Team 3 brought heart and skill to the court at the #CoachHemi Middle School Showcase. Photo cred – Larry Rhinehart
Cleveland, Tennessee – It is imperative for players to find opportunities to train and get better in the off-season. Finding weekends where players can travel and get out of their comfort zone can pay dividends in the future. The last weekend in February gave middle school players a chance to compete and gain valuable exposure before the travel basketball season kicks off in March. Here is a look at the players from Team 3.
Class of 2024 Maddie Hawk
Maddie Hawk
Maci Pitner
Jaden Potts
The youngest player in the camp, Maddie Hawk of Tellico Plains (TN), drew the attention of coaches and trainers. Her advanced skill set as just a fifth grader is impressive. Her ball handling and developing jump shot is something to keep an eye on in future years. Class of 2021 guard Maci Pitner of Seymour, Tennessee, brought a scoring mentality to game play while also taking good shots. She blends play-making ability with her court vision very well. Jaden Potts of Maryville, Tennessee, is an aggressive driver and scorer on the court. As good as she is driving to the bucket, she can also punish the defense with long range jumpers.
Gracie Midkiff
Chaney Peters
Macy Barnes
Class of 2021 combo guard Gracie Midkiff of Maryville, Tennessee, might have been the most polished player in the building during the camp. She has sweet jump shot to go along with very good footwork that allows her to evade defenders up and down the court. Class of 2021 guard Chaney Peters of Florence, Alabama, brought a hard-nosed attitude to the camp. She locked down on the defensive end while also showing a very good follow through at the free throw line. Class of 2021 wing Macy Barnes of Knoxville, Tennessee, brought versatility to this team. She can play on the perimeter, but her willingness to mix it up on the interior allows her to contribute consistently. She defended and rebounded as well as any wing in the building.
#CoachHemi @StephenPeckPSB said he likes Gracie Midriff’s game & I agree. Doesn’t forces shots but shows you she’s a scorer. @B_Stallings pic.twitter.com/4W5fekoL7L
— Jonathan Hemingway (@CoachHemi) February 26, 2017
Denae Fritz
Ashton Estrada
Class of 2021 guard Denae Fritz of Maryville, Tennessee, showed the ability to move without the ball very well. That skill allowed her to get her shot off quickly. She did a little bit of everything well including handling, hitting the 3-point shot and rebounding. Class of 2021 forward Ashton Estrada of Cleveland, Tennessee, is an intriguing prospect. She has very good length standing at 5-10 and can finish around the basket very well. Her motor and upside make her a player that should only improve in the future. Her defensive ability to alter shots without fouling could be her strongest trait at the moment.
Highlights from the 2017 Coach Hemi Middle School Showcase courtesy of Larry Rhinehart and Jordan Davis
Jonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. Hemingway serves on the Board of Selectors for the Naismith Trophy. also He is also the publisher of CoachHemi.com. He has been involved in the community since 1996 as a coach, camp director and evaluator. You can reach him via email at JonathanHemingway@PeachStateBasketball.com and follow him on twitter @JLHemingwayPSB
