Hoop Dreams Athletics Set For Summer Basketball Playoff



The Hoop Dreams Athletics program is based in North Carolina, and the club is slated to play two major events in its home state. Their first adventure in the Tar Heel state was definitely a positive experience.

“The Deep South Classic is great every year, but I thought it was event better this year,” noted Coach Dorian Williams. “When they added in the All Star Girls Report Summer League concept, it just sent the event to a different level. We saw coaches from UConn, Duke and South Carolina. We had three teams there, and all three of them got great looks, and we got a lot of phone calls after the Deep South.”

Hoop Dreams Athletics will be back in action in their home state when they compete at the 2015 ASGR Summer Basketball Playoff in Charlotte, NC on July 27-30. The event, which will feature many of America’s top club programs, will be held at the Carolina Courts facility.

“We have learned a lot about this group. They’ve been fire tested, and we’re excited about July,” Williams said.
Williams had a talented crew at the Deep South Classic, and he has added an exciting piece to the puzzle for July. Dazia Powell is a 5-10 combo guard who recently joined Hoop Dreams Athletics. She is currently rated as the No. 93 recruit in the Class of 2017 by the All Star Girls Report.
“Dazia is very smart and very athletic,” Williams said. “She plays great defense, she shoots the ball very well, and I think she will bring an extra edge to our team. She is dedicated to the game, and she works very hard at getting better. She can do a lot of things, and when you add Dazia to the players we already have, we should be very, very good.”
A number of Hoop Dreams Athletics veterans are shining this summer, including Chyna Cotton (2016, 6-1, F) and Ona Udoh (2016, 6-4, C-F).
“Chyna’s stock really blew up at the Deep South Classic when people saw just how hard she competes,” Williams said. “She plays center for her high school team, and we are transitioning her to her natural position in college. She is working hard and improving.
“Ona also got a lot of attention after the Deep South. A lot of the college coaches didn’t realize that she could step out to 15 feet and be very effective. They knew she was very strong under the basket, and that she was a great leaper, but they are seeing something more now.”
Hoop Dreams Atheltics also has a group of younger prospects who are getting serious attention. That unit is led by Arielle Wilson (2017, 6-6, F), who is at No. 166 on the ASGR list for 2017, and rising star Mahogany Matthews (2018, 6-3, F).
“Arielle gets your attention because even with her size, she shoots the three well and really runs the floor hard,” Williams said. “Mahogany is another player who is very talented, but what makes the difference is how hard she plays the game.”