The Mac Irvin Lady Fire program has been a part of the Deep South Classic for over a decade, and the Lady Fire name consistently works its way deep into the brackets. This year, Irvin will be bringing a talented roster and high expectations to the Deep South.
The 2015 Deep South Classic will be played in Raleigh, NC on April 24-26. The Deep South Classic annually features the nation’s top travel programs, and the event will once again have the entire tournament in one facility — the tremendous Raleigh Convention Center.
“There are a lot of reasons why we always go to the Deep South Classic,” Irvin explained. “You know you are going to get an opportunity to play against the top competition in the country, and the Deep South always draws coaches from most of the top colleges, so your players get great exposure.
“In the past, they played the games at UNC, NC State and Duke, which was a great experience for everyone. Now, it might be even better because they have it all in one building. It just makes everything easier, particularly if your organization has multiple teams.”
The Lady Fire will a talented, deep lineup this year, with highly-regarded Kiara Lewis (2016, 5-8, G), who is rated as the No. 16 prospect nationally in her class by the All Star Girls Report, leading the way.
“I think pretty much knows about Kiara by now, but we have a lot of good players,” Irvin said . “We have Daija Mosely (2016, 6-1, PF), who is a long athlete who blocks shots and runs the court like a guard. Cachet Johnson (2016, 5-9, G) is a very strong, athletic guard who is a tough defender. Cachet can get to the basket with the best of them, and she plays super hard.
“Gabby Cooper (2016, 5-9, G, No. 65) has great shooting range. She can shoot from 25 feet with no problem, and she has a scorer’s mentality. Paulina Castro (2016, 5-7, G) is one of the better shooters in the country, and she is very crafty with the ball. Finess Dickson (2017, 5-6, PG) is a player who is ready for a breakout year. She is a pure point guard and a very good defender. She can change a game with her on-ball defense.”
Bret McCormick, the analyst for the All Star Girls Report, also provided his perspective on the Lady Fire prospects.
“Lewis can flat out play,” McCormick said. “She is a highly intelligent player who is great in the open floor, and she has deep three range. Mosely is a tremendous athlete and a great leaper. She is a blue collar type player with a great upside. Johnson is a strong player who likes to attack the rim. She has a good mid-range game and a great motor.
“Cooper and Castro are athletic guards, and they are both excellent outside shooters. Dickson is a wiry, quick point guard who is dangerous in the open floor. She is a very good passer, and she just understands the game.”