Winter Break Stars
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Christmas time is the time for competitive tournaments and playing teams outside of your district. This is a chance for new faces to emerge and play against teams who may not know your tendencies. These tournaments give us a chance…
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Continue ReadingChristmas time is the time for competitive tournaments and playing teams outside of your district. This is a chance for new faces to emerge and play against teams who may not know your tendencies. These tournaments give us a chance to compete against elite level competition and practice in win or go home situations. Below is a list of some players who stepped up not only in their teams Christmas tournament, but leading up to the Christmas break.
Celeste Reed Celeste Reed 5'11" | C White Co. | 2024 State TN – White County High School – Class of 2024
Reed is a player who brings that 90s basketball intensity when she steps on the court. She is looking to compete regardless of the opponent. She is undersized at her position, but her athletic build allows her to absorb contact and not get pushed around. She uses her height disadvantage to run the floor hard and get easy baskets for her team. She has great hands and catches wild passes her teammates throw. There is something to be said about players who work hard and do the little things that do not show directly on the stat sheet, but helps the team win games.
Janiyha Riley – Columbia Central High School – Class of 2022
Riley is a well-rounded player that impacts the game with more than just her scoring ability. Riley will mix it up with the post and get defensive rebounds and start the break from the guard position. She will also look for the long outlet pass for an easy basket. In the half court, Riley is a two level scorer. She can knock down the kick out and swing three, but also is a threat to drive the basketball. Her athletic frame allows her to finish through contact and focus on the rim to complete the play.
Jailyn Banks Jailyn Banks 5'7" | CG MTCS | 2023 State TN – Middle TN Christian High School – Class of 2023
Jailyn Banks Jailyn Banks 5'7" | CG MTCS | 2023 State TN is a big-time player who coaches need to keep an eye on. She is an elite one on one player in the half court. She can break her defender down and get to her spot on the court. She is dynamic on the fast break staying poised and under control using the euro step and pro hop efficiently. She is a sneaky athlete who is explosive off the court getting offensive rebounds from the free throw line. Banks has a full offensive package, she can shoot the three, has a mid-range game, and can finish through contact when she gets to the basket. She is only a junior and with another year of experience she has the potential to compete for Class A Miss Basketball
Shelby Higgins – Richland High School – class of 2025
Shelby Higgins is a long-range sniper who has shown the ability to knock down the deep ball. Higgins can sometimes fall in love with the three and shoot shots outside of her range, forcing her to change her mechanics. However, she is young and still has a lot to learn, and that will come with more experience and reps. Higgins’ youth also brings the emotion that can ignite the team and provide a needed spark within the team with a deep three.
Emily Monson Emily Monson 6'0" | SF Blackman | 2023 State TN – Blackman High School – class of 2023
Monson has a lightening quick release and if you want to contest her shot, you need to stop her from getting the ball. Monson can shoot the three off of any screen and can shoot it off the dribble. If her feet are set, you are now at her mercy. Monson has recorded a game of 29 points including multiple games with 3+ threes. Monson, plays in a very competitive district and for a coach that expects her to compete every time she steps on the court. Monson will be a player who can make an immediate impact at the collegiate level.