NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.– While the annual Swoosh Family Reunion each July is a much smaller get together than some of the other major tournaments, few of the bigger summer blowouts can even remotely lay claim to the sheer level of talent that takes part in Nike’s crown jewel event for girls. This year’s bragging rights went home to Texas with the folks from Cy-Fair as they edged newcomer Cal Stars in the championship match up. The Philadelphia Belles claimed the Junior Division and their first Nike Nationals title with a solid win over the Cal Sparks who, like the Stars, were making their first appearance in North Augusta.
Lots of stories always come out of Nike Nationals. This year it could be Jordin Canada’s first appearance in the event being limited as a result of a knee injury. It could also be the impressive performance of Katie Lou Samuelson in carrying a depleted Swish roster on her back. More impressive still might be the run of Sean Costello and the Philadelphia Belles older group making it to the Silver Division semifinals (3rd and 4th place pool finishers) with just six players. Check out our initial coverage of the Cy-Fair and Belles title game performances as well as profiles on a few of the players from all four final round participants at the links below.
http://www.bluestarmedia.org/index.php/component/k2/item/534-cy-fair-tops-cal-stars-for-nike-gold
http://www.bluestarmedia.org/index.php/component/k2/item/533-belles-grab-nike-junior-title
With so many talented prospects on hand we thought we would share some of the images we captured during out four days in the Riverview Park Activities Center. With one exception they’re posted in alphabetical order and nobody should attempt to read into who was or was not included as an indication of the regard in which we hold their play. Additionally, all are from the older age group. Obviously, many of them are high profile recruits in their respective classes and have well established reputations already. However a few stepped up last week and had some moments in their final event of the NCAA summer evaluation period.
