The Massachusetts girls AAU contingent was very well represented
at the Gym Rat Challenge in Albany, New York this past weekend. They recently
issued their 25-page press release. Here is a condensed version that highlight
MA girls AAU:
Albany, NY - How about at the 15-under level where the Bay State Magic Elite
team came up just short in 2013, losing in the 13-under division’s championship
game in an overtime contest. Not only did the nucleus of that team return, but
it also jumped an age division to play at the 15-under level.
The squad also brought a sense of determination fueled by last
season’s championship-game disappointment. “We had some girls tired and have
leg cramps here last year,” admitted coach Jim Wardwell. “We worked on extra
conditioning while preparing so that wouldn’t happen again.”
Wardwell’s team was also determined not to let the disappointment
it felt in 2013 happen again. “We talked about how we had that sour taste in
our mouths on our 200-mile drive home after last year’s tournament,” he added.
“We didn’t want that to happen this year.” It didn’t when a balanced attack,
led by 5-foot-11 forward Joie Grassi, the division’s Most Valuable GymRat, won
every game by double digits..
No sour taste this year for that team. Only the sweet sense of a
2014 GymRat championship
Tenacity? The aptly named Honey Badgers of North Attleboro, MA had
all of that. The team chose its nickname in hopes of emulating the real-life
version of the animal that is known to be one of the fiercest, most-tenacious
creatures on earth.
In true Honey Badger fashion, the team played with fierce,
tenacious intensity that particularly paid dividends when it faced a mid-second
half deficit in its championship contest before its desired traits were evident
in securing the victory down the stretch.
Division Most Valuable GymRat Katie Nelson, a smooth yet
hard-playing 5-foot-8 guard, came up her most tenacious when it counted,
draining a key three-pointer that helped erase the second-half deficit and,
then, making four crucial foul shots down the stretch. But the 2014 GymRat
CHALLENGE showed something else, too … that there just might be some traits to
emulate while chasing a championship at the event. Things like determination,
tenacity and defensive play. It seemed to work well at the 2014 GymRat
CHALLENGE.
16-UNDER AGE DIVISION
FRIEND LEADS CITY ROCKS’ TO SECOND STRAIGHT TITLE IN ALL-NIKE
FINAL
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY– Hannah Friend, a slender and athletic prototypical wing forward, helped
ensure that would happen with a game-high 16 points in Sunday’s 38-34
championship-game victory over the NIKE New England Crusaders at Skidmore
College. Friend was the next girl up when it mattered most throughout Sunday’s
title game, scoring her team’s last seven points to secure the victory.
Friend’s three-point shot with two minutes remaining gave the City
Rocks a 34-32 lead before the Crusaders got a driving bucket from its own standout,
point guard Katie Benzan to tie things up with under a minute remaining.
The City Rocks put the ball in the hands of Friend once again, and
her hard drive to the basket drew a foul and she calmly converted both free
throws to give her team a 36-34 advantage.
When the Crusaders couldn’t score on their subsequent possession,
Friend grabbed a rebound and was fouled again. She once again converted both
foul shots with seven seconds remaining to secure the 38-34 victory.
16:UNDER
ALL-GymRat CHALLENGE TEAM
Katie Benzan, 5-6 point guard, New England Crusaders/Noble and
Greenough H.S.: A two-time Most Valuable GymRat Award winner, having earned that
honor previously at the 13-under and 14-under levels and nearly added another
MVG to her portfolio while playing up an age level. An intense, scrappy and intelligent
court leader, the consummate floor general with high court IQ. She can split
the defense to drive and finish as well as hit the three-pointer. Makes moves
to past defenders and has a nice step-back to score. Boston College, Wake
Forest, other Big East and A-10 teams interested.
Molly Bent, 5-9 power forward, R.I. Breakers-Edgehill/Tabor
Academy: An aggressive defenders with quick hands that produce many steals.
She will break down a defense by driving and slicing for the finish, or dish to
open teammates. High court IQ and sees and delivers passes to open teammates.
Already has multiple D-I offers.
Maddie Springfield, 5-10 guard, New England Crusaders/Marianapolis
H.S.: A smooth stroke on her outside shot. She can knock down the
three-pointer and has great range. Very aggressive on the offensive end. She
has the ability to drive to the rim and make a strong finish against contact.
