The Albany Capitals had traditionally avoided the long journey from New York to North Carolina for the Deep South Classic, but in 2014 the Capitals decided to give the DSC a try.
“We normally go to a different event that weekend, but last year we sent one team to the Deep South Classic,” explained Coach Guy Di Bacco. “They had a very positive experience, so we have decided to go that route this year.
“It’s a tough trip from up here, but we think we need to do it for the exposure. The really liked the competition and the exposure last year. A number of the players from that team lifted their recruiting after the Deep South. Our goal is to get these players as much exposure as possible, so we’re making the trip.”
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 highest profile member of the Capitals is Jenna Giacone, a 6-1 point guard who is listed as the No. 116 prospect in the Class of 2016 by the All Star Girls Report.
“Jenna is a long athlete who is smart and competitive,” Di Bacco said. “She can stroke it, she finishes at the basket, and she just doesn’t turn the ball over.”
“Giacone is a very skilled, all-around player who could play the one, two or three spots,” added ASGR analyst Bret McCormick.
The Capitals will also be expecting strong performances in Raleigh from Selena Lott (2017, 5-11, G), Sydney Brown (2017, 6-1, F) and Leah Dollard (2016, 6-1, F).
“Selena is a phenomenal on-ball defender. She sees the floor well and has an all-around game, but she really takes pride in her defense,” Di Bacco said. “Sydney is a back to the basket five for her high school team, but we use her as a step out four. She is very athletic, she can shoot it, and she can put it on the floor. Leah is a tough competitor who does all the little things for us.”
McCormick also provided his perspective on the Capitals’ leaders.
“Lott is an athletic guard who gets to the rim, and she is a very good defender. She does the little things,” he said. “Brown is a long athlete with an inside-outside game. She can score on the block or out at the arc. Dollard is a long wing with skills and a good work ethic.”
