Team 8
Coach: Colby Lewis
Game Film:
Team 7 vs Team 8
Team 6 vs Team 8
Team 5 vs Team 8
Team 4 vs Team 8
#6: 5’4 ’27 Sydney McGuire (Mallard Creek)
Starting things off, we look at a player who showcased the ability to effectively run a team, Sydney McGuire. She’s a smart, unselfish floor general with an understanding of how to produce from either guard position. Next in her development process is working to get stronger, as it would make her a better finisher around the basket. Coach Lewis on McGuire: “Sydney is a young lead guard who has a high IQ and understanding of the game. As the day progressed, she became more and more confident. Sydney possesses really good ball-handling abilities, as she was able to handle the pressure against bigger, stronger defenders. In addition to her ball-handling and playmaking ability, Sydney shoots the ball really well as she possesses really sound mechanics on her shooting form. She showcased the ability to knock down multiple shots from behind the arc, both off the catch and the bounce. Defensively, Sydney is a scrappy, quick on-ball defender. She understands positioning and does a good job of staying in front of opponents without fouling. The next phase in her development will be to get stronger as this will help her with finishing through contact at the end of drives.” McGuire stood out as a difference-maker during camp and will be a prospect to monitor for Mallard Creek going forward.
#9: 5’3 ’27 Kyilah Brown (South Mecklenburg)
Next, we look at a player who arguably stood out as the most rugged defender on this team, Kyilah Brown. She’s a tough, relentless guard prospect with sharp defensive instincts, useful skill, and the ability to consistently outwork opponents. Next in her development process is working on her consistency as a spot-up option, as it would make her a more complete player. Coach Lewis on Brown: “Kyilah stood out with her non-stop defensive pressure. Despite her size, she is extremely tough and active on the defensive end. Her motor is always on. She wreaks havoc with her on-ball defensive pressure, forcing steals and turning that into easy offense. On the offensive end, Kyilah is at her best when she is creating off the bounce. She is a skilled, crafty playmaker who creates paint touches with her speed and quickness. She excels making plays downhill and finishing at the end of drives. The next phase in her development will be to develop a more consistent perimeter shot. She is already tough to stay in front of, and if she improves in these areas, her game will take off even more.” Brown proved to be an asset at camp and should be a useful contributor for South Mecklenburg over the coming years.
#18: 5’5 ’25 Halisi Whitley (Grace Christian)
Moving onto a player who simply knows how to make her presence felt within the flow of the action, Halisi Whitley. She’s a smart, unselfish, well-rounded guard prospect with a smooth shooting stroke and the ability to make plays with or without the ball in her hands. Next in her development process is working to get stronger, as it would make her a better finisher through contact. Coach Lewis on Whitley: “One of the few upperclassmen on this team, Halisi made an impression with her coachability and understanding of the game. She is a well-rounded lefty guard with a high IQ and understanding of the game. She plays within the framework of the team. She is patient and wants the team to get the best shot. Halisi is at her best in catch and shoot situations. She is able to use her ability as a perimeter threat to set up her drives, where she looked to make the right read, whether it was finishing herself or finding the open teammate. She is a steady presence with the ball in her hands. Halisi can improve her speed and quickness, which will help her create more easily off the bounce and beat her opponents.” Whitley did a lot of things well at camp and should be poised for a productive upcoming season at Grace Christian.
#23: 5’6 ’24 Yari Desper (Shabach Christian)
Continuing onto a player who shined through her nonstop energy and effort, Yari Desper. She’s a scrappy, wiry guard prospect with a quick first step and the ability to make an impact with or without the ball in her hands. Desper is a useful penetrator and scoring option, but arguably makes the biggest impact as a defender at the point of attack. Next in her development process is working to get stronger, as it would make her even more difficult for opponents to contain. Coach Lewis on Desper: “Yari plays with an incredibly high motor. She competes on every single possession. Yari turns defense to offense with her aggressive on-ball defender. She makes it difficult for opponents to initiate the offense with her defensive pressure. Offensively, Yari is at her best when attacking downhill. The lefty guard utilizes her speed and quickness to create paint touches. The next phase in her development is to become a more consistent perimeter threat, which will help open up driving lanes.” Desper made her presence felt during camp and should be poised for a strong senior campaign at Shabach Christian.
