For some programs, losing quality players to graduation (and Division I scholarships) proves to be a setback the following year. For the Westchester Hoopers in New York, losing a pair of athletes to the Division I ranks was simply a vindication that the program is headed in the right direction.
“We lost some outstanding players, but I think we will actually be better this summer because our overall program is improving,” noted Coach Bryan Williams. “We are very fortunate that we have a strong feeder program. I’m very excited about playing in the Deep South Classic this year because I want the Southern schools to see these kids play.”
The Hoopers will be showcased at the 2014 Deep South Classic, which will be played in on April 25-27. Now in its 17th year, the Deep South Classic annually hosts many of the nation’s elite travel teams in a field that will eclipse 200 squads, and hundreds of collegiate coaches will be on hand searching for talent. The 2014 event will mark the second year that the Deep South Classic has been held at the Raleigh Convention Center. The venue was a tremendous success in its debut last year, with all games played at one site on 18 courts, and it is in a convenient central location.
Four teams will be coming from Westchester to Raleigh, and each unit will have its share of talented prospects. Williams gave us his perspective on some of the program’s top talent, and we have also included the perspective of All Star Girls Report analyst Bret McCormick.
17U Team
Kristalyn Baisden (2015, 5-9, CG)
Williams: “She is a St. Joe’s commitment who runs the floor and really plays defense. She can handle the ball and hit the three, but the biggest thing is that she plays hard all the time.”
McCormick: “Baisden has good quickness and skills. She handles the ball well and can hit the three.”
Asjha White-Silas (2015, 5-11, G-F)
Williams: “Asjha is a long, lanky wing who shoots the three, and she has a jumper she can shoot over the bigs. She runs well, and she knows how to finish.”
McCormick: “She is an athletic two-three type player. She has three-point range, and she can score with her mid-range game.”
Ashley Martin (2016, 5-11, W)
Williams: “Ashley is really a bookend when you pair her with Asjha. They both have great attitudes. Ashley runs hard, shoots the three, and handles the ball. Her biggest asset is that she can defend a big or a smaller player on the perimeter.”
McCormick: “Martin is an athletic wing who can put it on the deck or shoot the three. She is also a good all-around defender with a blue collar attitude.”
Kayla Correa (2016, 5-7, PG)
Williams: “Kayla fits the stereotype of a tough, scrappy New York point guard. She handles it well and sees the court, and she knows how to control the game. Kayla also has a nice pull-up jumper.”
McCormick: “Correa is a competitive, intelligent point guard. She can set the table for her teammates, and she has a good pull-up jumper.”
16U Team
Teisha Hyman (2019, 5-9, PG)
Williams: “Teisha has been rated among the Top 40 seventh graders in the country. We are playing her up, and that won’t be a problem. She is a big time player with long arms, three-point arm, and the ability to handle the ball well with either hand.”
McCormick: “Hyman is a young player to watch. She has long arms and a good all-around game, and she can shoot the three.”
Lanay Rodney (2016, 5-9, CG)
Williams: “Lanay can flat out score. She can shoot it, and she can attack the basket. I’m excited to see her paired up with Teisha in the backcourt.”
McCormick: “Rodney has good athleticism, and she is a combo guard with a scorer’s mentality. She can score in a lot of different ways.”
14U Team
Amina Dixon (2017, 6-0, P)
Williams: “Amina is just a bull for us in the paint. She can rebound and she is very good at blocking shots.”
McCormick: “Dixon has size and athleticism, and she is willing to bang in the paint and compete.”
Lesandra Turner (2018, 5-7, PG)
Williams: “Lesandra is a good point guard with good quickness. She knows how to run the team, and she can shoot the three.”
McCormick: “Turner is a heady point guard. She can direct the offense and involve her teammates, and she can hit the three if you leave her open.”
Kristen Teklits (2017, 5-10, SG)
Williams: “Kristen is a shooter. If we can get her an open shot, she will knock it down.”
McCormick: “Teklits has size and athleticism, and she knows the game. She also has deep three range and a nice stroke.”
Nyjha Correa (2018, 5-6, PG)
Williams: “Nyjha will remind you of Ivory Latta. She can go!”
McCormick: “Correa is a very quick guard who can attack the basket. She is a young player with a lot of potential.”
