When BTR director Antoine Smith thinks back to his three visits to the Deep South Classic, it’s the simple energy of the event that comes to mind.
“There’s just a buzz in the gym,” he remembered. “It’s just a great, great atmosphere because there are so many tremendous teams, and all the college coaches. I get excited about coaching in that atmosphere, and the players get really excited about playing at the Deep South. The competition level is so high, I think it makes everyone want to rise to an extra level. It’s just a great experience.”
The 2017 Deep South Classic once again will be held in Raleigh, NC from April 20-23. The event, which will feature some of the finest travel teams in the nation, will be played at the Raleigh Convention Center. There will be 20 courts in the building, keeping the entire event under one roof in downtown Raleigh.
Among the standouts who will be coming with the Oklahoma-based BTR club are Cenera Skanes (6-0, G, 2018), Alyssa Boyce (5-7, CG, 2018), Jacee Evans (5-8, G, 2019) and Megan McAlpin (5-9, G, 2019).
“Cenera is a big time player who makes everyone around her better,” Smith said. “She is a slasher who can finish with her right or left hand. She can also post up or hit the mid-range shot. She is a great rebounder and a great defender. Cenera is a consistent shooter out to about 20 feet, and she’s working hard to extend her range.
“Alysa has incredible speed, and she’s a bouncy athlete. She is just a great defender — that’s the best part of her game — but she’s strong offensively. Alysa can get to the basket with her athleticism, she will hit the three, and she has a nice floater.
“Jacee is just a tough, tough kid. She is a hard-nosed competitor and a physical player. She is a good defender and rebounder, she can get to the rim, and she is a good passer.
“Megan is a shooter with a capital ‘S.’ She is a flame thrower, but she can get to the rack and pass the ball too. Megan went to the Deep South as an eighth-grader, so she has some great experience.”