After logging travel miles all summer long, the Bolingbrook Panthers will get a much needed break in September. Their lone tournament will be played on their home court in the Chicagoland Tournament of Champions. The All Star Girls Report event, which will be played on Sept. 26 at Bolingbrook High School, will feature an outstanding field.
“Everybody here is very excited about this opportunity,” said Coach Chris Smith. “We had a really good summer, but it was tough because we traveled so much under the ASGR umbrella. We didn’t play in a local tournament in the spring or the summer. We went to North Carolina twice, Louisville and New Orleans.
“I think it was a great experience for the team to travel to those places, but it’s going to be nice for them to be able to sleep in their own beds for this tournament. Plus, this will give all our families a great opportunity to support the kids.”
The Panthers will be led at the Chicagoland event by Jnaya Walker (2017, 6-1, WF, rated at No. 79 in her class by ASGR), Ty Battle (2017, 6-2, P, No. 154), Sydney Schultz (2017, 6-3, P, No. 255), Jahari Smith (2018, 6-2, P) and Gabby Smith (2018, 5-10, G).
“Jnaya is a versatile, inside-outside player. She can play inside, and she can lead the break for you,” Smith said. “Jnaya is also an excellent defender. Ty has a very high basketball IQ to go with great athletic ability. Sydney is a traditional, back-to-the-basket type of post player. She has a variety of moves inside, she can step out to 15 feet, and she is an excellent rebounder.
“In the 2018 class, Jahari is a super athlete who is a rebounding machine. She also runs the court very well and finishes around the basket. Gabby has unlimited shooting range, and she is very physical, especially when she is attacking the basket.”