After dealing with a number of different events in previous years, Kentucky Top Prospects leader John Washington took a new approach when he built his 2015 schedule.
“We just decided to play in as many All Star Girls Report events as possible because we just love the way they run events,” Washington said. “They always have great competition, which we love, and they have the coaches at their events. Plus, they just treat everyone fairly. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
One of the events on the Kentucky Top Prospects schedule is the Nashville Tournament of Championships, which will be played at the Hoop Town facility on July 10-13. The Nashville TOC annually attracts a field loaded with top flight competition,
One team to watch closely in Nashville will be the 15U team for Top Prospects.
“We really think that is going to be a special, special group,” Washington said. “These are young kids, but most of them are playing with their high school varsity teams right now. This is a team that people need to see.”
The key to the team will be its depth, with a strong 10-player roster. Leading the way for the squad will be Kiya Thompson (2019, 5-8, PG), Destyne Jackson (2019, 5-8, G), Oreonia Woods (2018, 5-10, W), Zakiyia Holt (2018, 6-0, F) and Olivia Hogan (2018, 5-9, W).
“Kiya has an amazing basketball IQ,” Washington said. “She is a big, strong guard. She is going to be a special player if she keeps working, and I know that she will. Destyne is an aggressive player who can really run. She is very quick, and she can change speeds at the drop of a hat.
“Oreonia is a scorer who can really slash to the basket. She is still growing, and she is working on her jump shot, but she is a good, aggressive player. Zakiyia is a three-four player with an inside-outside game. Olivia is an athlete who can do it all. She has a nice jump shot, and she plays great defense.”
Bret McCormick, the analyst for the All Star Girls Report, added his perspective on the rising stars at Top Prospects.
“Thompson is an athlete with size, and she is a player to watch. She has a very good feel for the game for her age,” he said. “Jackson is very athletic, and she excels in the open floor and when she is attacking the basket. Woods is an athletic wing with a slashing type of game. Holt and Hogan are promising young players to watch.”