The 2015 travel season didn’t start on the best note for the Memphis Elite program, but the club from the Music City is beginning to play a different tune heading into July.
“We got off to a little bit of a rocky start, which is really uncharacteristic for us, but we seem to have gotten things situated now,” said Coach Eric Daniels. “I think we’re ready to roll now, and we’re excited to see what this group can do in July.”
Memphis Elite will be looking to take a step in the right direction at the Suwanee Tournament of Champions. The event, which will showcase top flight teams from around the country, will be played at the expansive Suwanee Sports Academy outside of Atlanta from July 5-8.
Memphis Elite will be paced this summer by a pair of talented post players from the Class of 2016 — 6-2 Manaya Jones and 6-4 LaTrese Saine.
“Manaya is a traditional, back-to-the-basket type post player,” Daniels said. “She can finish strong, and she has a special physicality. She has a nice drop step, she can finish with either hand, and she can step out to 15 feet. LaTrese is a very athletic post. She is the type of player who can block a shot at one end, and then beat you down the court for a layup at the other end. She also has a nice shot out to 15 feet.”
Memphis Elite also has a cast of exciting young prospects, including Alayjah Sherer (2017, 5-11, G), Jamirah Shutes (2018, 5-9, PG) and Gabriella Crawford (2018, 6-2, PF).
“Alayjah is a strong, aggressive penetrator,” Daniels said. “She can handle it, shoot the three, rebound the ball, and defend the one through three positions. Jamirah can do a little bit of everything. She is a great scorer and finisher, but she is also a great distributor. She is a point guard who can do whatever the team needs. Gabriella is a high motor, intense player. She has a knack for finding the basketball, and a knack for scoring. She can shoot it out to 18 feet.”