2014 PTN Final 4 Tip Sheet 10th grade
CARROLTON, Texas- This was truly a fight till the finish and although I’ve watched the Waco Lady Panthers numerous times not only this season but well since forever, even was surprised that they knocked off the Oklahoma Lady Fire and then the Oklahoma Lady Elite to win the 10th Grade Championship at Prime Time Nationals however in retrospect, I’m probably not surprised because when they’re on, they can simply come at you from a variety of positions and that is exactly how they did it. The Lady Fire defeated the GT Frogz to win third place but the Frogz put on a remarkable finish to make it to the F4 falling behind 10-0 in the quarterfinals to win by 7. Here are some players from Championship Sunday, more will be on other Tip Sheets so…….
2015
Taylor Hooks-5’6 guard (Oklahoma Lady Elite-John Marshall HS) –Hooks created several match-up problems and her propensity to just make plays was only overshadowed by her ability to find ways to generate offense. She also generated offense with key defensive plays
2016
Marie Benson-6’0 forward (Waco Lady Panthers-Midway HS)- I liked her so much as an 8th grader that I had to get her name because I just knew she was going to create some problems and that she has. Great body and can other punish with power or finesse, inside and outside
Kennede Walker-5’6 guard (Waco Lady Panthers-Midway HS)-Talk about bringing some energy to the table, Walker was all over the place on Sunday. Not only does she attack with authority, she’s on the floor after everything and she came up with numerous big buckets all day
Summer Jones-5’8 guard (Oklahoma Lady Elite-Edmond HS)-She had to shoot at almost 50% from BTA on Sunday and watching her catch and shoot it was something to see. She also drained them off the dribble but she could mix it up from mid and attacking
MyKayla Dumas-5’7 guard (Oklahoma Lady Fire-Webster HS)-All I wrote down was BEAST simply because almost everything she did is playing my head. She overpowers defenders going to the basket and she relishes contact. Also knocked down the mid with ease plus rebounded and defended
Raven Watkins-5’0 guard (Oklahoma Lady Fire-Cascia HallPrepatory HS)- What’s one of my sayings, size don’t matter and it certainly applied to Watkins. One of the fastest players in the event with the ball, Watkins blew by defenders with ease and she also finished. Hesitation and shake and bake moves plus drops the three effortlessly
Natalie Flexer (GT Frogz)-Flexer created well and did a good job getting to the rim and even better, finishing. She also showed she could shoot it from long range while being defended tightly
Chene Noel-5’9 guard (GT Frogz-Coppell HS)-Noel sang many tunes other than from Christmas and her athleticism was through the roof. She understands how to score multiple ways and applied it on the court but her blue collar work ethic was one of the reasons the Frogz made a run
2017
Barbara Benson-5’10 forward (Waco Lady Panthers-Midway HS)- Younger sister has made several jumps over the past two seasons and those hurdles she has leaped over have her showing BCS potential. She’s a super athlete that can play, body control that seems to suspend time plus she can defend and score outside, outside the gym too
Ana Lianusa-6’0 whatever (Oklahoma Dream Elite-Choctaw HS)- I said whatever because she played every position effectively. She’s long and athletic and has a shot at being a MDAA, no doubt about that. Maybe I should have started it off by saying she’s committed to Oklahoma, need I say more