Xian Lopez
BUFORD, Georgia, - Travel basketball still exists in the gaps where the college coaches cannot attend events. Teams are looking for tournaments where they can sharpen their execution and chemistry. While players can still gain valuable exposure while playing in front of media and national scouting service evaluators. The PSB May Day tournament brought together 40 teams from around the Southeast and accomplished all those needs. Here is a look back at the teams and players who made their mark during the tournament.
PSB Family Program of the Day
Ladies of Distinction @LODBall
State: Georgia
Program Director / Coach: LaToya Brown
The Ladies of Distinction are a staple program within the #PSBFamily on the Peach State Basketball circuit. Their determination to compete make them a tough match-up regardless of who they play. This year’s group are led by Xian Lopez of Snellville, Georgia. She is a nightmare for opponents to guard because of her versatility. She stands at 6-foot-1 and often handles the ball like a lead guard. Her craftiness and soft touch make her a go-to player for coach Brown’s squad. Lopez is not the only player with versatility on this team. Class of 2018 Taylor Cushenberry of Lawrenceville, Georgia, is a 5-10 forward who is making big strides as a prospect. Throw in the work that class of 2018 post Camille Saunders of Conyers, Georgia, does in the paint and L.O.D. has a team with balance along the front line.
Two players to watch as up and coming players are class of 2019 guard Hana Jemal of Stone Mountain, Georgia, and class of 2020 point guard Kayla Allen of Snellville, Georgia. Jemal is becoming a consistent contributor during the spring tournaments. While Allen is a steady point guard that is already handling the reigns of the offense for coach Brown.
#PSBTipOffClassic @LODBALL walked in this morning determined to get a win and didn't leave the gym until they did. They win 58-19. pic.twitter.com/W0cnqOe6rd
— PSB Events (@PeachStateBBall) April 22, 2017
Around the Rim by @StephenPeckPSB
Rachel Hager of Hoover, Alabama, stood out with her defensive footwork and ability to defend on the perimeter. She played with a lot of energy and has a good upside.
Krystin Allen of Hoover, Alabama, was a pesky defender this weekend. She has tight handles and scored key buckets in a tightly contested game with her ability to get to the basket off the dribble.
Daija Powell of Fayetteville, Georgia, is a big presence in the paint. She plays solid defense in the post and can defend the perimeter. Powell played well at the high post and proved to be an effective scorer in the midrange.
Jillian Hollingsworth of Marietta, Georgia, made her presence known early this weekend. She has the length and ball skill to be a versatile player. Jillian has a good feel for the game and makes good basketball decisions.
Class of 2018 wing Sarah Suttle of Huntsville, Alabama, is a solid prospect for Team B Wright. She has size and athleticism that translates well on both ends of the floor.
Jonathan Hemingway is the Assistant Director of Scouting for the JumpOffPlus.com National Scouting Report, is on the Naismith Trophy Board of Selectors and owns CoachHemi.com, the go-to source for coaches for X’s and O’s. He is the floor director of #TeamEBA camps, a site director for #TeamPSB tournaments and can be reached at jonathanhemingway@peachstatebasketball.com.
Stephen Peck is the owner of Dream In Motion Athletics and is a national evaluator for the JumpOffPlus.com National Scouting Report. He also serves as a on-floor skills coach at the Elite Basketball Academy events. He can be reached at StephenPeck@peachstatebasketball.com.