Has heard from Boston College, UMass and Marist.
Alexandra Maund, 5-10 forward, New England Crusaders/Noble and
Greenough H.S.: Has a strong body and strong hands. Uses the dribble to transfer
power on drives. She sees the floor and passes well to open teammates. Showed
some shooting range here and also drives hard to the hoop to finish against
contact. Verbal commit to Yale.
Amy Duggan, 6-0 forward, New England Crusaders/Noble and Greenough
H.S.: She likes to drive as well as to take the open shots. Rebounds
aggressive and, then, finishes put-backs. She will drive the baseline and slide
to the rim effectively, drawing contact. A left-hander. Interest from America
East, some A-10’s and NE-10 schools.
Araion Bradshaw, 5-5 point guard, Boston Showstoppers/Tabor
Academy: An aggressive player on both ends of the floor. A floor general
with a good handle. Can draw and dish. Goes hard to the rim. Drives gaps well.
Gets the ball to the right person’s hands. Active on-the-ball defensive
pressure. Handles in traffic. Has a three-point shot. Hearing from Providence,
Davidson.
Morgan O’Donnell, 6-1 forward, Bay State Jaguars/Ursuline Academy:
A good-sized and developing post player. Already effective
rebounder at both ends. Particularly strong offensive rebounder and converts
her share of put-backs. She has stationary range inside the arc. Projects as
low-D-I or D-2 level player right now.
Anna Kelly, 5-6 guard, Ma. Huskies-DeSantis/Lexington
H.S.: Great anticipation, and uses it to produce steals that lead to
layups. Able to lead the break and hit the scorer with nice assists. Makes no
difference if she’s going right or left. True point guard with a great handle.
Always moving on offense. Can catch and shoot. Smart and athletic. Hearing from
Boston College, Providence, UNH, Davidson.
Shannon Murphy, 6-1 forward, Ma. Huskies-DeSantis/Watertown H.S.: Enforces
the middle with multiple blocks, including four in a two-possession stretch.
Can score from either side of the post. Sprints from block to block. Decent
handle for her size. Has verbally committed to Bentley.
Toni Fairhurst, 5-11 post, Cape Cod Bulls/Brockton H.S.: A rising
junior, playing up a level. Long, athletic big who goes hard to the glass at
both ends. Finishes well around the rim on the offensive end. Defensively she’s
a shot-blocker and intimidator. Appears to have enormous potential as a player.
Samnell Vonleh, 6-3 post, Rivals White Whittier Tech: A good
sized post player who uses a combination of size, positioning and
aggressiveness to her advantage. Great hands, catches anything thrown in her
vicinity. Rebounds well, uses her length to grab missed shots. Also a good
finisher in the post.
Valarie Martin, 5-11 post, Rivals Blue/Bishop Guertin H.S.: Sets up
in the post but comes out to the perimeter and is an outstanding 3-point
shooter. Real high motor. First to the floor for 50/50 bgalls. Can get to the
rim with ease. Very good handle and sees the floor well.
Jaylen Williams, 6-3 post, Rivals-White/Archbishop Williams H.S.: A “big,”
yet a mobile post player. She rebounds well, both in and out of her area.
Catches the ball in the post and is able to finish well within 10 feet and in.
Has a decent enough handle for her size.
Tamara McIntyre, 5-5 point guard, Boston Showstoppers/Fenway H.S.:
Played up n age level. Tight handle, leads team. Aggressive and
assertive on defense. A real worker. Creates turnovers. Distributes well. Can
get to rim, draws and dishes. Distributes to talent around her. Has a
three-pointer. Very quick. Talks on both ends. Has drive to improve. This was a
breakout appearance for her.
Jalissa Ross, 6-2 post, Boston Showstoppers, Fenway H.S.: Solid
back-to-basket and face-up game. Nice turnaround jumper and spin move off the
defense. Has a 3-point shot. Can attack off the dribble. Runs the floor well
for size. Can cover ground fast. Active in the post with pivot. Aggressive on
the boards. Unselfish. Reads the defense and finds open teammates. Excellent
defensively on top of press. Big East and mid-majors looking.
