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LBI Reynolds Wrap Up: 2018 USA Trials In Colorado Springs Part 1

By Steve Reynolds @LBI_Steve, 05/27/18, 4:30PM EDT

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Trials Sessions Field of 45, Day 4 “First 5 In and Why”

Colorado Springs, CO: I do not envy the task the USA Basketball U17 Trials committee has of eventually getting 12 out of this group.  There’s so much talent and tenacity flying up, and down the court it’s ridiculous.  Here are my “First 5 In” only based on what I’ve seen through today’s morning session which has insurmountable limitations because while I wish I had more eyes, I just have two.

2019 Haley Jones 6’1” F CA - The Glove (Defense)
I would choose Haley because she can guard multiple positions effectively because how her drive, frame, and length.  She gives taller, bigger 4s fits, and she has the footwork and range to hassle quicker, smaller guards.  Most importantly, she is outstanding rebounding from the perimeter.  At the end of the day, you have to stop people, and Haley is a stopper!

2019 Aliyah Boston 6’4” F MA - The Anchor
Boston has the uncanny ability to block shots and alter shots of even elite athletes.  With a lot of bigs her size, you get one or the other, or these attributes come with the propensity to foul.  Boston doesn’t do that.  She is an anchor in the paint.  Boston has commanded the paint all week with her size and length.  Her soft hands and ability to finish around the rim are icing on the cake.

2020 Paige Bueckers 5’11” G MN - The Glue
Paige’s energy is infectious, and she can do and is willing to do anything you ask of her.  She can run your team, run the floor, or run you out of the gym with her motor.  She has scored at all three levels and can make it tough defensively for anyone out on the wing.  Paige is unselfish but knows when to turn it on.  When considering the CORE Values the Trials Committee shared with us earlier in the week, I think of Paige Bueckers

2019 Zia Cooke 5’8” PG OH - The Playmaker
Cooke is phenomenal with the ball in her hands.  She can get to any sport on the court that you need her to get to.  Cooke is quick and shifty and uses that to get in the paint for dump downs and kicks.  She uses those same attributes to create her own shot as well.  At this level, a kid that can create their own shot with the 24-second shot clock always a being a factor is priceless.

2021 Azzi Fudd 5’11” G VA - The Professional
Azzi Fudd carries herself like a professional.  Always early to the gym…always business-like in her approach…always working for her teams best-shot …that’s the kind of kid I want to travel all over the world with.  Not to mention, she gets it done at both ends of the court.  Scores on all three levels and has the I.Q. of a great coach.  Fudd is a must have for Team USA.