Heading into its second season, the All Star Girls Report Summer League is attracting a series of top-flight new programs from around the country, including Team Brandan Wright out of Nashville, TN.
“We see this as an opportunity to get increased exposure for the girls, which is the biggest thing,” said Coach Spencer Richardson. “We also know that this will give our girls a chance to compete against outstanding competition.”
Richardson’s club was originally known as Lady Zoom, but the program’s name was changed last summer when Memphis Grizzlies standout Brandan Wright entered the picture. Richardson serves as Wright’s personal trainer during the off-season.
The top performers for Team Brandan Wright this summer will likely be a strong quartet of perimeter athletes from the Class of 2017. That group includes Kiesha Brady (5-7, G), Erica Haynes-Overton (5-8, G), Janiah Sanderford (5-8, PG) and Zakaria Esmon (5-9, G/F). Haynes-Overton is currently listed as the No. 411 recruit in her class by the All Star Girls Report, and Brady is at No. 478.
“Kiesha is a very aggressive player on both ends of the court,” Richardson said. “She shoots the ball very well, she attacks the basket, and she is a very good on-ball defender. She plays much bigger than 5-7 — maybe even up to 6-1 — because of her energy and effort.
“Erica is very, very athletic, and she has an incredible mid-range jumper. With her leaping ability, she can just take a couple of dribbles and then elevate over everyone. Defensively, she does a lot of things that you can’t teach. She just has a nose for the ball.
“Janiah is very quick, and she has tremendous ball handling skills. Those abilities allow her to get anywhere she wants on the floor. She is a good shooter, but the key is that she can get to the rim with ease. She is also a very good passer, especially when she is penetrating.
“Zakaria is a very athletic player who can score in multiple ways. She can shoot the three, she has a solid mid-range game, and she can even post up smaller guards.”