Ward’s performance on Sunday showed potential in a number of areas. Standing at 5’10 with a long, lean frame her versatility was immediately apparent. Zamara moves well, has good elevation, and can play a variety of positions on both ends of the floor. What really stood out, though, was her activity on the glass. She consistently crashes the glass and uses her physicality to battle for every rebound. Previously at Fridley, Ward has made the switch to Park Center, where she’ll look to carve out a role in the Pirates lineup this season. We’re eager to see how her game develops over the next couple of years.

It’s not always about how you start, it’s how you respond. Ward had a tough opening game at the Shootout. She competed and stayed active, but the shots just weren’t falling. Game two told a different story. She came out aggressively and set the tone early, scoring 6 of her team’s first 8 points by doing what she does best – getting downhill and attacking the rim. Once she found that rhythm, everything else started to follow. What stands out most is her work on the glass. She rebounds at a high level and doesn’t waste time turning defense into offense, going coast to coast and putting pressure on the defense. You can tell she’s putting in time on her game. With her size and motor, if she keeps building, she’s a player that can carve out a real role.