The CT Attack Lightning program is known for aggressive, intelligent basketball with a direct approach.
“We have a skill-based program that stresses read-and-react offense,” said coach Ulysses Garcia. “Kids today don’t play much true pick-up basketball, so they don’t get that chance to play pure basketball. We just want to teach them the basic ideas and concepts, and we want them to play aggressively.
“The program also teaches the kids a lot about leadership, and we want them to be well-rounded. We try to help equip them for the real world and life after basketball.”
The Attack Lightning approach will be on display at the 2016 Greater Boston Memorial Day Classic, an outstanding new tournament in the New England region. The All Star Girls Report sponsored event will be played on May 28-29, with a talented, deep field expected to compete. Games will be played at Mass Premier Courts just outside Boston, MA.
A trio of talented juniors will lead the Attack Lightning this summer. That group includes Lauren Murphy (5-9, SG), Gyanna Russell (5-11, W) and Maggie Meehan (5-8, PG).
“Lauren is a left-handed shooter with deep range. She is just a natural two guard,” Garcia said. “Lauren is also a strong player who goes to the basket well. Gianna is a two or three player with a huge upside. She has a great mid-range game and she goes to the basket strong with either hand. Gianna has been working hard on her three-point shot, and it is improving.
“Maggie is a scoring point guard who is also a strong student. She is a very versatile scorer — her points come from all over. She can hit the three, she has a good floater and a nice spin move. Maggie also has a great basketball IQ, and she is a great decision maker with the ball.”
Garcia is also expecting big things from a number of younger players this year. Most notably, the Attack Lightning will be watching Emma Glezen (2019, 6-0, F), Caterina Fonseca (2018, 5-10, CG) and Hartlee Meier (2018, 5-10, SG).
“Emma is going to be special,” Garcia said. “She is a European type player with a long frame and long arms. She does everything well, and she is still growing into her body. The biggest thing with Emma is that she is a great defender. She makes as much impact on the defensive end as she does on the offensive end.
“Caterina is a great athlete who does just about everything well. She can play the one or the two, and her three-point shot is really coming. Hartlee can flat our shoot the basketball with deep range. Hartlee has a shooter’s mentality, and when she’s on, she is fun to watch. She is working hard on her mid-range game and her ball handling so she can become a more complete player.”