The up and coming So Cal Magic program is enjoying a strong summer, and a talented group of young players give the Magic a very bright future. That youthful cast of stars will hope to take another step forward against top flight competition at the FILA Sixty-Four in Las Vegas.
The FILA Sixty-Four, which will include over 48 national teams, will be played at the Westin Lake Las Vegas from July 27-30. This is one part of a series of previews for the FILA Sixty-Four where we will highlight the outstanding programs who will be competing.
The Magic is led by two veteran 5-10 guards — Kandiss Barber and Jon’Nae Vermillion — from the Class of 2014.
“Kandiss is a very gritty player,” said Magic coach Mahlon Williams, who has helped put 21 players into the Division I ranks over the past four years. “Kandiss is a very serious player on the defensive end, and she can score in bunches, but what makes her special is that she is an elite competitor. That’s going to be the key to her success on the college level. Jon’Nae is a beast. She is strong like two grown men. She has played the three and the four spots, and she is learning how to be a two. She can already play defense anywhere on the court, and she is tough as nails.”
Those two guards are surrounded by an outstanding group of 2015 players. Brittany Thomas (6-2), Onjalise Hilliard (6-1), Kali Jones (6-2) and Kiara Ginwright (6-4) give the Magic a presence on the baseline, and Kristine Sellona is a promising point guard.
“They are all very talented players, but Brittany is the one who is getting the most interest,” Williams said. “She is a versatile player who can rebound and really run the floor.”
