The South Georgia Metros program has its share of young talent, but the program will be led this fall by a solid group of veterans from the Class of 2015.
“We actually did a lot better than we expected to do this summer. We won some big games, and we were very competitive against some of the major clubs,” explained Coach Mike Woods. “Our expectations weren’t too high because we were playing a lot of ninth and 10th graders up on our top team. The biggest thing was that we had some older players who really did a good job leading the team this summer.”
The next challenge for the Metros will be at the Marietta Tournament of Champions. The event will be held at the Suwanee Sports Academy complex in Marietta, just outside of Atlanta over the weekend of September 27-28.
The key members of that leadership group in Marietta will be Aaliyah Bell (2015, 5-7, G), Erin Hicks (2015, 5-8, CG) and Kerimee Vincent (2015, 5-11, F).
“Aaliyah is a point guard who can lead a team in every way,” Woods said. “She can knock down the open jump shot, but her main contribution is her leadership. She was a big part of our success this summer. Erin also did a very good job for us. She is a versatile player who can fill a lot of roles. Kerimee only played one event this summer, but she got a lot of attention from the college coaches. She can jump and she can finish, and she’s just amazing inside 15 feet. She is going to be a special player.”
Bret McCormick, the analyst for the All Star Girls Report, also provided his perspective on the Metro leaders.
“Bell is a quick point guard who knows the game,” McCormick said. “She gets everyone involved, but she can also score. Hicks is a skilled combo guard with a nice mid-range game and a blue collar work ethic. Vincent is someone the coaches should check out. She is a very athletic four-three who can finish in the lane and step out to 15 feet.”
The two most notable young prospects on the Metros are Alexis Burns (2016, 5-8, G) and Alexis Tate (2017, 5-10, WF).
“Alexis Burns is a lot like Cappie Poindexter — she is a big, strong guard who finishes very well,” Woods said. “She is a great athlete, and she is working hard on her perimeter shot. She is getting a lot of big time interest, and she has a real chance to be special.
“Alexis Tate is a great athlete who is relentless on the court. She is a warrior. She understands the game and she has a knack for the basketball. Even though she was one of our youngest players, she was probably our best player for the first part of the summer.”
“Burns is a quick, strong combo guard. She is an explosive athlete who can make acrobatic moves in the lane, and she can shoot the three,” added McCormick. “Tate is a strong athlete who can attack the basket, and she is very good in the open court.”
