Destinee Walker
Destinee Walker has her reloaded Central Florida Elite program poised for a run this spring and summer. *Photo by Ty Freeman.
SUWANEE, Ga. Championship Sunday is a special day at PeachStateBasketball.com events. These moments define which teams have what it takes to compete at the highest levels. We also get a picture of the individuals will be considered amongst the ELITE. In the opening tournament of the year we got a close look a few of nations top teams.
FEATURE TEAM
CENTRAL FLORIDA ELITE
Al Honors team features three prospects within the ELITE 60 of the class of 2015. Destinee Walker of Orlando, Fla., is the top returning player for the Nike-sponsored team. Currently ranked No. 26 in the nation, the sharpshooter continued to knock down long-range daggers from beyond the arc. Equally impressive is Walkers ability to create space off the bounce to get her own shot. Joining Walker this year is No. 3 Tea Cooper of Powder Springs, Ga., who has been on fire in the month of March. After winning a state championship, dominating the EBA Top 40 workout and scoring 39 points in the Georgia Junior/Senior All-Star game, Cooper continued her assault with another strong performance at the Spring Showdown. Also joining CFE this year for a frontcourt presence is No. 30 Caliya Robinson of Powder Springs, Ga. The 6-foot-3 power forward turned in an eye opening performance as she swatted shots on the defensive end and showed her expanded offensive skill set.
Also returning for CFE are important players such as class of 2015 prospects Shambria Washington of Ocala, Fla., and Janiah McKay of Gainesville, Ga. They provide backcourt depth necessary to compete at the highest levels. They have also added class of 2015 guard Camille Anderson of Buford, Ga. Anderson, who has already committed to North Carolina State, will provide a scoring punch off of the bench for the Orlando-based team.
AROUND THE RIM
♦ Coach Tim Marshalls Blazer Exposure Red team capped off a terrific weekend by winning the KeilMoorePSB bracket. A 5-11 forward, Khayla Lloyd of Columbus, Ga., turned in a solid performance to help win the championship.
♦ Team Elite Pointer delivered the victory of the weekend by knocking off Central Florida Elite for the championship of the JLHemingwayPSB bracket. Class of 2016 forward Kierra Johnson-Graham turned in a clutch performance as she scored efficiently around the bucket while knocking down key free throws in the win.
♦ Coach JD Davis has a winner with point guard Tiana Swearinger of Greenwood, S.C. Her ability to score the ball and while also providing a calming influence will give the Hoopstars the ability to be competitive all year long.
♦ Look for coach Ken Huffman to make noise this calendar year with his EOTO team. He has an offensive scheme to free up sharp shooters like Karlie Bearden and Ashley Parker of Dawsonville, Ga. for open looks from beyond the arc. Watch the full championship game here. Follow @JLHemingwayPSB
