When Lawrence Jackson started the Lady Reign program in Chicago three years ago, he knew there would be a waiting period before his new club could step onto the biggest stages. This summer, Lady Reign will be ready.
“When we first started, we were built around a group of really strong girls from the sixth and seventh grade. Those girls have reached the high school ranks now,” Jackson explained. “We’ve been watching the other teams from the Chicago area have success nationally, and we feel like we’ve grown enough that we can fit into that mix.
“Those girls have been gaining experience and developing chemistry, and it’s time for big girl basketball. We’ve done well at some of the national events like the Deep South Classic, so I think they understand the atmosphere and they realize what this is all about. They are excited because they know that if you want to keep getting better, you need to play against the best.”
The Lady Reign will get that opportunity this summer when they join the elite All Star Girls Report Summer League. Jackson’s program will be highlighted by a extremely talented group of players from the Class of 2018, including Caitlyn Martin (5-11, F), Kacey Gardner (5-8, SG), Cecilia Mosely (5-1, PG) and Tionne Colyer (5-9, CG).
“Caitlyn is a double-double player who is a fierce rebounder,” Jackson said. “She gives you everything she’s got, every time out. Caitlyn seems to at least get a hand on every single rebound. She is definitely a Division I athlete, and she is working hard on stretching her game out to the wing. I’m excited to see what she can do this summer.
“Kacey is a very tough two guard. Physcially, she has everything you are looking for at that position. She is a very tough competitor and a very tough defender. Kacey can get to the rack, and she has a nice mid-range jump shot.
“Cecilia is a heady, tough point guard who has been very, very important to our success. She is an intelligent competitor, and she acts as our coach on the floor.
“Tionne is quiet, but deadly. She doesn’t say a lot, but she is a scorer, inside or outside. She is very good at slashing to the basket, she is a good passer, and she rebounds well.”