After all the smoke clears, there could only be one Champion !! We'll focus on the highly anticipated 8th grade Championship match up between Exodus NYC and ML20 both going undefeated and pool play and clicking on all cylinders. Coach Joy of ML20 had her team rolling throughout the weekend, capitalizing on her teams size, with a frontline boasting four 6 footers they utilized a big 3-2 zone which seemed to be the recipe for success. Exodus NYC Coach BG had a game plan, as his team ran a free flowing offense with precise ball movement and multiple screening actions opening things up for his trio of snipers in Halle Newsome, Cidney Stanfield and Melody Vaughn to counter the zone as they knocked down multiple 3's to take control of the first half.  PG Amoree Anderson wasn't as aggressive offensively but her elite ball skills allowed her to cause havoc on penetration and kicks which were key to the early lead as she found her shooters. She called her own number late hitting a few from deep to help Exodus maintain the lead going into halftime. 

Second half, was played at a high level with both teams executing on both ends. The the size factor kicked in as ML20 Jayla Lackey, Amy Nduka and company started to force their will on the boards giving the team multiple opportunities. Kendall Dawkins energy on the defensive end along with her downhill attacks changed the pace of the game. The teams general Love Lei Best settled in late and made key plays to shift the momentum as her poise and demeanor counteracted the pressure of Exodus. In the latter part of the second half she knocked down two timely 3's to close the gap an take the lead with under a minute to play. In a tightly competitive battle, ML20 took advantage of a few turnovers down the stretch to help secure a slim margin and were crowned Session One - Winter Series Champions, shout to Coach Joy and Demarcus on success in their first taste of the Circuit.  

32' Aubree Singletary - Team Thrill

This 4th grader has a different pulse !! Playing three grades up you wouldn't have known it. She wreaks confidence, her quickness and ball handling is impressive. Displayed great defensive instinct and a noise for the ball. On offense her understanding of spacing, how to play off the ball and her poise under pressure really stood out.  Very intriguing young player, one to watch.

30' Cayla Murray - Team Prodigy 

Speed, handles, shooting and mentality all in line with this tough young guard from the west coast. Gets to her spots with a quick release on her jumper, fearless on down hill attacks finishing with either hand under heavy duress at an elite level. Scrappy defensively causing havoc on the perimeter all weekend. Great demeanor and her natural leadership showed as she had her team one possession away from the 7th grade Championship.   

30' Sophia Lopez - Team Prodigy

Shooters shoot and that's what this young lady did, from all over the floor. A very unconventional form and release point but that did not effect range or accuracy. Gritty competitor that wasn't afraid to mix up with her slender frame as she was in tie ups, first to the floor on loose balls and her energy willed her teammates.  

29' Lyla Thompson - Team Thrill

Solid framed wing that mixes it up inside / out. Hard hat type that handles well and great balance on drives with strength to finish through contact and did all the dirty work snatching boards and put backs in big moments. Showed nice form on jump shot, knocking down some big shots on way to championship. Will keep an eye on this one. 

29' Savayah Mitchell - West Virginia Thunder

All around athlete, her speed, elevation and energy is on another level. She gets up and down the floor in a flash, has great balance and a quick second jump as she rebounds well from the guard position. High release on jump shot and ability to score in tight spaces made her a threat every touch. A very high ceiling for this young prospect.

29' Sydney Youngblood - YKS

Intense competitor that never takes a play off. Scrappy defender she was a menace, first to 50/50 balls and played passing lanes turning defense to offense in a blur. A streaky shooter that can hit the long ball, solid handle and quick first step as she lived in the lanes creating for self or teammates. One to Watch. 

29' Harper Scringe - IGB

Steady point guard, plays at her pace and very savvy as she accepted and rejected pressure well making the right plays out of traps. She found her shooters or cutters in the lane with pinpoint passes for the assist. Solid offensively wit h as solid jumper and very crafty in the lanes executing floaters or extended lay ups.  Very serviceable guard

30' Lucie Bolan - Fairfax Stars

A flat out baller, intense competitor that empties her tank every time she on the floor. A ball hawk with great instincts and plays with purpose on the defense end.  Wire athleticism, can handle on perimeter but does her work in the lanes. She shows consistent improvement each time out. 

30' Jazleen Young - Riverside

Natural athleticism, plays with a high motor on both ends and was a handful defensively. She was hard to keep of the boards getting multiple put backs She has a strong build with good hands and seems to get better as the game goes on as she continued develop offensively, she'll be on a number of radars. 

30' Layla Pressley - Exodus NYC

Young guard is still in the development stage but is such a raw talent. Her speed, agility and ability to change direction on a dime  impacted every game and was evident from tips, steals, tie ups and of course a few buckets. Open court is where she thrives, a confidence player that searches out shots, with work consistency on her perimeter shot will develop in time.  One to watch.    

30' Mia Lawson - Top Notch

Constant action and effort out of this little guard, defensive energy is definitely her calling card. She also aggressive offensively playing with reckless abandonment, not  is not phased by contact as she slashed the lanes through bumps and grabs finishing or getting to the line. Confident shooting the ball off the bounce and decent from beyond the arch. Will keep a eye on this one.    

31' Aubri Gibbs - Sideline Cancer

Great approach to the game, plays with a focus and majority beyond her years. Poised and vocal PG with high IQ, she resets broken plays, directed traffic and put her teammates in position to be successful. She finishes well in traffic and has a consistent jumper. Elite level performer, the work shows. 

31' Maleah Singletary - Sideline Cancer

Strongly built, she excels on drives as she beat defenders off the bounce getting to the basket and finishes at a high rate. her strength and balance allows her to power finish in most situations and showed nice form on jump shot as she was lethal from beyond the arc over the weekend. High ceiling 

31' Leighton Mckenna - Gauchos

A poised guard that knows how to play. She is smooth and seems to float as she is never in a rush. She uses ball fakes to her advantage and makes up for lack of foot speed but she is quick with ball in her hand getting to her spots.  Foot placement and hands are textbook on jump shot, added strength will increase consistency and range. Fun to watch compete  

31' Aleena Wilson - Castle

Very active and high energy player that does all the dirty work for her team. Still finding her way offensively but she runs the floor well, has good hands and a physical presence. She crashes the boards and is a multi effort player which every team needs. As she continues to develop, watch out. 

I had a chance to spend some time with two really cool groups of players and coaches from Oregon / ML20 and Anchorage Alaska / Alaska Premiere to get their take on the Winter Series atmosphere. They both came ready to compete, in a new environment with different styles of play and were able to grow from the experience.   

We had the players describe their individual Winter Series experience in "One Word" and here's what we got.