The Hudson Valley Elite program has participated in past All Star Girls Report events, but the Elite will be making it’s first appearance at the Deep South Classic this summer.
“We’ve always wanted to play at the Deep South, but we’ve never had the opportunity in the past,” noted Elite founder and president John Reilly. “I’ve talked to a number of coaches who have played in the event, and they have nothing but good things to say. Plus, we’ve played in other All Star Girls Report tournament, and I know they do a great job.
“Having a second viewing period opened some things up this year, and we’ve finally been able to make it work.”
The 19th Deep South Classic will be played from April 21-24 in Raleigh, N.C., and it will once again be held at the magnificent Raleigh Convention Center. The entire event will be played under one roof, with action flowing on 20 courts.
Leading the way for Hudson Valley this summer will be Kate Cain, a 6-5 post player who is currently listed as the No. 197 recruit in the Class of 2017 by the All Star Girls Report.
“Kate is a good back-to-the-basket post player, but she can also step all the way out to the three-point line,” Reilly said. “She has a good basketball pedigree — both her parents played college basketball. She runs the floor very well, she has good shooting range and a nice shooting touch. Kate made over 80 percent of her free throws for us last year.”
Hudson Valley is also expecting a big summer from Mackenzie Press (2017, 5-8, PG), Elana Pulanco (2018, 5-3, PG), Maddie Plank (2019, 5-9, G), Hailey Reynolds (2017, 5-11, W) and Maddie Siegrist (2017, 6-0, W).
“Mackenzie is a left-handed point guard who is a good facilitator and an on-court coach for us,” Reilly said. “She is a point guard who makes her teammates better, and if you leave her open she will knock down the shot.
“Elana is dynamic and quick. She is the ultimate point guard. She is a great athlete who knows how to attack and create open look for her teammates. Maddie Plank is coming off a shoulder injury, but she looks good. She is more of a scoring point guard.
“Hailey is a very athletic wing who can drive to the basket and hit the three. Maddie Siegrist is a very good rebounder and a knock down shooter with three-point range.”