Earplugs were in order at times to muffle the crowd noise generated at  Carolina Courts in Concord,N.C as the 2019 edition of the LBI Carolina Live kicked off with numerous dazzling performances. 

Team Takeover, a Nike EYBL program comprised of athletes from Metro Washington D.C., squared off against Team United in a high noon showdown to whet the appetites of the more than 60 college programs in attendance. The Team Takeover 17U Nike EYBL squad recently captured the Nike Tournament of Champions in Chicago and on this day they wasted little time in demonstrating why they are regarded as one of the most potent programs in the nation. Team Takeover rang up victories over Team United (55-31) in their opener and a nail-biting, emotionally charged 49-46 win over the Carolina Flames 17U Nike EYBL team in their second outing of the day.

UCONN commit Mir McLean (5’11 SF/2020) displayed her versatility at times on opening day of Carolina Live but a trio of TTO players demonstrated why they are among the most highly coveted players in the country. Madison Scott (6’2 SF/2020) created matchup issues for the opposition from the opening tip...Her length and agility coupled with her exceptional leaping ability enabled her to operate with high efficiency on the perimeter as well as in the paint...plays easily through contact and has the ability to consistently knock down 18-20 foot jumpers...plays with a hard-nosed, “take no prisoners” attitude on both ends of the court. Angel Reese (6’3 PF/2020) is a game changing guard/forward who can line up at any position on the floor and still impact the outcome… There is a smoothness to her came but she still seemed to enjoy the physicality at times...Spin moves, Euro-Steps, mid Range pull ups and slashing forrays to the cup are all formidable weapons in her arsenal. Aniya Gourdine (5’9 PG/2021) was another standout for Team Takeover at LBI Carolina Live...a versatile and athletic combo guard who thoroughly relished her facilitator role on offense...Remained composed and relatively error free when faced with increased defensive pressure...demonstrated the ability to step-up and make mid-range jumpers at crunch time.

Team United’s Reigan Richardson (5’11 SF/2021) continues to add to her recruiting profile as she was a virtual one-woman wrecking crew at LBI Carolina Live…always pounds the glass with vigor and is as strong as they come in traffic...athleticism is off the charts...ability to put the ball on the floor and take defenders off the bounce makes her a consistent threat from any spot on the floor...perimeter stroke continues to improve...Tremendous next level upside.

Team Elite Hubbard 17U EYBL’s Marya Hudgins is gem of a ballplayer who can flat out hoop...Shoots deep pull up bombs from beyond the arc...very quick release and excellent “picturesque” shooting motion...Pushes the rock in transition game and makes solid decisions on the break...Can play anywhere on the perimeter and capably defend 1-3...High IQ player who displayed good basketball instincts and anticipation...shooting ability positions her as an impact player at the next level.