The Grand Finale: Standout Bigs
Texas is loaded with talent. There are so many well-run grassroots programs located in the state that it’s becoming difficult to keep track of them all, and the number continues to grow. I got to see some really talented teams…
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Continue ReadingTexas is loaded with talent. There are so many well-run grassroots programs located in the state that it’s becoming difficult to keep track of them all, and the number continues to grow. I got to see some really talented teams and players go head to head this past weekend at The Grand Finale presented by Premier Basketball in Mansfield, Texas. Here are few bigs who caught my eye:
Akasha Davis Akasha Davis 6'2" | PF Wylie East | 2021 State TX | 2021 | 6’1’’ Power Forward/Center | Urban Heroes Elite DJ | Wylie East HS – Davis boasts tremendous size. She has nice touch down low and is a quick and decisive when she has an opportunity to score in the paint. She makes contested catches in the post and consistently finishes through contact with a chance to add some points at the foul line. Furthermore, Davis is a rebound magnet at both ends, piling up tons of boards throughout the tournament.
Mackenzie Wurm Mackenzie Wurm 6'3" | C Allen | 2021 State TX | 2021 | 6’3’’ Power Forward/Center | Texas Elite 17U 3SSB | Allen HS – Wurm is a nightmare for opposing offenses to deal with. Her length is off the charts. I don’t like to use the E word, but she is truly an elite rim protector if I’ve ever seen one. She is excellent about staying vertical in the paint. If she doesn’t block a shot, you can almost guarantee that she is at least going to alter its trajectory. Wurm is skilled at the offensive end as well. She can stretch out and hit threes and mid-range jumpers from the catch and makes the extra pass in the low post when necessary. The soon-to-be senior is a spectacular all-around big.
Shelbi Steen | 2021 | 6’0’’ Power Forward/Center | Texas Platinum 17U Silver | Lindale HS – Steen has tremendous footwork and strong but soft hands. She possesses a solid collection of post moves she can go to and is pretty crafty when it comes to utilizing pass and shot fakes. The 6-foot big has the ability to hit midi-range shots from the baseline too. Defensively, Steen has a knack for anticipating passes and stepping in front of them for steals. She intercepted a pass that untimely ended up being the game-sealing play in one of her first games of the tournament.
Martie McCoy | 2022 | 5’10’’ Power Forward | Texas Platinum 16U Gold | Muenster HS – McCoy is listed as a power forward, but she has a lot of guard-like skills. She is comfortable bringing the ball up and handling it out on the perimeter. She can also stop and pop from mid-range in transition. When you combine that with her great size and frame, you get a dangerous player. Her cuts are very sudden and violent, much like that of a running back. She absorbs contact when she gets inside and isn’t afraid to sacrifice her body to make things happen for her team.
Harley Harbour | 2022 | 5’11’’ Power Forward | Texas LoneStar Black 16U 3SSB | Frisco Reedy HS – Harbour is one of those players that is simply going to outwork her opponent on the glass. She is a relentless defensive rebounder who likes to grab boards and push the tempo with outlet passes. Harbour is even capable of bringing the ball up herself at times to lead the break, and her decision making in transition is excellent. She’s a standout interior defender as well who does a good job of timing her leaps and blocking shots without committing fouls.