They have been on a fantastic ride this spring season, most of them are simply 7th graders, but they usually double up in most events playing in not only the 7th grade but also the 8th grade division. They are an exciting group of young ladies and despite their age, they know the game.
This past weekend at the Garfield Hts Lake Erie District Qualifier, these young ladies did not say much off the court, but they made bigtime statements on the court in sweeping the event going undefeated in both the 7th and 8th grade divisions and qualifying for Nationals.
"I don't think I have every heard at least two or three of them talk" stated Coach Dwayne Morrow, but boy when they get on the court, "they make big statements." I love to watch them play, stated Kirk Perry, the Next Level Director. "Every once in awhile we get a special group of young ladies who just simply defy the odds, they go out and do big things everytime they take the court. Really, they amaze me and they never back down from anyone." The future of Next Level is as bright as these young ladies are talented and of course "QUIET."
Meet the players
Jordan Pickens- Jordan is one of those never say quit type kids, who will get on the floor and make big time things happen.
Kim Cook- Kim is the girl in the middle that can step out and knock down the three, but she will also go down on the block and bang with anyone.
Kourtney Paul- Kourtney is one of the best prime time players for her age, what she lacks in intensity in practice, she makes up for in hustle in a game. She has a big time in and out move and will consistently knock down the three pointer.
Baliegh Reid- One of the teams most improved players. A consistent participant in the pre-season skill work, you can now see Ms. Reid blast her way to a text book left handed layup, she has even been known to drop a left handed floater in the lane. Reid, is a slahser that can really get it done on both ends of the court.
Kayla Bell- In a group of quiet girls, kayla may be the most silent, but she is constantly looking and learning, and her game reflects her progress. In one of the biggest games of the year, she came off the bench in Perry against a much bigger 8th grade OVS team and made a key put back in crunch time to put her team up for good in one of the biggest upsets of the year.
Summer Klinkscale- arguably this young lady is one of the best in the nation, but seldom do you hear her say a word, she just goes out and shows why she is considered one of the best around.
Alexa Debord- Small in stature, but big on the court. Alexa works on her game even when she is not at practice, and it shows, she can get her shot off quickly and from anywhere and when she get's it rolling she is hard to stop.
Kendra Hart- a big girls learning the game, but one who is learning quickly. She has a big upside.
Alex harris- She has been hurt, but her game is always there.