When the Cincinnati Angels met to discuss their 2017 travel schedule, the leaders of the program had to sort through a series of difficult questions. One issue, however, was never in doubt. The Angels would be at the Deep South Classic.
“They just do a great job, from top to bottom,” said Coach Dante Harlan. “You have the talent level, how they run the event, and the Convention Center is fantastic. We just loved playing there. It was our favorite event last year, by far, and it was the first event we put on our list for this year.”
The 2017 Deep South Classic will be held in Raleigh, NC from April 20-23. The tournament, 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.
The Angels will be led in Raleigh by a strong group of veteran players, but Harlan is also expecting important contributions from some younger athletes.
Mikala Morris is a 6-3 post player who is listed as the No. 419 prospect nationally in the Class of 2019 by the All Star Girls Report. Last summer, Morris was a key reserve for the Angels, and she will move into the starting lineup this year. Mikira Cook (5-6, PG, 2020, No. 142) and Mya Jackson (5-7, PG, 2019) both have scholarship offers, but Harlan said they “needed to prove themselves” with the Angels.
“Mikala is a true post player in every sense, which you don’t see too often any more,” the coach said. “She has a nice 12 to 17 foot shot, but she is a physical kid who is an old-school banger. I expected her to give us rebounding and defense off the bench last year, but she really surprised me with her ability to score.
“Mikira is more of a scoring point guard. She is just a wizard with the basketball, and she can score inside or outside. She is learning and improving when it comes to running a team from the point.
“Mya is more of a true point guard. She can definitely score, but she is more of a player who will set up her teammates. Mya is a very good defender and passer.”