SKA wins 2017 PTN 9th Grade Championship

PLANO, Texas – I figured SKA, Southern Krushers Academy, would make a run based on what I saw on opening day and they went on to win the 2017 Prime Time Nationals 9^th Grade Division defeating all but one opponent by double digits, the last game was 53-45 victory over a very talented Texarkana Tarheels squad and although I wasn’t there for the championship, I’m certain that it was something to see, this is one of those times when I wish I was “cloned” for real Destiney Jones and Alana Jones might be distant cousins, but even before I knew that I was impressed with their games. Destiney’s ability to get there and finish with contact plus her defense blew me away while Alana was one of five 8^th graders that truly caught my eye, not just with their age but their upside but Alana already knows how to create in traffic and knock down shots.

Marissa Tell will be on the Tip Sheet, I just don’t know what to say about her, well actually I do so stay tuned and I’ll TELL you later, but she, Dayvana Sanders, Shontellas Shine and McKayla Williams round out the talented 2021 group and all showed me something different in each game I saw them play. Sanders is a heady #sizedontmatter guard that knows how to run a team, Williams versatility on both ends coupled with her athleticism definitely was impressive while Shine definitely did her last name as she created problems in the paint on both ends and with her strength, if she has another growth spurt, she’s already 5’9, watch out, well out watch now. Ja’Neicia Kendrick and Kiara Frazier also brought some heat but this squad plays buzzer to buzzer no matter who’s on the court

Taylor Bell’s ability to go up, up and away caught my early. She rebounds on both ends, finishes strong and can handle the ball in traffic but that jumping ability just mesmerized me. Shuntorri Rogers continued the mesmerizing as she twists and turns while in the air hanging for baskets but that hang time, ability to handle the ball under pressure as well as that pull-up is still embedded in my head. Jordan Shelton brought some power, baseline to baseline defense and showed she could score, she also elevates nicely and when I mention #sizedontmatter guards bringing “it” Malayla Rougely and Jayla Jackson definitely applied #DYNOMITE pressure , had to use JJ’s initials. In all, solid team top to bottom that just keep coming at you