The Pikeview Elite program was created in West Virginia just two years ago, and in a few months the club’s top team will take another step forward when they participate in the Deep South Classic.
“We just started the program last year, but we’ve been very happy with the number of girls who want to play with us,” said Coach Matt Orcutt. “When you play in West Virginia, you really need to travel in order to be seen by the college coaches. We have heard a lot of good things about the Deep South Classic in terms of the competition and amount of exposure the kids will have with college coaches.”
The 2014 Deep South Classic will be played in Raleigh, NC, on April 25-27. Now in its 17th year, the Deep South Classic annually hosts many of the nation’s elite travel teams in a field that will eclipse 200 squads, and hundreds of collegiate coaches will be on hand searching for talent. The 2014 event will mark the second year that the Deep South Classic has been held at the Raleigh Convention Center. The venue was a tremendous success in its debut last year, with all games played at one site on 18 courts, and it is in a convenient central location.
The Pikeview roster is mainly comprised of players from the Pikeview High team that is ranked among the top prep units in West Virginia. Pikeview Elite will have a balanced roster, but Madison May (2016, 6-0, F) will likely be the top collegiate prospect. Pikeview will also being counting on major contributions from the Hatfield sisters, Lauren (2015, 5-6, PG) and Lindsay (2015, 5-7, G), plus Courtney White (2015, 5-10, F).
“Madison is tall and lanky, but she is a physical player,” Orcutt said. “She is left-handed, and she is a great offensive player who likes to attack the basket. Lauren is the team leader. She controls the game for us, and she makes sure everyone is involved. She is just a great all-around point guard. Lindsay is a great defender and a great perimeter shooter, but the biggest thing with Lindsay is her competitiveness. She is the type of player who will run through a wall for her team. Courtney has good feet, a good inside game, and a good mid-range game. She also plays tough defense and she rebounds well.”
All Star Girls Report analyst Bret McCormick is anxious to see the Pikeview players compete against the top flight competition at the Deep South Classic.
“Madison May is a long lefty who can get the to hoop, and her game extends out to the arc,” McCormick said. “Lauren Hatfield is an athletic, intelligent point guard who knows how to runs the show. Lindsay is more of a blue collar player who plays hard on both ends and she can hit the three. Courtney White will compete on the inside, and she can step out to about 14 feet.”