The state of Connecticut isn’t generally regarded as a strong area for women’s basketball talent. While the state may not have a deep talent pool, the folks at the Connecticut Basketball Club want you to know that there are some special players in their state.
“Our goal is simply to do our best to showcase the kids. We want to give them an opportunity,” said Coach Scotty Nails. “A lot of people think that Connecticut isn’t a strong state for girls basketball, but we have some hard working, good basketball players.We want to show people that we have some scholarship level basketball players.”
The CBC players will have a chance to make an important statement at the Suwanee Tournament of Champions, which will be hosted by the All Star Girls Report staff from July 5-8 in Suwanee, Ga. The event, which will draw an outstanding national level field, will be played at the tremendous Suwanee Sports Academy facility.
The marquee talent for CBC will be Abbie Wolf, a 6-4 post player who is rated as the No. 103 prospect in the Class of 2016 by the All Star Girls Report. Wolf will get plenty of support from classmate Rebecca Lawrence, a 6-3 forward who has verbally committed to Delaware.
“Abbie has great skills, athleticism and vision,” Nails said. “She is a very unselfish player, and when we put her up high she is a very good passer. She sees the court and she understands the game. Rebecca is our best all-around player. She can defend any position, she can score down low over either shoulder, and she is a good shooter from 17 feet in. She also runs the floor very well, she blocks shots, and she is a very intelligent player.”
ASGR analyst Bret McCormick is also has praise for Wolf and Lawrence.
“Wolf is a long athlete who is fundamentally sound. She has good footwork, and she can score inside, and she can step out to 17 feet,” McCormick said. “Lawrence is another good player with an inside-outside game. She can post up, and she can step out beyond the arc.”
CBC will also be expecting strong performances in Raleigh from Naomi Van Nes (2016, 6-6, P), Elise Graham (2016, 5-7, G), Alexis Holmes (2018, 6-0, W) and Alexis Kline (2016, 5-7, PG).
“Naomi is an old school, back to the basket five player,” Nails said. “She is a skilled player who can score over either shoulder, and she is a good passer. Elise is a tough, gritty competitor who plays hard at both ends. She always guards the other team’s top guard, and Elise has the intangibles that you can’t measure.
“Alexis Holmes is very, very athletic and very, very aggressive. She is a hard worker who already has Division I offers. She is working to be more consistent from the perimeter, and I just think the sky is the limit for her. Alexis Kline is a cerebral player who is looking to play in the Ivy League. She is a true point guard who leads the team and really serves as a coach on the floor. She is just a very, very intelligent basketball player.”
“Van Nes can just dominate on the low block,” McCormick added. “She has good hands, she is active, and she finishes around the hoop. She is a developing player that people need to watch. Graham is a very good athlete with a blue collar mentality. She plays good defense, and she has a high motor. Holmes is a long athlete who can score inside and face up out to 15 feet. Kline is a true point guard. She can lead a team, and she has a high basketball IQ.”