After taking a break from girls basketball for a few years, Team Breakdown in Miami is back, and the program is back in a big way.
“We feel good about the players we have lined up for the spring,” noted Coach Pat Gajardo. “We felt like some of the local kids were getting left out, and we wanted to give them an opportunity. That’s what our program is all about — we want to give these kids a platform that will give them an opportunity to reach the next level.”
Team Breakdown will be on an important platform this spring at the 2015 Deep South Classic, which will be played in Raleigh, NC on April 24-26. The Deep South Classic, which annually features the nation’s top travel programs, will once again have the entire tournament in one facility — the tremendous Raleigh Convention Center.
The program leaders in Raleigh will be Ashley Saintigene (2016, 6-1, F) and Nailah Delinois (2016, 5-10, WF).
“Ashley is a hybrid four who can play inside or step out and face up,” Gajardo said. “She has a nice shot out to 16 feet. Defensively, she contests shots, rebounds and runs the floor. Nailah is a knock down shooter out to 22 feet. She can create shots for herself, or for her teammates. She plays the three for us, but I think she will be a two in college.”
Bret McCormick, the analyst for the All Star Girls Report, also gave his perspective on the two prospects.
“Saintigene is a very athletic lefty who is strong. She can score inside, rebound, and then step out to 16 feet,” McCormick said. “Delinois is another strong athlete. She is good in the open floor and she really defends well.”
Team Breakdown will also feature a number of exciting young players, including Cabria Lee (2017, 5-8, CG, ranked No. 52 on ASGR’s national rankings), Kathleen Williams (2017, 6-6, C, No. 148) and Brianna Battle (2018, 5-6, PG).
“Cabria is transitioning into a point guard, which is where I think she will play in college,” Gajardo said. “She has to have the quickest first step in Florida. There aren’t too many people in the country who can stay with her. Her mid-range game is very good, and she is working hard on her three-point shooting.
“Kathleen is still developing, but she made great strides last year. We think she is going to be a high major player. She moves well, she has great hand-eye coordination, and she has a soft touch with either hand inside.
“Brianna is probably our most promising young player. Right now she is averaging over 20 points per game in high school. She is a fantastic shooter who can easily shoot it from 25 feet. She is a high IQ player, and she is very tough on the defensive end.”
“Lee is a very quick combo guard. She is an aggressive player who attacks and finishes in traffic, and she has a nice three-point shot,” added McCormick. “Williams is an athletic low post. She finishes around the basket and runs the floor well. Her game is evolving, and she has a great upside.
“Battle is an athlete who understands the game. She has NBA three-point range, and a good all-around game. She is someone who should be on your radar.”