Over the years, the South Carolina 76ers have come to expect success. That expectation comes from the consistency that is the program’s hallmark.
“From one year to the next, we usually keep 75 to 80 percent of our players. They generally come up through our system,” explained Coach Roger Wiley. “If you watch our teams, we run the same basic sets. We also have very good coaches at every level, and they have an opportunity to add their own twists.
“The continuity that comes from that consistency is a big advantage for us. Every year, the girls are familiar with us, and we are familiar with the girls.”
The 76ers will face this ultimate test again this year when they return to the elite All Star Girls Report Summer League.
“The biggest thing about the Summer League is the excellent competition that you consistently face,” Wiley said. “It’s a great experience because you are going against the cream of the crop. There are so many good teams, and so many good players.”
The 76ers will have their share of outstanding players in 2016. A pair of superb prospects from the Class of 2017 — Zaria Wright (5-8, G) and Jaelynn Murray (6-2, F) — will lead the way. Wright is listed at No. 195 on the ASGR national rankings for 2017, and Murray is at No. 201.
“Zaria is a combo guard who played the point for us last year,” Wiley said. “She is an excellent shooter who can just fill it up. She can do a lot of things well on the offensive end.
“Jaelynn has been in our organization for five or six years, and she has always played up. It is going to be exciting to see what she does now that she is finally playing against girls her age. She has a great inside-outside game. She has length, good ball handling skills, vision, and the ability to score.”
In addition to a strong veteran cast, the 76ers also have a talented group of younger players, including Danae McNeal (2019, 5-10, G, No. 91), Loyal McQueen (2020, 5-6, PG, No. 10) and Taylor Lewis (2019, 5-10, CG, No. 56).
“Danae has excellent offensive ability. She is a great ball handler and passer, and she is a great shooter,” Wiley said. “Defensively, Danae can guard anyone with her quickness.
“Loyal is a consummate point guard who is also an excellent three-point shooter. Taylor has a long wing span for her height, and she is a very good rebounder. She is a very versatile player with a great mid-range game, and she is working hard to expand her game beyond the three-point line.”