The Rivals travel program in Massachusetts has been growing stronger in recent years, and all indications are that the trend will continue in 2016.
“We have a ton of really good players returning this year. We will be loaded, all across the board. I think we’ll be as talented as we have ever been,” said Coach Scott Hazelton. “We always had good players, but this year we have some really, really good young kids. That’s why we’re so excited about the future.”
The talented youngsters will get their first major test in 2016 at the Greater Boston Memorial Day Classic, an outstanding new event in Rivals’ backyard. The All Star Girls Report sponsored event will be played on May 28-29, with over 200 teams expected to compete. Games will be played at two outstanding facilities that are within two miles of each other just outside of Boston. The MA Premiere Courts and the M Plex will provide a total of 13 courts.
Rivals will be paced in Boston by Janay Crooms (2018, 5-10, CG), who is currently rated as the No. 27 prospect in her class nationally by ASGR.
“Janay really had her coming out party at the Deep South Classic last year,” Hazelton said. “That was the springboard for her last year, and now we’re excited to see what she can do this summer. She is try athletic with a strong body.
“Janay can really do everything on the court. If she continue’s to work hard, the sky is the limit. Janay could be a very, very special player.”
Crooms will be supported by Abby Streeter (2017, 5-11, WF, No. 318), Nicolette Arnold (2019, 5-10, PG) and Olivia Orlando (2017, 5-11, WF, No. 325).
“Abby can really shoot the basketball, she has a high basketball IQ, and she has a high motor,” Hazelton said. “Like Janay, she blew up at the Deep South Classic last year. That’s the event that put her on the map. Abby is a gym rat who just keeps getting better and better.
“Nicolette has a knack for the game and a nose for the basketball, and she is already getting offers. This spring will be a big one for her in terms of getting her name out there nationally.
“Liv was one of our best players last year. She is a Jack of All Trades type who could play one through five for us. She just fills up the box score in every category.”