16:UNDER
ALL-GymRat HONORABLE MENTION
Jalani Jackson, 5-3 point
guard, Cape Cod Bulls
Lindsey Sweet, 5-11
forward, Ma. Huskies
Luili Ocasio, 5-5 guard,
Boston Showstoppers
Gianni Hill, 5-5 point
guard, Boston Showstoppers
Raven Brathwaite, 6-4
center, Boston Showstoppers
Ellen Wagner, 5-11
forward, MT Elite-McInnis
Kerri Beland, 5-9 forward,
MT Elite McInnis
Vanessa Udoji, 5-10
forward, New England Crusaders
Olivia Ware, 5-10 forward,
New England Crusaders
Caroline Sullivan, 6-1
forward, New England Crusaders
Julia Thissell, 6-2 post,
R.I. Breakers-Edgehill
Cara Callahan, 6-0 wing,
R.I. Breakers-Edgehill
Maeve Sussman, 5-9
forward. MA Huskies-Smith
Claudine Fleschene, MA
Huskies-Smith
Gabrielle
Guenther, 5-7 guard, Mass Frenzy
Sarah Davis-Daniels, 5-3
guard, Boston Showstoppers
Leiandra Busby, 5-3 guard,
Boston Showstoppers
Aimee DeArias, 5-9 guard,
Basketball 2 The Limt
Kylie Lorenen, 5-11 wing,
Mass Huskies
Sam Leone, 5-9 wing, Mass
Huskies
15-UNDER GymRat CHALLENGE AGE DIVISION
PREPARATION HELPS BAY STATE MAGICREVERSE
PREVIOUS DISAPPOINTMENT
SCHENECTADY, NY – The Bay State Magic Elite
team’s motivation for this year’s run to a GymRat CHALLENGE 15-under age
division championship can be traced all the way back to the same event a year
ago.The same roster of players competed at the 13-under level in 2013 and lost
in the tournament’s championship game as several team members suffered leg
cramps or had their play otherwise hindered by the unusually stifling heat that
day.
Since then the team emphasized better physical conditioning and
worked to develop an even greater mental toughness designed to avoid another
heartbreaking title game disappointment.
The Baystate Magic squad, based in Hanover, MA, knew it had enough
talent. And, when it came to this year’s event it also brought a few extras …
better conditioning and an even greater focus on securing success.
The year’s preparation paid dividends here over Father’s Day
Weekend as the Magic was rarely tested on the road to the GymRat’s 15-under
championship that culminated with a 55-40 victory in the title contest over
Long Island Lightning-Flynn played at the Pat Riley Sports Center at
Schenectady High School.
The result was accomplished by a precocious group of eight
players, seven of which could have played at a lower age level. “We took the
team up an age bracket because we wanted to challenge them,” explained coach
Jim Wardwell.
The squad was more than up to the challenge, particularly on the
defensive end when it allowed just 38 total points in its three pool-play
games. That was followed by its closest contest, a three-point victory over the
Springfield Lady Ballers in the championship-round opener. Otherwise, no other
opponent even got within double digits of the Magic. Wardwell said it was a
team effort that secured the championship, evidenced by three different players
having led the Magic in scoring in at least one of the weekend’s games.
‘We had three or four players who could have been our leading
scorer in any of our games,” said Wardwell. “It made it tough for opponents to
concentrate on defending any one of our players.”
For sure, as the axiom goes, it’s not difficult for a defense to
stop one standout opponent. But, it’s significantly tougher to stop an attack
that features three or four capable scorers. Joie Grassi, a multi-talented
5-foot-11 forward, earned the division’s MVG (Most Valuable GymRat) award for
her tournament-long consistent excellence. She averaged 11 points per game and
was in double figures in five of the team’s seven contests.
Over the two-day event she made 65 percent of her shots, making 30
of 46 attempts. She was nearly as proficient from three-point range, connecting
on 7-of-13 tries beyond the bonus stripe (53 percent). She got strong support
particularly from Jennifer Worden, a 5-11 forward, who had a team-high 12.3
points-per-game average at the GymRat, and Hayley Wardwell, another guard, who
averaged 8.6 points in the tournament.
