DSC Entrant West Virginia Thunder Has Commitments, Prospects



Four members of the West Virginia Thunder have already verbally committed to Division I teams, but recruiters should still take the time to check out the Thunder.

“We have four that have committed, and I really think we have four or five more players who are Division I prospects,” said Coach Chris Staten. “We have four other players who have gotten Division I offers, so we have a lot of talent.”

That talent will be on display at the 2014 Deep South Classic, which will be played in on April 25-27 in Raleigh, NC. Now in its 17th year, the Deep South Classic annually hosts many of the nation’s elite travel teams in a field that will eclipse 200 squads, and hundreds of collegiate coaches will be on hand searching for talent. The 2014 event will mark the second year that the Deep South Classic has been held at the Raleigh Convention Center. The venue was a tremendous success in its debut last year, with all games played at one site on 18 courts, and it is in a convenient central location.

Quality depth will be the key for the Thunder this spring. However, four players who may get the most attention will likely be Shayna Gore (2015, 5-9, CG), Madison Morris (2015, 6-0, F), Kristen Mayo (2017, 5-5, PG) and Naomi Grandison (2015, 6-1, F).

“Both Shayna and Madison are committed to Marshall,” noted Staten. “Shayna is a combo guard who can handle it, and she can score the ball. Madison is the best practice player we’ve had because she always goes full speed. She has a great mid-range game, and an improving three-point shot.

“Kristen is very quick and hard-nosed, and she isn’t built like a freshman. She is a facilitator who can hit the open shot, and she is a very good defender out front. Naomi’s father (Ronnie) played for the Celtics and the Heat, and we’re very excited about having her on the team. She has great fundamentals, and she grew about four inches in the last year.”

Bret McCormick, the analyst for the All Star Girls Report, gave his perspective on the West Virginia Thunder standouts:
Shayna Gore: “We have Gore listed at No. 327 in her class. She is a quick, strong player with very good skills, and she can score in a lot of different ways, including the three-pointer.”
Madison Morris: “Morris is a long athlete who is a blue collar type of player. She can post you up, and she can put the ball on the floor.”
Kristen Mayo: “Mayo has good quickness, strength and skills. She is an intelligent player who just has a good understanding of the game.”
Naomi Grandison: “Grandison is a big, athletic wing who handles the ball well. She can score in the mid-range, or from beyond the arc.”