COLORADO SPRINGS, Co. – Of the thirty athletes participating in the 2016 USA Basketball Women’s U18 National Team Trials, 10 are from the 2017 class. During the the first trial sessions several of the top-ranked rising seniors quickly found their comfort level, while others struggled with the coaching instruction, speed and physicality. Lisa Bodine and Prentice Beverly take a look at some of today’s notable performances.
Lisa Bodine
Chennedy Carter – 2017 – 5-9 – Guard – Mansfield, Texas
From the beginning of the first session’s 3×3 scrimmages Carter looked to establish herself as one of the top players in the gym. Her physical strength and ability to attack the basket from any angle allowed to score at will. Carter showcased her ability to play either guard position during the full court scrimmage in the later session. She made good decisions with the ball and keep her teammates involved in the offensive flow, while still finding ways to create her own scoring opportunities. On the defensive side she had no problem staying in front and challenge any player regardless of their size or position.
Evina Westbrook – 2017 – 6-0 – Guard – Salem, Oregon
Confidence is key for any player looking to make a USA Basketball team and Westbrook has a ton of it. She started off by burying a deep 3-pointer from the wing, followed by an explosive finger roll drive to rim. Westbrook remained involved and energetic on both ends of the floor, even has the altitude started to kick in and others began to fade. Her ability to space the floor and score from the perimeter are the type of skills needed to be successful in international competition.
Anastasia Hayes – 2017 – 5-7 – Guard – Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Hayes seemed more comfortable in the role of facilitator early on, with most of her passes being around the perimeter. In the full court scrimmages she did become more aggressive, taking her defender off the dribble and getting into the seams of the defense, where she is at her best. With the level of talent at the point guard position, Hayes will have to find away to separate herself from the pack.
Prentice Beverly
Megan Walker – 6-1 – Guard Chesterfield, VA
Walker reminded everyone taking in the USAB U18 Trials why she is considered the number one player in the country regardless of class. Walker was lighting it up from every angle imaginable. She was consistently elevating and stroking the midrange jumper. When Walking wasn’t knocking down her smooth jump shots, she was attacking off the bounce and finishing at the rack. Defensively, Walker was locking down her opponent causing havoc. It’s going to be hard keeping the nations top player off the USAB U18 roster.
Sidney Cooks – Forward – 6-4 – Kenosha, WI
Like they always say you can’t teach size and in a player like Cooks, she has the size, length and effort to get the job done. Cooks did a good job running the floor and finishing off the break. She was a strong low post presence at both ends of the floor. Cooks did an excellent job rebounding the ball at its highest point and finished well in the paint.
Dana Evans – 5-6 – Point Guard – Gary,IN
Evans is small but she sure is mighty. She used her speed and quickness to create for herself or her teammates. Evans stroked several deep NBA three points. She attacked the paint and dropped several dimes to slashing posts. Evans did a tremendous job on defense. She will have to continue playing well to have a chance at making the USAB squad.
Chasity Patterson – 5-5 – Point Guard – Houston, TX
We always enjoy watching good guard play and Patterson never disappoints. She played well in both USAB U18 Trials sessions. Patterson did a good job running the offense and attacking the paint looking to create for her teammates. She also showed the ability to shoot the midrange jumper but her range extends out beyond the arc. Defensively, Patterson played solid on ball and help side defense. The point guard position is loaded for the U18s so roster spots will be limited but only time will tell.