“We came here prepared,” added Wardwell. “We worked on extra
conditioning to prepare for coming here and, then, we reminded the kids that we
lost here in last year’s championship game.” It resulted in the three lopsided
pool-round games which Wardwell used to his team’s advantage. “By getting ahead
by such large margins we were able to rest some kids and play a lot of zone
defense which enabled the players in the game to rest a little more, too,” he
said.
“But, we also had a lot of motivation based on last year. We
reminded the kids about the sour taste from a year ago, and about how we had to
have that taste in our mouths while making the 200-mile ride back home after
last year’s tournament. We used all that as ammunition for this year’s event.”
Who knows what the Magic will be able to find as motivation when
it returns to chase another GymRat CHALLENGE championship a year from now? But,
that can wait until next year. The Bay State Magic got redemption in this
year’s event, and that’s a very sweet taste.
15-UNDER AGE DIVISION MVG – MOST VALUABLE GymRat
Joie Grassi, 5-11 wing, Bay State Magic Elite/Plymouth H.S.: A
mult-talented performer with high basketball IQ. She can score in a variety of
ways. Very good shooter who made 65 percent of her shots taken here, including
7-of-13 from three-point range. She also moves well without the ball and is
crafty with it. Great competitor who contributes to team success with a
multitude of individual skills.
15-UNDER
AGE DIVISION ALL-GymRat CHALLENGE TEAM
Jen Worden, 5-11 forward, Bay State Magic Elite/Abington H.S.: A long
and lanky forward who was her championship team’s leading scorer (12.3 ppg.)
here. Very athletic player and is an outstanding defender, really works at that
end of the court. Outstanding court IQ and extremely adept at distributing, a
creative passer. Already getting some D-1 interest.
Kelsie Jacobs, 5-8 wing, Springfield Lady Ballers/Sabis H.S.: A very
quick player who showed a great ability to get to the hoop off the dribble.
Yet, also an unselfish player who sees the court well and is capable of
delivering passes to open teammates. Perimeter game not there yet … prefers to
go hard to A strong,
Ciara Dillon, 5-6 point guard, Rivals Black/Beaver County Day
School: An exceptional on-the-ball defender. She will stand her ground and
take charges on the defensive end. High motor, plays hard. Very good transition
player. Her determination set her apart her. She is an engine that makes a
successful team go.
Alexi Schecter, 6-2 center, Rivals Black/Lowell H.S.: A strong,
fundamentally sound player. Good scorer around the basket. Showed a nice jump
shot. Uses a shot fake effectively. Doesn’t just rely on size to rebound, knows
how to box out. Will make outlet passes. Can be imposing on defense. Blocks
shots and intimidates others. Very good passer. A pleasure to watch.
Lauren Manis, 6-1 center, MT Elite 10A/Bishop Feehan H.S.: She just
knows how to play. Good size and knows how to use it. Spreads out to make
herself a good target in the post. Very good high-low passer already. High
motor, plays hard. Looks to have good potential for even better.
Jillian Webber, 6-0 forward, New England Rebels/Andover H.S.; A good
defender who uses her length to block shots. Active on the offensive end, too.
Scores around the basket, or with a nice mid-range jumper. Unselfish player who
sees the court and gets the ball to open teammates. A little added strength
would help even more.
Taylor Miller, 6-1 center, Bay State Magic-Elite/Falmouth H.S.: Anchors
the middle on both ends for a strong team. She really controls the paint.
Already has good size. A real competitor with a high motor. Strong rebounder
who knows how to box out. Strong, physical player who knows how to use those
traits well.
Brianna Purcell, 5-4 point guard, Rivals Black/Bedford H.S.: Does
everything to win games. Extremely determined player with a high motor who plays
hard at all times. Top hustler. Sees the court well and distributes to open
teammates. Very good and quick in the transition game. Showed ability to make
jumpers here.
Marissa Gattuso, 5-6 guard, Evolution Basketball/Woburn H.S.: High
energy point guard who advances the ball quickly in transition. Uses her
dribble to create separation and draws contact while getting to the rim.
Excellent use of misdirection. Always back in defensive responsibility. Quick
hands, strips opponents as they approach the rim. Active without the ball.
