Most programs would be devastated by the lost of a truly elite player. FBC Georgia isn’t like most programs.
Mikayla Coombs (2017, 5-10, SG, Ranked No. 2 in the nation in her class by the All Star Girls Report) injured her ACL in her first high school game this winter and she will be recovering from surgery all summer.
“Obviously a player like Mikayla brings a lot to the team,” said Coach Mo Motton. “It’s unfortunate, but we are still loaded with talent. This is one of those times when some other players are going to have an opportunity to step out of the shadows and make a name for themselves. When one player goes down, you need the next one to step up.”
One of FBC Georgia’s first tests without Coombs will be this spring at the 2015 Deep South Classic, which will be played in Raleigh, NC on April 24-26. The Deep South Classic, which annually features the nation’s top travel programs, will once again have the entire tournament in one facility — the tremendous Raleigh Convention Center.
Without Coombs, the top FBC prospects will be Kasiyahna Kushkituah (2017, 6-3, C, No. 10) and Bianca Jackson (2017, 5-10, WF, No. 71).
“Kasiyahna is a really good rebounder and shot blocker, and she is developing her low post game,” Motton said. “We are working hard to develop Kasiyahna into a power forward because that’s the best fit for her at the next level. Bianca is a very good athlete and a very good shooter. Without Mikayla, we’re are really going to beed Bianca to step up her scoring.”
Bret McCormick, the analyst for the All Star Girls Report, is very familiar with the FBC Georgia standouts.
“Coombs is a super athlete with a great ball IQ, and she can really score the basketball,” McCormick said. “Kushkituah is basically a long athlete with great footwork and post moves. She really runs the floor, and she keeps getting better. Jackson is another long athlete. She has a really good mid-range game, and she is wonderful in the open floor. I think she is a sleeper who we should be watching this summer.”
Motton will also be looking for three 2017 backcourt players to make major contributions. Taja Cummings is a 5-5 guard who is rated at No. 152; 5-6 Nichel Tampa No. 109; and 5-7 Tiamya Butler is looking to make her mark.
“We will probably be as good as our guards this year,” Motton said. “We are going to need for them to bring leadership and toughness on the defensive end. They need to fill their role and play hard. Taja and Nichel are proven players, but they need to step up their games this year. Tiamya had lower back problems last year, but she should be healthily this summer, and that girl can make this team go.”
“Cummings has great quickness, and she is a vocal leader on the floor. She can make some acrobatic moves in the lane, and she can control a game,” added McCormick. “Tampa has quickness and she is very intelligent. She has a skill set, and a feel for the game. Butler is a quick combo guard who is good in the open floor, and she knows how to attack the basket.”
