Over the years, the Mac Irvin Fire program in Chicago has developed a system that annually produces tremendous results on the summer travel circuit. When the Fire tips off the 2016 campaign, Irvin is confident that his teams will once again be ready to compete at the highest level.
“We feel good about where we are right now. We’re still adding a few pieces to the puzzle, but we already have a lot of good players,” Irvin said.
In addition to building his rosters, Irvin is also composing the schedule, which will be highlighted by the All Star Girls Report Summer League events.
“We use the Chicago area tournaments early in the year. They have good competition, and that allows us to gauge where we are,” Irvin explained. “Then, we are looking for events with great competition, a lot of college coaches, and good set ups in nice facilities. We want our players to have a quality experience, and we want all of our teams to get good exposure.”
The Fire lineup will be highlighted this summer by Destiny Harden (2017, 5-11, G), Marlee Kyles (2017, 5-7, CG) and Finess Dickson (2017, 5-6, PG). Harden is currently listed as the No. 102 recruit in her class by ASGR, while Kyles is listed at No. 109.
“Destiny is a workhorse who plays with a tremendous motor,” Irvin said. “We call her the ‘Wild Thing,’ and that’s what the coaches like about her. She is very athletic, and that motor makes her special these days. She has a very good pull-up jumper, she rebounds very well, and she runs the floor.
“Marlee exploded on the scene last summer. She improved more than anyone in our program last year. The best way to describe her is that she is an old school guard with an all-around game. She can do it all. She can shoot the three, she is crafty getting to the basket, and she sees the floor very well.
“Finess has very good speed, and she is great in transition. She is a true point guard who is a real playmaker, and defensively she can change a game with her on-ball defense.”