Pass-first, but can knock down perimeter jumper. Team-oriented leader.
Nicole Jorgensen, 6-4 center, South Shore Elite Shamrocks/Quincy
H.S.: True back-to-the-basket post player who passes well out of the
paint. Reads passing lanes and gets steals; initiates transition. Runs her
lanes while in transition, gets to the box. At times seemed to be frustrated.
When she wants to be, she is hard to stop.
Tami Falay, 6-2 forward, Evolution Basketbll/St. Mary’s H.S.: Long,
lanky and quick-footed. Wants to post at the foul line. Shot-blocker. Always active
on defensive end. Gets on the floor for loose balls. Reads passing lanes and
steps in for steals. Trouble finishing at rim at times. Passes well from high
post, especially in high-low situations.
Gabriela Jerahian, 5-4 point guard, South Shore Elite
Shamrocks/Quincy H.S.: Pesky on-the-ball defender always looking to
strip her assignment. Advances the ball with the pass, not the dribble. Crafty
point guard. Runs her lanes and finishes at the rim. Not afraid of contact.
Never stops moving. Team leader in words and actions.
15-UNDER
DIVISION HONRABLE MENTION ALL-GymRat CHALLENGE
Katelyn Rourke, 5-9 guard,
Mass Wildcats
Catherine Sweeney, 5-11
forward, New England Rebels
Dana Muckstadt, 6-0
forward, MT Elite 10A
Lauren Rudolph, 5-7 guard,
MT Elite 10A
Grace Carter, 5-7 point
guard, Mass Wildcats
Haley Blasetti, 5-9 guard,
Baystate Magic Elite
Alyssa Camara, 5-5 point
guard, Mass Ducks
Kyra Rose, 5-9 forward,
Mass Ducks
Megan Dixon, 5-8 guard,
South Shore Elite Shamrocks
Kaylie Doherty, 6-0 post,
CMAC Hawks
14-UNDER GymRat CHALLENGE AGE DIVISION
HONEY BADGERS’ FIERCE PLAY CAPTURES CHAMPIONSHIP
SARATOGA SPRINGS. NY – The honey badger is a small yet
tough, relentless and fierce animal, one about which Matt Forbes had read about
years ago in a children’s book. When it came time to chose a nickname for his
North Attleboro, MA-based AAU program, Forbes and team members opted to call
the squad the Honey Badgers and hoped the squad’s style of play would be
reminiscent of the ornery badger-like animal.
The AAU basketball-playing Honey Badgers more than lived up to the
description with their fierce play at both ends of the court to knock off the
Bay State Jaguars, 55-50 to capture the championship of the 14-under age
bracket of the GymRat CHALLENGE in the title game played at the Saratoga
Recreation Center.
“The kids just stepped up and helped each other out,” said Forbes.
“We only had seven players here, but we got through it. We’ve been practicing
at least two hours a day to not only being able to play together but to be in
condition and that made a difference.
“We’re also dedicated to fit our nickname. We recognize that the
Honey Badger is the most fierce and fearless animal on the planet. We decided
that it’s a good name, and that’s what we want to play like.” When the team was
formed, though, there were other nicknames under consideration. “The other one
we strongly considered was “Net Shredders,” said Forbes. “Thankfully we didn’t
pick that one or we might have become a bunch of shooters who didn’t play any
defense.”
Forbes team, though, had the requisite point scorers as well, most
particularly 5-foot-8 guard Katie Nelson, who averaged 17.4 points over the
tournament and whose all-around play earned the division’s MVG (Most Valuable
GymRat) award.
All seven team members averaged at least 3.2 points per game, with
Molly Lahiff (8.8 points per contest and Caroline Collard (8.2) the other
leading scorers in the balanced attack.
Nelson had a game-high 18 in the title contest over in-state rival
Bay State. She also produced in the clutch, connecting on a big three-pointer
midway through the second half to erase a three-point deficit and, later, made
two clutch free throws in the closing seconds that secured the outcome.
The game championship game featured familiar foes. Some opposing
players are even in-season high school teammates.“It did feel a little weird
with some of us playing against school teammates,” said Nelson. “But it makes
it that much nicer to be able to beat players you know and respect.”
