Waves Prepping For Lake Las Vegas Event



The Waves program out of San Diego has a tradition of developing top-flight collegiate players, and this year is going to continue that tradition. The current Waves have a long list of DI prospects, and that list covers a range of classes.

“We feel very good about our teams this year,” said Coach Terri Bamford. “We have a number of talented young players who are playing up, and they got off to a good start this year at the Deep South Classic.”

The Waves next big challenge will come when they compete in the Lake Las Vegas Classic from July 10-12. The event, which will feature elite travel teams from across the country, will be played at the Westin Lake Las Vegas complex.

The Waves have four veteran performers who highlight their list from the Class of 2015. Bree Shepard (5-8, PG) is listed as the No. 194 recruit in the class by the All Star Girls Report, and ASGR has Coco Miller (5-9, G) at No. 306. The Waves also rely heavily on the long range shooting of Taylor Pierce (5-7, SG). The ASGR list for 2016 has Mai-loni Henson (6-0, WF) at No. 159.

“Bree is a super athlete who can get to the rim, and she has three-point range,” Bamford said. “Coco is first and foremost a competitor, and she knows how to score. Taylor is one of those kids who can just flat out shoot the basketball. Mai-loni is a versatile player with a long wingspan, and she could play all five positions for us.”

That trio is supplemented by 2017 standout Alaysia  Styles (6-2, WF, No. 24).

“Alaysia is a complete player,” Bamford said. “She is a long athlete with a great mid-range game, she can get to the rim, and she can hit the three. She is going to be special.”

Looking to the future, Bamford is also excited about Kiera Oakry (2018, 5-8, G), Bianca Notarainni (2018, 5-10, F), Kendal Ellenbeck (2018, 5-10, F), Bryce Nixon (2018, 5-9, PG) and Tehina Paopao (2019, 5-5, PG).

“Kiera is as athletic as they come. She can jump out of the gym, and she is a monster for us on our press,” Bamford said. “Bianca and Kendal are similar, multi-dimensional players. Bianca can shoot the three and she can post you up, while Kendal is a very athletic, very fast player. Bryce is an intelligent player with great shooting range, and she can get to the rim. She is coming back from an elbow injury, and I think she will get better and better this summer.

“Tehina is just a sixth grader, but she plays up on our 16U team. She is a point guard with an amazing understanding of the game. Even at this age, she just knows when to push it, when to pull back, where the ball needs to go — it’s amazing.”

All Star Girls Report analyst Bret McCormick also added his perspective on the Waves’ prospects:

Bree Shepard: “Shepard is a quick point guard who can score. She has a good mid-range game with a nice floater, and she can hit the three.”
Coco Miller: “Miller is a fundamentally sound athlete with all-around skills, and she always plays hard.”
Taylor Pierce: “Pierce is a combo guard with quickness and a good understanding of the game. She also has great shooting range.”
Alaysia  Styles: “Styles is a big time prospect, no doubt. She is athletic and skilled with an inside-outside game.”
Kiera Oakry: “Oakry is a very quick, strong combo guard with a nice shot.”
Bianca Notarainni: “She is a good athlete who is a smart two-three player. She can shoot the three or put the ball on the floor.”
Kendal Ellenbeck: “Ellenbeck is a good athlete with a solid all-around skill set, and she can shoot the three.”
Bryce Nixon: “Nixon is a good athlete who understands the game. She can run the show for you, and she can score the basketball.”
Tehina Paopao: “Paopao has a high basketball IQ. She knows the game, she is a great passer, and she can shoot the three.”