The Memphis Elite program is traditionally one of the finest clubs in the Southeast. The organization also has a tradition of competing each year at the Deep South Classic.
The 2017 Deep South Classic will be held in Raleigh, NC from April 20-23. The event, which will feature some of the finest travel teams in the nation, will be played at the Raleigh Convention Center. There will be 20 courts in the building, keeping the entire event under one roof in downtown Raleigh.
“We have gone to the Deep South the past 11 years, and it has always been a great experience,” said Coach Eric Daniels. “You have great competition, and everything is well organized and well run. Plus, it helps that everything is done in one building, and you have college coaches everywhere.”
Those coaches will be paying close attention to the Memphis Elite prospects, including standouts such as Gabby Crawford (6-2, PF, 2018), Jamirah Shutes (5-9, CG, 2018), Kayla Freeman (5-9, G, 2018) and Lauren Gross (5-8, 2G, 2018). The All Star Girls Report national rankings for the Class of 2018 currently have Crawford at No. 141 and Shutes at No. 223.
“Gabby has a tremendous motor, and she just has a knack for being around the ball all the time,” Daniels said. “She has nice back to the basket moves, and she can finish with either hand. Gabby also has a strong mid-range game and she can shoot the three.
“Jamirah is a powerful guard who gets to the rack. She is a skilled ball handler, and she has the strength to finish against contact. Kayla is an athletic slasher who is also a relentless defender. Lauren is one of those shooters who is open when she is still in the parking lot. She also has tremendous court vision and a high basketball IQ.”