The Bay State squad had won the GymRat’s 13-under age division
last year and featured some outstanding players, including last season’s
13-under MVG Keelah Dixon, who had 23 points in the semifinal round but was
limited to 12 against the Honey Badgers’ fierce defense.
“The thing that’s rewarding is that we’re a team made up of
players from just one town while the Bay State team draws the best players from
a variety of communities,” added Forbes. “When we’re able to beat them, we know
we’re beating a very good team.”
It didn’t come easily. It took tenacious and fierce play not that
different than the team’s nickname namesake. “It’s also a cute-looking animal,”
added Katie Nelson. “That’s why we like the nickname. We think we’re like the
Honey Badger, both cute and fierce.”
14-UNDER
AGE DIVISION MVG – MOST VALUABLE GymRat
Katie Nelson, 5-8 guard, Honey Badgers/Bishop Feehan H.S.: A long,
athletic combo guard who really settles a team when she has the ball, but is
also a dangerous offensive force herself. She already has a complete offensive
skill set with a strong handle and the strength to finish against contact at
the rim. Deadly consistent shooter, with range even beyond the three-point
stripe. Averaged 17.4 points per game in play here and also served as a capable
and creative distributor to make teammates better. Never seems to get
flustered. Very bright future for her.
14-UNDER
AGE DIVISION ALL-GymRat CHALLENGE TEAM
Masseny Kaba, 6-3 center, Boston Showstoppers/Tech Boston Academy:
Has outstanding length and quickness. Already good footwork and
hands allows her to be a great finisher in pick-and-roll situations. Strong
rebounder and uses length to block shots. Owned the paint defensively here.
Kate Sullivan, 5-8 guard, Mass Frenzy/Granby H.S.: A lanky,
smooth combo guard that has good enough court vision to play the point with
scoring ability from all over. Can finish in traffic and also flashed some
three-point range here. Hard-working player who doesn’t hesitate to hit the
floor for loose balls.
Sophia Gatzounas, 5-7 guard, Mass Frenzy/South Hadley H.S.: A strong
frame with long arms and a great motor. Complete player who can defend, rebound
and scored. Flashed some three-point range on her jumper here, but at her
best using her strength to finish through contact at the rim.
Hannah Fabiano, 5-8 wing, New England Flames/Campbell H.S.: Athletic
player with a strong frame. Uses her strength to finish at the rim and
possesses a solid jumper. Defensively, great timing as a shot blocker and is an
excellent rebounder with good instincts. Seems to know where missed shots will
fall.
Emma Forbes, 5-5 point guard, Honey Badgers/North Attleboro H.S.: A quick
and energetic guard that makes a lot happen on both ends of the floor.
Offensively can attack and dish with good vision. Can knock down the
three-pointer. Defensively uses her quick feet and hands to pester the ball and
cause turnovers.
Amaya Finklea, 6-3 post, New England Crusaders/Noble &
Greenough H.S.: A tall, long post player who has a nice shooting touch around the
basket. She runs the floor exceptionally well for her size. Rebounds well and
is highly effective on put-backs. Still working to develop post moves.
Dorian Cohen, 6-0 post, New England Crusaders/Wellesley H.S.: A
good-sized post player who uses her length to be an effective shot blocker. She
is also athletic enough to put the ball on the floor and attack the rim. Does
her best work inside and finishes well around the basket against contact.
Erin Hill, 6-0 guard, Cape Cod Bulls/Marthas Vineyard H.S.: Good size
and uses her length to be an aggressive rebounder. Attacks the basket fairly
well. Very strong with the ball. She’s not going to lose it. Consistent on the
glass, particularly on the offensive end for put-backs
Geia Alverio, 5-4 guard, Cape Cod Bulls/Monomy H.S.: A tough,
all-out hustler. She can shoot, dribble-drive to make plays or attack the
basket strongly. She can get off her feet exceptionally well. Rebounds well for
her size. Absolutely the heart of her team. Great ball-handling skills and sees
the floor. Exceptional passer.
Shannon Murphy, 6-1 wing, MA Huskies/Watertown H.S.: A
swiftness about the way she moves, whether taking someone off the dribble lal
the way to the hoop or scoring from slashing through the paint. She makes it
all look natural and easy. A combination of smoothness and finesse.
