Strong veteran leadership has helped the Massachusetts Rivals program break out to a fast start in 2015, and all the signs point toward successful July.
“We’re pretty excited with the way that we’ve been playing,” Coach Scott Hazelton said. “We’re looking strong heading into July. The kids are working hard, the coaches are working hard, and I think we’ll be ready to prove that we have strong basketball in New England.”
The Rivals program will be looking to make such a statement at the 2015 Nashville Tournament of Champions. The Nashville event is being organized by the staff from the All Star Girls Report, and it will be held July 10-13. A national level field will be competing in the HoopTown venue.
The veteran leaders of Massachusetts Rivals include Albany commitment Lexi Schecter (2016, 6-3, F), Julia Forde (2016, 5-10, CG), Olivia Orlando (2017, 5-11, G) and Erin Antosh (2017, 6-3, F).
“Lexi can play inside or outside, and she is a great leader. She is out anchor,” Hazelton said. “She can step out to the three-point line, and she is also very comfortable with her back to the basket. That’s a rare combination.
“Julia runs the team on the court. She is a coach’s dream. She is very smooth, and she can really, really shoot the ball. She has made herself into a very good player. Olivia could play any position on either end of the court. She is a jack of all trades who can do so many things on the court. She is the engine that keeps us going.
“Erin is a fast forward with good size. She can shoot the three and she can score underneath. She has a great motor, and she is a shot blocker. Erin has gotten a lot of attention since the Deep South Classic, and I think she is going to take a huge step forward in July.”