By Ring City Staff
The 14U and 15U team took to the hardwood in the 2011 Gym Rat Challenge Tournament and proved themselves as emerging stars and incredible competitors. Both teams played extremely hard as the 15’s played the championship game (42 teams and almost won the entire tourney) and 14’s went to the final 4 (36 teams) This is a huge accomplishment for both teams as this is a very competitive tourney and will certainly set the tone for the summer season.
The team play did not go unnoticed by the tourney organizers as the following received All-Tourney Honors:
15: U All GymRat CHALLENGE TEAM
Taylor Rooks (6-0 F) Ring City/Nichols School: Great size with fantastic low-post moves. Can drive from the perimeter and also has a nice turnaround jumper. Ability to finish with both hands. Tough on the glass. Outstanding rebounder and intimidating presence inside. Nice athleticism yet plays under control. Played her best against strong competition here.
Denisha Petty-Evans (5-9 Wing) Ring Cit/Bridgewater-Raritan H.S.: Silky smooth wing player that makes the game look easy. At her best in transition and when attacking thehoop. Showcased a high hoops IQ here as she rarely forces the issue and is always looking up the floor for open teammates. Excellent floor vision. Excels at grabbing the defensive rebound and leading the break.
Aliyan Huland-El (6-0 F) Ring City/Randolph H.S.: Extremely long and athletic. Does a great job rebounding in and out of her area, and alters shots. Runs the floor well in transition and has great hands and body control finishing on the break. Also displays the ball-handling skills to lead the break and the court vision to find open teammates. Played up a level. Huge upside.
15:U Honorable Mention All-GymRat CHALLENGE
Lauren Daugherty (6-0 F) Ring City
14:U All-GymRat Challenge Team
Jocelyn Willoughby (5-9 F) Ring City/St. Phillips School: Only finishing up 7th grade. Has great potential. Very quick first step. Excellent off-the-ball defender. Showed leadership qualities, despite her young age. Long and strong athletic build. Good shooter inside 15 feet.
Breanna Cavanaugh (5-7 PG) Ring City/Blair School: A tenacious competitor. Outstanding offensive player. Key role in leading her team to the semifinal round. Strong player who has a very quick first step that gets her past defenders. Showed nice hesitation dribble skill.
