Magicians in Transition
Watching players run the fastbreak, in my opinion, is the most exciting action in basketball. When an athlete pushes the ball up the court, it is one of the few times where players can show off their creativity and improvisation.…
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Continue ReadingWatching players run the fastbreak, in my opinion, is the most exciting action in basketball. When an athlete pushes the ball up the court, it is one of the few times where players can show off their creativity and improvisation. Seeing what a ball-handler has up their sleeve while going at a defender’s full speed is electric and very entertaining. Here are some of the players who go deep in their bag when they are in transition.
Natalia Hall-Rosa – Randolph High – 6’0” – SF/PF – 2024
Watching Hall-Rosa rip down a defensive rebound and take off in transition is reminiscent of Spain’s “Running of the Bulls.” The 6’0” freight train charges at a defense full speed and dislodges anyone who stands in her way. What is most impressive about the freshman is that she is not just a battering ram with the basketball. Her ability to elude defenders on her way to the basket and avoid charges speaks to her intelligence as a ball handler. Hall-Rosa, one of the most efficient scoring forwards, spins the ball off the backboard beautifully when she lays it in. She is a threat to score with either hand in transition and has mastered the art of body control and concentration to produce some of the most captivating highlights.
Oluchi Okananwa – New Hampton School – 5’10” – SG – 2023
Okananwa ignites the fastbreak often by forcing a turnover with her tenacious on-ball defense. With the ball on a string, the 5’10’ ‘guard is so fluid, splitting defenders on her way to the rim. She has one of the smoothest gather steps. Always under control and focused, Okananwa can get around defenders with ease using her array of side steps and fancy footwork. She reads the defense well in transition and does not always resort to bolting straight towards the basket for a layup. The sophomore’s fastbreak pull-up game is elite, and she can stop on a dime from the free-throw line extended and bury the jumper if the defense is sagging in the lane. So confident scoring the basketball in transition, Okananwa is one of the more potent three-level threats when the tempo is pushed.
Mairead Gallagher – Cardinal Spellman – 5’10” – SF – 2022
Gallagher is extremely dangerous going coast to coast because of her terrific ball-handling. A lefty who loves penetrating going right perplexes defenses with her ability to change pace. Off a rebound, Gallagher gives the impression she will slow down and initiate the half-court offense; yet, the minute she senses the defense is not set and relaxed, she shifts into a higher gear, explodes to the rim, and finishes strong. At 5’10, Gallagher is so strong and aggressive that she absorbs contact like a sponge and is an and-1 machine. She has the defense in the palm of her hands every fastbreak possession because of her dexterity, and her dazzling finishes will have you on the edge of your seat.
Mackenzie Nelson – St. Luke’s – 5’7” – PG/SG – 2023
Nelson looks like a track star when she is out in transition. A blur on the fastbreak, the combo guard has jaw-dropping speed that leaves everyone in the dust. A mind reader on defense, Nelson can anticipate the ball handler’s next move better than anyone and uses her elite athleticism to create steal opportunities. When the ball is in her hand, she morphs into a jaguar and jets to the rim, scoring off turnovers effortlessly. Not afraid to challenge defenders at the hoop, Nelson is aggressive attacking defenders, initiates contact, and maintains concentration to finish strong. Not only a scorer on the break, but the floor general can drop pinpoint bounce passes and is an expert on how to exploit a defense when St. Luke has numbers in transition.
Shay Bollin – Bridgewater-Raynham/Duke Commit – 6’3” – SF/PF – 2022
Bollin is one of the most electrifying and transcendent passers, especially on the break. At 6’3, she sees the floor beautifully, and her court vision is unmatched. She can impact the transition offense without taking a dribble by throwing the most impressive full-court outlet passes. The strength behind the pass and to drop them perfectly into her teammates’ hands for easy layups is extraordinary. When Bollin does decide to go coast-to-coast, her unselfishness is on full display. At her size and with her offensive skillset, she can score every possession in transition. However, she makes a conscious effort to get her teammates involved, creating an offensive juggernaut. Bollin’s willingness to facilitate on the break maximizes the ceiling of the team and produces a fun atmosphere on the hardwood. Her showstopping passing along with her nifty layup package makes Bollin a “must-see” player every time the ball is in her hands.