The Winston-Salem Stealers program in North Carolina got its start in 1996, and the club made its first appearance in the Deep South Classic two years later.
“We really don’t think there is a better tournament for our program to attend, so we just keep going back,” said Coach Brian Robinson. “The main thing we’re looking for is great exposure for our players, and there are so many coaches at the Deep South every year. Plus, the competition is second to none.
“We used to go to the Deep South when they played it on the college campuses at UNC, NC State and Duke, and that was special. When we heard they were shifting the site, we were disappointed at first. But, once the parents and the players saw what it was like in Raleigh with everything in one building, we all like this set up better. It is just easier for everyone, from the parents and players to the college coaches and the club coaches.”
The 2015 Deep South Classic 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.
The Stealers will be paced this summer by a trio of players from the Class of 2016. That talented group includes Campbell commitment Breanna Foster (6-0, G), Bailey Kargo (5-11, SG) and Danielle Nieters (6-1, SF).
“Breanna is a very aggressive player who shoots it well from the perimeter. She is a good athlete who is a multi-positional player,” Robinson said. “Bailey is a very good shooter who is interested in the Ivy League schools. She injured her ACL last year, and she is just getting back to 100 percent. Danielle is a very versatile player who could be a three or a stretch four. She is very strong around the basket, but she is effective inside or on the perimeter. Her sister is a freshman playing at Harvard right now.”
All Star Girls Report analyst Bret McCormick also gave his perspective on the Stealers’ veterans.
“Frost is a good athlete with good skills. She is a versatile player who can score the basketball,” he said. “Kargo is a long athlete who also has good skills. She has a nice step back jumper and she shoots the three. Kargo knows the game. Nieters is another multi-positional player. She is athletic, strong and aggressive, and she understands the game.”
In addition to the 2016 prospects, Robinson is excited about two younger athletes in his program. Callie Scheier is a 5-3 point guard from the Class of 2019, and Elle Sutphin is a 5-11 guard in the 2020 Class.
“Callie is a very intelligent point guard who understands the game very well, and she shoots the ball well from the perimeter. She is very quick, and very crafty with the ball,” the coach said. “Elle is very aggressive around the basket, and she has a strong body for her age. She can shoot it well from the perimeter, and she has really worked hard this last year to improve her footwork.”
“Scheier is a quick point guard who has a good feel for the game. She is a true point guard, but she can shoot the three,” noted McCormick. “Sutphin also has good quickness and a great understanding of the game. She can put it on the floor, and she shoots it well.”