Great Girls Basketball in the Triangle Area this coming year!
Great Girls Basketball in the Triangle Area this coming year!
Everyone knows about the Millbrook girls and the fact that they return 8 seniors who were on the state winning team from this past year. However, this year, there is talent scattered on teams throughout the Triangle. Many of the other teams have talented players that have essentially flown below the radar as much of the publicity (deservingly so) have gone to the Millbrook squad. Take a look at what's out there and who may step up to challenge the reigning champions. Broughton features the Ealey sisters, Nadine and Kaila, sisters who led Broughton to hand Millbrook their only Cap 8 loss last season and who have been key players on a division I AAU team that has not only won the state championship for the past four years, but also finished second in the AAU national championship game this past summer. Let's not overlook Justice Byrd, a gritty scorer capable of putting up large numbers at any point in the game if left alone. Wakefield returns NC A&T commit, Makayla Williams, who led team in scoring for past two seasons and played on AAU team with UNC-CH commit Jamie Cherry and CJ's "little" sister, Kierra Leslie that won the 16U DI state championship and finished in top four in at least 4 national tournaments this year. Don't overlook Madison Lennox, gritty, capable of putting of numbers like crazy, and super point guard Krystal Mangum who played on same AAU team with the Ealey sisters. Heritage will likely not compete for championship, but they still have a couple of very good players in Nakhyla Powell and Jasia (sorry can't think of last name). Sanderson returns Darica Lewis, an athletic, fast, and aggressive player who is one year removed from winning player of the year in Cap 8 and Ebony (again, don't know last name), who is capable of dropping buckets (and buckets). East Wake has UNC-A commit, Tianna Knuckles, and, the player who is probably one of the best (if not THE best) athlete in the area, Shakiria Morris. There are others, but I am out of room! Watchout!
RE: Great Girls Basketball in the Triangle Area this coming year!
No one will challenge the Millbrook girls till the Holiday tournament in SC. I wish they would of played in the "Glaxo" again but they deserve more exposure. If they win the SC. tournament, they have the opportunity to be Nationally ranked. This will be the 4th year most of the girls will be playing together and they will be better this year. Remember, only 1 Day twin played last year. They do need to be careful, as you point out there are other good players everywhere. They really don't have a weakness, except pride which could be the biggest weakness of all. That's where the most important member of the Team comes in, the Coach, and they have a good one in Coach East. Good luck to all of the girls and all of the teams. In order to win, you got to play.
RE: Great Girls Basketball in the Triangle Area this coming year!
Respectfully, I have to disagree with you. They have a fantastic team for sure. I am proud to have them in this area and I have met Coach East and he is the real deal. As the saying goes, though, familiarity breeds contempt, meaning teams in the conference will provide the biggest obstacle because they see each other the most. They will be challenged, trust me. Also, this isn't the 4th year for most of the girls together. They have a few transplants and some of the girls from the supporting cast have only the one year of varsity play under their belts. They're gonna be good, real good, no one can argue that. I just think that there are a couple of teams in the area that may pull a surprise or two. Like you said, they can't afford to sleep because everyone will be gunning for them. It's hard to repeat! Good luck and god speed to them and ALL of the girls in the area. Play hard, stay safe, have fun!
RE: Great Girls Basketball in the Triangle Area this coming year!
I do respect both of the above opinions stated, however I thought this blog was about "Great Girls Basketball in the Triangle Area this coming year" It appears that you both have STRAYED away from that topic and concentrated only on how much of a good or great team Millbrook will be this year. I am sure the ENTIRE Millbrook team, Coaches included, are aware of the TARGETS they have placed on their backs due to ALL eight seniors committing to play college ball, and all the hype and media attention that they have been receiving. Icculrac, they are already Nationally ranked: #1 State/Division, and National #143. And correction BBall Fanatic ALL 8 seniors have been on Varsity since they have been playing hs ball (some at different schools), Jaylen Dillard has been on varsity for 2 years, and the other 5 players are newbies basically: 2 players moved up from the State Championship, 2 from JV, and 1 freshman.
BBall Fanatic in your first blog it appears that you are giving accolades to everyone that played or shared the floor with a talented athlete on the Garner Flames roster, while throwing around some well known athletes names, that's good but some of those athletes don't play in the Triangle, and they only play in this area for AAU and not high school. But even with all that being said, you both failed to mention SE, who will be returning Alexis Hicks, who is so underrated, and Kaleisha Moore. SE Raleigh has a very good team, and no one should sleep on them. But as stated I wish ALL the teams a great season, health and strength.
RE: Great Girls Basketball in the Triangle Area this coming year!
Let the games begin...it will all pan out
RE: Great Girls Basketball in the Triangle Area this coming year!
Tru dat! It all starts!
RE: Great Girls Basketball in the Triangle Area this coming year!
While Millbrook holds the crown as the front runner to return to the state title game there are three local teams that have the talent to have a say in that. These teams will not go quietly into the night are they are not intimidated or afraid of anyone. It will most definitely play itself out starting tomorrow but don't be surprised when there is a shocker about who one if the top teams in the area will be the are a mirror image of Mill took with great coaching skilled youth and a desire to be great.
RE: Great Girls Basketball in the Triangle Area this coming year!
@six7200- Just curious.....what 3 teams are you referring to?
RE: Great Girls Basketball in the Triangle Area this coming year!
@six7200, I'm not saying that there are not some good or better teams in the area. As I stated in my PREVIOUS post, I thought this is suppose to be a post about other great teams in the area, and nobody has mentioned not one single team! The majority of each topic is Millbrook or other players that aren't even in this area!
RE: Great Girls Basketball in the Triangle Area this coming year!
@icclrac well Milbrook was definitely challenge last night? They barely beat East Wake. @ iluvbball I thought most of the girls he mention where in this area. Broughton will definitely test them again. Even though everyone has counted them which is a good thing.
RE: Great Girls Basketball in the Triangle Area this coming year!
GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE GIRLS THIS YEAR!! SHOULD BE INTERESTING.
