An inexperienced roster led to a choppy spring for Team Ohio, but the program expects to take a huge step forward when the July events begin.
“The first part of the year was educational. Most of the players we have are new, and they haven’t competed at this level,” explained Coach Tuck Connor. “But now they’ve seen how the best teams perform, and they are working hard and improving. A lot of them are learning new skills, and they are all learning how to react under stress.”
Team Ohio will look to put that education to work at the Suwanee Tournament of Champions. The event, which will showcase top flight teams from around the country, will be played at the expansive Suwanee Sports Academy outside of Atlanta from July 5-8.
One strong point for Team Ohio will be depth, especially in the Class of 2016. That group is highlighted by returnees Brooke Kuruce (2016, 5-9, PG), Sara Loomis (2016, 6-1, WF) and Katrina Scheuvront (2016, 6-4, P).
“Brooke plays the post in high school and the point guard for us,” Connor said. “It’s difficult to describe exactly how hard Brooke plays the game. She gives us everything she has every game, and a lot of the college coaches have picked up on that. She is doing a good job running the offense for us, and she can score too. She can attack the basket, and she will hit the three-point shot.
“Sara spent most of her time in the post, and she is developing her game facing the basket. Her main thing is her mid-range game, but the three-point shot is coming. She is very fast, she plays good defense, and she is learning and improving new skills.
“Katrina just came out of nowhere and started getting a lot of interest after the Deep South Classic. She is fast, and she can grab the rim. She is working hard with trainers, and she is really improving. Katrina can finish up by the rim, and she has a nice release on her shot.”
Those veterans have been joined by a trio of impressive Team Ohio newcomers — Emma Stille (2016, 6-1, F), Leia Moore (2016, 5-11, F) and Sydney Holden (2016, 6-0, PF).
“Emma is a dynamite wing player who can do a lot of things for her team. She scores, rebounds and passes well,” Connor said. “Leia is a sleeper. She could be a stretch four or a three. She is really working hard on her speed and skills, and her shooting has improved.
“Sydney has a knack for the game, which isn’t surprising since she comes from a basketball family (her father, Rodney Holden, was a collegiate star at Marshall). She has a great court sense, and she does all the little things right.”