Sarah Deyo, 5-11 guard, MT Elite 9A/Attleboro H.S.: Great
stroke just inside the three-point stripe, whether set or in motion. Quick
movement as she plays the top of the zone defense in full court and in half.
Runs the floor well to get easy baskets, and she will stop and pop for the
mid-range jumper.
Marissa Fontaine, 6-0 forward, Bay State Jaguars/Bishop Feehan
H.S.: Not only has a strong post-up game but can shoot the outside
jumper, especially the corner three. Will come across the paint from the
corners and lay in the little runner directly off the pass. Makes that play
look effortless with a smooth finish.
Jordan McLemore, 5-7 point guard, New Jersey Sparks/Leonia Middle
School: Very quick to get up the floor. Has a deadly low and fast
cross-over that gives her a dynamite first step past her defender. For her size
she gets so low and has arms out wide on defense, a maneuver that makes it hard
to get past her.
Victoria Hazard, 5-11 wing, Central Mass Shooters/Northbridge
H.S.: The type of player that will outwork everyone on the floor. Will
dive on the floor and scrap for any loose ball. She has the ability to watch
where a shot hits the board to grab a rebound. When she isn’t slashing through
the paint she has an eye for hitting cutters on the give-and-go to the hoop.
Veronica Burton, 5-6 guard, Bay State Jaguars/Brown Middle School;
A shooter with great form and almost perfect rotation/arc on the
ball. Low, quick defender who uses her feet and not her hands 100 percent of
the time. Able to force her opponent any direction she wants, making her able
to control the floor.
Keelah Dixon, 5-3 point guard, Bay State Jaguars/Braintree H.S.: The MVG
of the 13-under division last year, she helped lift her team to the
championship game in this year’s event. The type player who not only posses
athleticism but also has good court IQ. Knows what the next step is going to be
and seems to think ahead. She can drive and shoot from the outside. Really
pushes the ball up the floor.
14-UNDER
ALL-GymRat CHALLENGE HONORABLE MENTION
Amaya Finklea, 6-3 post,
New England Crusaders
Bridget Lanchester, 6-0
guard, New England Crusaders
Erin Antosh, 6-2 post,
Cape Cod Bulls
Alyson Reid, 5-4 guard,
New England Crusaders
Caroline Collard, 6-0
center, Honey Badgers
Julia Strachan, 5-8 guard,
Honey Badgers
Molly Lahiff, 5-8 guard,
Honey Badgers
Sophia Guerrier, 5-6
guard, Basketball 2 The Limit
Jessica Lessard, 5-10
guard Boston Showstoppers
Kayla Kaloostian, 5-5
guard, Boston Showstoppers
Katherine Puda, 5-7 guard,
Central Mass Shooters
Meg Reen, 5-5 point guard,
MT Elite 9A
Emily Miccile, 5-9 guard,
MT Elite 9A
Caitlin Boermeester, 5-5
guard, MA Huskies-Sheehy
Christina Bonfiglio, 5-8
wing, Bay State Jaguars
13-UNDER
AGE DIVISION ALL-GymRat CHALLENGE TEAM
Hannah Bean, 5-2 guard, NE Crusaders/Thurston Middle School: Can see
the court very well. Great passer and finds open teammates in good position
every trip down court. Showed a good pull-up jumper off the dribble here.
Lauren MacDonald, 5-11 forward, NE Crusaders/Thurston Middle
School: Tall and long forward and uses that to her advantage. Seems to get
her hands on every loose ball. Plays with high intensity on both ends. Great
on-the-ball defender. Gets more than her share of blocked shots.
Gabrielle Zaffiro,l5-9 guard, Rising Stars/Glen Head School: Will take
the ball hard to the rim. Aggressive player and a real leader on the floor.
Showed a nice handle. Will take the ball over when needed. Big-time scorer
here, averaging 23 points over three games.
Janai Crooms, 5-9 guard, Bay State Jaguars/Park View Middle
School: Will attack and go hard to the basket. Very strong build and can
take a hit. Crafty with the ball. Will drive most of the time, but will also
kick out to an open teammate. But, if there’s a lane she will go full steam
ahead.