#52: 5’9 ’28 Kassidy Tolliver (Mebane)
Next, we look at a player who made an excellent impact despite being one of the younger campers on display, Kassidy Tolliver. She’s a steady, adaptable wing prospect with an understanding of how to consistently fill in the gaps on both ends of the floor. Next in her development process is working to get stronger, as it will help prepare her for the high school game. Coach Lewis on Tolliver: “Tolliver was one of the youngest players in attendance. As the games started, it took her a little bit of time to get adjusted to playing with older girls. But as the day progressed, she became much more confident. One thing that really stood out to me was her coachability. She is a willing learner and tries to do everything that is asked of her. She is the ultimate team player. As a young forward prospect, she ran the floor well, rebounded her position, and was strong with the ball when she received post catches. The next step in her development is to become more assertive on the offensive end. She plays hard and plays the right way. There’s nothing wrong with looking to score more often, especially when those opportunities present themselves.” Tolliver enjoyed a quality showing, particularly for her age, and will be a prospect to watch closely going forward.
#57: 5’10 ’27 Amya Harrington (Terry Sanford)
Moving onto a player who stood out through her array of tools and ability to cause matchup problems, Amya Harrington. She’s a smart, skilled wing prospect who can toggle between positions defensively and do a little bit of everything on offense. Next in her development process is working on her ability to move without the ball, as it would make her a more lethal spot-up threat. Coach Lewis on Harrington: “Amya is a young freshman forward who has a lot of upside and potential with her size and skillset. She is a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions. She is able to utilize her length to anticipate the passing lanes, force steals, and turn defense to offense. Offensively, she is capable shooting off the catch. She has a solid handle for that size and is able to push the ball in the open court or attack in straight line drives from the perimeter. She can continue to improve the consistency of her motor because when she is playing hard, she is a tough matchup. If she plays like that all the time, then she will be that much better.” Harrington highlighted a lot of appealing qualities at camp and has all the tools to become a focal point for Terry Sanford over the coming years.
#58: 5’10 ’24 Kennedy Hilsenroth (Northwest Cabarrus)
Continuing onto a player who simply knows how to contribute to winning basketball, Kennedy Hilsenroth. She’s a strong, team-oriented forward prospect with a high motor and excellent nose for the ball. Hilsenroth naturally understands how to fill in the gaps, but can also finish, rebound, and score out of the post. She defends with consistent energy and effort. Next in her development process is working to get quicker, as it would make her a better defender in screen actions. Coach Lewis on Hilsenroth: “Kennedy was a consistent and reliable interior presence. She brought toughness and effort to every single possession. Kennedy was active on both ends on the glass. She has a knack for winning 50/50 balls and giving her team extra possessions. She possesses nice footwork and the ability to finish around the basket. As she continues to improve her perimeter shooting ability, this will help make her a more well-rounded forward prospect who could then score inside and out.” Hilsenroth found various ways to produce during camp and should be poised for a productive senior season at Northwest Cabarrus.
#61: 5’10 ’25 Jamyrah Cherry (Salisbury)
Finishing up, we look at a player who showcased a lot of ability and favorable tools, Jamyrah Cherry. She’s a smart, polished forward prospect with a nice blend of size, perimeter shooting, and defensive prowess. Next in her development process is working on her ability to move without the ball, as it would make her a more complete player. Coach Lewis on Cherry: “Jamyrah is a versatile, skilled wing/forward who has the ability to score inside and out. She has very good shooting mechanics and showcased her ability to space the floor off the catch. From there, she is able to face up and make plays off the bounce. She has a strong frame and is able to play through contact and finish at the end of drives. Jamyrah is a willing passer who knows how to play and makes solid decisions when the ball is in her hands. Defensively, she was able to guard multiple positions and is an active rebounder.” Cherry made a consistent impact during her time at camp and should be a major contributor for Salisbury over these next two years.