MIDWEST SPRING CLASSIC Day 1

Ypsilanti, MI: The LBI Midwest Spring Classic started with a bang last night as a number of high-powered teams took the stage.  Some of the best tournament match-ups were showcased this evening.  It could have been a prelude to what will take place in bracket play later this weekend; we will have to wait and see.  There was non-stop action in Friday’s games with much more on tap for Saturday. With more teams arriving and an expanded schedule, the best is yet to come.  Following is a recap of Friday’s top performers:

Prime Performers:

Alyza Winston- PG 2019 Michigan Crossover 16U EYBL    
Winston controlled the tempo for her team in a win over a tough CCE team.  She put her quickness on display for all to see.  Her ability to get by defenders at will opened the game up in the first half.  When she wasn’t getting to the basket with a multitude of crossovers and spin moves, she was dropping dimes to teammates for easy buckets. 

Rickea Jackson- SG 2019 Michigan Crossover 16U EYBL
Rickea showed her versatility at the guard spot last night.  Her ability to score inside and outside was too much to contend with for CCE.  She wore them down in the second half and led her team with 13 points. 

Sophia Dimilia – SG – 2018 Factory Basketball Elite
Dimilia knocked down two three pointers early in the first half to give her team a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.  She also played great around the basket by converting layups or getting to the line.  Her aggressive play on defense resulted in two key steals that led to easy baskets.  She got her offense going early and led her team with 12 points in a win over Hype Athletics.

Shania Jackson – PG  2019 Chicago X-Citement JOI 17U
Shania played a solid floor game in the first half of X-Citement’s matchup against Hype Athletics.  The game went back and forth until she decided to take over in the second half.  Jackson spearheaded a run that Hype couldn’t answer.  In the second half she scored the ball in various ways. Standing at only 5’4”, this little giant worked relentlessly to create opportunities for steals, to grabbing an offensive rebound in a crowd and converting the put back.  She seemed to score or assist on every basket in the second half when she was in the game.  She led her team in scoring in this game with 13 points.

 Quionche “Che” Carter – SF 2018 Hype Lady Hoopers
Che had a sensational game against the Chicago X-Citement Friday night leading all scorers with 21 points.  She scored in every way imaginable and also got her teammates involved.  Che played with a tireless energy that was evident to everyone in attendance.  She went all out on every possession, spending considerable time on the floor diving and battling for loose balls.  Whether rebounding, blocking shots, or converting difficult shots in traffic, Che was always giving it her all.

Whitney Sollom – SF 2020 Michigan Mystics Black
Sollom at 6’3 is long and uses her height to her advantage. She was a threat on the offensive end running the floor in transition and scoring on the fast break. She was aggressive on the defensive end blocking some shots and stopping her defenders on the block. She moves well with the ball and easily scores over smaller defenders. Sollom also stepped out of her comfort zone and hit a few jump shots.

Daz’Sha Day – PG  2018 West Michigan Drive
In a tough game against 1Nation Elite, Day absolutely did what she had to do for her West Michigan Drive squad. She scored the ball in various ways leaving the defense in a quandary. Day scored off the fast break, got to the basket off the dribble, and hit a few triples. Not only did she score the ball well, she also found her open teammates in transition while attacking the rim.

Janae Terry – SG  2019 1Nation Elite
Terry was very impressive! She was a definite scoring threat and was extremely active on the defensive end causing several turnovers. Her smooth handles got her by her defenders to pull up and shoot or get to the rim. Terry is most effective using her speed and quickness to get the ball up the floor quickly to shoot the three, or dish the ball off to teammates.

Del’Janae Williams - SG 2019 Michigan Crossover 16U EYBL
Williams played well in both contests last night hitting at least 8 triples.  Against 1Nation, her team trailed most of the contest, but hitting four triples and scoring the ball off put backs, Williams kept the Crossover in the game.  She battled underneath in the paint as if she was a post player, but only stands at 5’8”. Williams was strong and effective as she led her team to victory in a tightly contended game; Michigan Crossover won by three.

Camille Jackson – PG  2022 Illinois X-CITEMENT FUTURE STARS
Jackson was very solid throughout a close game against the Michigan Crossover. She controlled the tempo of the game by creating ways to get by her defender and score. She was very active on the defensive end playing the passing lanes well and getting deflections. Jackson flat out did whatever she wanted and it resulted in a win. She got the rim and finished “and ones,” found open teammates in transition, hit the open shot, and competed all game long.

Rakiyah Beal – G/SF 2021 Michigan Crossover
Beal literally got to the basket whenever she needed to get there. She never hesitated to attack the rim and create contact. She used her impressive athleticism to out jump everyone in the gym and snatch down any rebound. She was very active on both ends of the floor and never gave up on any play. She knocked down a few jump shots when left open, and was a tough defender. Despite her valiant efforts, her Michigan Crossover team came up short in a loss to X-CITEMENT FUTURE STARS.