Ashley Ducharme, 6-1 post, Bay State Jaguars-Rodriguez/Pierce
Middle School: Gets on the boards and boxes out, a real rebounding machine. Runs
the court well and has a nice jumper … smooth catch and shoot move. Recovers
from being bumped very well to go up strong for the finish.
Nirel Iaugbo, 5-8 guard, VBG 8th Pinacle-Reynolds/North
Andover Middle School: Very athletic and uses that trait to her
advantage. Will get up the floor fast and will defend well to get steals. Draws
fouls with offensive moves. Aggressive player at both ends of the court.
Kayla Mokwuah, 6-3 center, Springfield Lady Ballers/Williams,
Mass., School: Runs the floor really well going both on offense and defense. Her
size enables her to dominate the boards. She changes and blocks a lot of shots.
If she continues to work she has great potential.
Jena Butka, 5-7 wing, Bay State Magic/Atlantc Middle School: A very
versatile player that can hit the 15-footer. Very effective on the boards and
has a knack for the basket. Capable of helping a team at either end of the
court.
Bailey Savage, 5-4 guard, Central Mass Shooters/Charlton Middle
School: Very good feel for the game. Good court awareness and finds open
teammates in traffic. Solid handle, can go left or right when attacking the
rim. Good shooter off the catch and has three-point range.
Natalie Fraioli, 5-8 wing, Central Mass Shooters/Sutton Middle
School: A very good shooter. Lefty that has deep range beyond three stripe
off the catch. Will also attack the rim if given the opportunity, but primarily
a jump shooter. Picked apart zone defenses with her shooting all weekend.
Nicole Gallagher, 5-5 point guard, Mass Premier Swish/Bishop
Feehan: Tough, gritty point guard that is a pest on defense and gets her
hand on almost every pass to get deflections. Can knock down the 17-footer
consistently, but attacks the rim when given the chance. Good handle allows her
to get into defensive seams and find teammates for open looks.
Kiera Fernandes, 5-9 wing, Mass Premier Swish/Bellingham: A solid all-around player. Smooth stroke from the perimeter. Can step
out and shoot the three. Can also play in the post. Gritty, physical player
willing to do the dirty work for the team to have success.
Meara Carter, 6-3 center, Boston Showstoppers/Smith Leadership
Academy: A dominating presence on both ends of the floor. Uses long arms
effectively to get frequent blocks. Looks to run the floor. Very good
rebounder. Also has a nice 15-foot jumper.
Colby Upchurch, 5-5 point guard, Boston Showstoppers/Boston Latin
School: An exciting point guard with a very quick step. Great penetrator
that finishes with either hand. Can step outside to make the three as well.
Fast hands on defense creates turnovers.
Diana Willand, 5-6 guard, MA Huskies-Vinton: Good
shooter with deft touch. Very smart player. Knows where to be on the court at
all time. Plays both ends of the court well. Very active defender. Also
exhibited a nice mid-range jumper.
A double-digit scorer/rebounder threat in every game. Gets great
position on offense for easy layups.
13-UNDER
ALL-GymRat CHALLENGE HONORABLE MENTION
Jenna Roche, 5-5 guard,
Bay State Magic-Roche
Julia Dandridge, 5-11
forward, Central Mass Shooters
Emma Huma, 5-8 forward,
Bay State Magic Elite
Bridgette O’Reilly, 5-9
forward, Bay State Magic Elite
Barbara Ronca, 5-5 guard,
Bay State Magic Elite
Tess Sussman, 5-11
forward, Mass Premier Swish
Ashley Sampson, 5-7
forward, Mass Premier Swish
Alexis Greffen, 5-6 guard,
Bay State Jaguars-Rodriguez
Asiah Digle, 5-4 guard,
Bay State Jaguars-Rodriguez
Kendall Currance, 5-6
guard, Bay State Jaguars-Rodriguez
Rachel Johnson, 5-6 guard,
MT Elite 7A
Alexis Doherty, 5-6 wing,
Boston Showstoppers
Bridgid Griffin, 5-9 wing,
M.A. Huskies
Kerri Johnson, 5-6 guard,
M.A. Huskies
