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ADIDAS NATIONAL CHAMPS FOR 14U
Front Row Left to Right: Torre Thompson, Jamika Roberts, Tamara Lee, Amari Dennis
Second Row Coach Pinder, Kara Stead, Cornequa Finch, Miranda Griffin, Kelsy Byrd
Published by: Dr. Roy Pinder
Date: July 17, 2010
With little exposure from the media and no cheering fans meeting them at the airport, Gym Time Hoops 8th grade girl’s team quietly won a national championship. The 8th girls went to Cincinnati, Ohio and won the Adidas National Championship. They played 6 tough games, against other Elite and Adidas teams from around the country. Every game challenged the young ladies in some way, whether it was man, zone, and or full court defense, they rose to the occasion.
The semi finals game against the Minnesota Stars presented two young ladies standing
6’3 and the other 6’4 who commanded respect in the post. Nevertheless the match-up-
zone worked to perfection and also kept the Stars shooters to a low shooting percentage
from the three point line. The championship game provided Gym Time Hoops the toughest match up of the tournament. The Atlanta Celtics may have been the most athletic team in the tournament, because they simply played pressure defense from end to end. They attacked the goal aggressively and had lengthy post players who love to have block parties (block shots) in the paint. However, Gym Time was able to make them retrieve half way through the game by attacking the pressure. It was a close game all the way through, but Gym Time was able to prevail with an eight point victory.
Gym Time Hoops also faced the Full Package Elite from Chicago, Pals Elite from Indiana, Illinois Magic, in route to winning the national tournament. Notable Players who contributed to the success of the team are:
Miranda Griffin, who proved she is a sound point guard who can knock down the three, pass the ball, handle the defensive pressure, but more importantly make great decisions. Miranda makes sure everyone on the team is served well before she goes to work.
Torre Thompson absolutely could score from any place on the floor and showcased her nasty floater and handle. Torre was able to create space to get her shot of at any time and get to the rack comfortably.
Tamara Lee was the best on the ball defender in the tournament and probably had one of the most effective midrange games with her deadly pull up jump shot. Tamara three point shot was just as deadly as her mid range and aggressive style of play on both ends.
Kelsy Byrd long rang three point shot spread the defense, which created open gaps for penetration. Kelsy has a high basketball IQ and makes it difficult for the bigger more athletic post players. She understands positioning well on the defensive rebounding end of the floor; the offense ran like a well oil machine when Kelsy is on the floor.
Cornequa Finch, has the unique ability to play inside and out with her strong athletic frame. She dominated the boards and plays from the high post as well as anyone in the tournament. Cornequa attacks the basket and finishes well with contact. She probably led the tournament in and one opportunities.
Amari Dennis long frame created math up problems on the wing for many defenders. Amari long arms and quick first step allowed her to get to the basket and finish over the top of bigger players consistently. She was able to get to the free throw line 6 - 8 times a game because of her quick first step. Amari was also big in the defending the bigger post players and rebounding the ball.
Jamika Roberts provided good energy to the team on both ends of the floor, her ability to penetrate and knock down the floater was valuable to the team. In the championship jamika provided two critical baskets to the team when it was needed. Jamika is also a good on the ball defender.
Kara Stead, was the ultimate team player. Kara did whatever the team needed to be successful, she rebounded well, scored when needed, and sacrificed her body on the floor. Kara is also a very effective player from the high post.
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