board. So many glimpses of what she can turn into on the offensive side of things, a potential 20-point scorer in the mix.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='651479' first='Noelle' last='Grady'] - Chatham (2027)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Basketball fans and followers across the state will soon be finding out about Grady and what she brings to the table this winter for Chatham. Very impressive body of work on the defensive end, someone who's shown themselves to be a strong on-ball defender. Rebounds well for a guard and quickly outlets to get something going on the other end. Finishes through contact well and likes to play physical with the ball, especially when driving to the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='651496' first='Ashley' last='Kreiger'] - Ranney (2027)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kreiger's freshman year was a great first showing at the high school level. The forward found her groove early on and just kept improving, making a big difference on both sides of the ball late. We expect an adjustment period as she gets her feet under her, already at 6-2 going into her sophomore season, but if the last 8-10 games of last season showed us anything, it's that she's going to be a double-double machine and then some.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='982714' first='Antonia' last='Jackson'] - St. John Vianney (2028)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The St. John Vianney machine adds another piece this season in freshman [player_tooltip player_id='982714' first='Antonia' last='Jackson'], a versatile guard with great skills and an even greater feel for the game. She can turn a defender on their heels or break someone's ankles with her ball-handling skills. Soft, effortless touch around the rim and can easily finish through contact. Quick on both sides of the floor for a fast-break layup or a chase down block or pass deflection.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->