Hamilton Heights Christian Academy, winners of the 2019 NIKE TOC Clare Droesch Division (PC: Bob Corwin)
Hamilton Heights dominates Clare Droesch Division
By Bob Corwin
In Part one, the Joe Smith Division, and in part 2 two, the John Anderson Division were discussed. Here in part 3, we take a look at the new non-NFHS division.
For the first time in its long history, the NIKE Tournament of Champions opened up a division for teams which are not members of the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS). Some (but not all) of these schools are re-classers (able to use fifth-year seniors). Unfortunately, with a couple of late dropouts, only six teams made the starting line for the event. It was mutually agreed upon that all would meet giving this division five games. When all was said and done, Hamilton Heights Christian Academy of Chattanooga, Tennessee, crushed the field. Only its game with a talented Blair Academy (Blairstown, New Jersey) was within 30 points finishing 64- 48. Blair won its other four games to finish second. It is hoped more US schools eligible for this division will come next year as well as greater attendance from Canada (two came this year).
Below in alphabetical order (with listed height, graduation year and school) is the All-Tournament Team of the Clare Droesch Division. Special thanks to Erik Boal, Clay Kallam, Shane Laflin and Dick Mateer who served with me on the all-tournament selections committee.
NIKE Tournament of Champions 2019
Clare Droesch Division All-Tournament Team
Kamilla Cardosa 6-7 2020 Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Chattanooga, Tennessee)
Signed with Syracuse, Cardosa dominates with good coordination and size, running the court very well. She is a good passer out of the low post as well as shot disrupter defensively.
Dominique Darius 6-1 2021 Blair Academy (Blairstown, New Jersey)
A quality athlete with Power 5 programs in hot pursuit, Darius can attack the basket and shoot the three. Her offensive production still could become more consistent game to game.
Treasure Hunt (MVP) 6-1 2020 Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Chattanooga, Tennessee)
Signed with Kentucky, Hunt is becoming more selective on her shots, looking to involve teammates more than a year ago. Her game to game contributions made her a no-brainer for MVP.
Lemyah Hylton 5-11 2022 Southwest Academy (Springfield, Ontario, Canada)
A combo guard, Hylton can run offense and looks to attack the basket. She can hit the three be it not scoring option 1.
Olivia Miles 5-11 2021 Blair Academy (Blairstown, New Jersey)
A high major prospect, Miles is a point guard who can beat you with her passing/great court vision. She can hit the three but involving teammates appears priority number 1.
Treasure Hunt (#12) of Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (PC: Joe Fenelon)
