McLoud is dominating to start the season and it all starts with their outstanding junior lead guard. Mapira was named MVP of tournament in Bethel. In their title victory, she nearly recorded a double double of 11 points and 9 assists. While also recording 5 steals and 4 rebounds. In the semifinals, she poured in 19 points against Blanchard. Mapira was a quality guard as a sophomore, but has taken a real leap as a ringleader of a McLoud team with 4A State Tournament aspirations. She’s lightning quick as a driver and creator, while also being all action on defense.

Mapira is proving to be quite the sniper, with a compact, quick, textbook release. With every viewing lately, it’s not if she is hitting from distance but how many. On Saturday after a slower start from three, she was on fire in the final two match ups.

Along with the improved shooting, she remains a quick and active defender. Who also pushes the tempo with the ball in her hands, complete with a nice anticipatory bounce passes to set up her teammates for easy scores. Energy and shooting are great ways for smaller guards to impact the game and standout.

Combo guard that plays the point or shooting guard depending on who is bringing down the court. Quick in transition that has the speed to go coast to coast against a defense jogging back. The outside jumper has greatly improved over the summer as the guard got hot form deep in the games I watched.

Tough full court pressure defense that creates turnovers for points. Good defense on the passing lanes led to deflections and steals. The guard is part of a deep junior class that is looking to make a run this year at playoffs

Quick guard that can push the ball baseline to baseline weaving in and out of defenders. Always cutting off the ball creating scoring opportunities. Solid defender on and off the ball. Impressive was the outside shooting Saturday. Guard is known for driving was making the 3 in 5/5 play

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Really it could be either Mapria twin in this spot, come to think of it Chlore would make the perfect 6th woman off the bench to keep the tempo for this hypothetical team. Anyway, their non stop energy was big in the Havoc going 4-0 in the 17U Division. Both have unbelievable motors, still running and pressing late into their final game on Sunday afternoon.

Claire gets the nod over her twin for an unbelievable play to help secure a Saturday win. It was a tied game in the closing seconds, and she crashed the weakside glass. Then ripped away a rebound from a player nearly a foot taller, leading to the eventual game winner by a teammate. Add in the improved vocalness and leadership, still coaching and encouraging even when subbed out, and there’s a lot to like about the future for the twins from McLoud.