Day 1 of the LBI Carolina Live showcase was filled with top flight talent and sterling performances. Hard to imagine Day 2 matching the on court showmanship at  Carolina Courts in Concord,N.C but their were quite a few stock raising performances as the 2019 live period came to a close. One particular mid-day matchup garnered a great deal of attention as the Carolina Flames 17U EYBL- Morris squad faced off against Team United. The game was a rematch of the two teams clash at LBI Carolina Jamfest back in mid-May that saw Team United prevail in a mild overtime shocker. The two teams are widely regarded as the best in the state of North Carolina and this matchup was highly anticipated by both squads.

 There would be a lot less drama in this one as Team United used a barrage of shots from beyond the arc to race out to a 20-5 lead just six minutes into the contest. Reigan Richardson (5’11 SF/2021), Mallorie Haines(5’10 SG/2021) and point guard Neveah Brown (5'8 g/2020 Wake Forest Commit) were particularly impressive for Team United. Jamia Hazell (5’8 PG/2020 James Madision Commit) and Teonni Key (6’3 SG/2021) of the Flames kept things from getting completely out of hand early until their teammates could get things in synch. The Flames made a number of runs in the second half to keep things competitive but Team United, comprised entirely of athletes from the Charlotte Metro area, prevailed by a 54-44 margin. 

A number of athletes raised their recruiting profiles with their performances at LBI Carolina Live:

Michaela Lane (Team United   6’0 C/2020)
Extremely tough and athletic post player...at her best attacking the boards and playing in a crowd...Expanding offensive repertoire makes her a potential impact player at the next level.

Te’Keyah Bland (Carolina All-Stars Cox  6’0 PF/2023)
Hard nosed inside presence...finishes well through contact...tremendous upside especially if she can develop consistency out to 15-18 feet...active feet and instincts on defense.

Jamia Hazell (Carolina Flames 17U EYBL-Morris  5’8 PG/2020)
The James Madison Commit is a gutsy guard who will not back down from a challenge… Hard to guard in space -equally adept with either hand...always attacking and has the body control to keep defenders off balance...solid perimeter shooter.

Zykiah Benjamin (Carolina Flames/Charlotte 17U 5’8 CG/2021)
Explosive quickness...very active defender..solid caretaker out front with the ball...capable scorer off the bounce...extremely competitive athlete.

Colbie Perry (Carolina Lady Phenom 5’9 SG/2021)
Shooter alert !!!  A rhythm shooter who is as dangerous as they come on the perimeter… solid ball handler who has a knack for setting up others, especially in a half court set...tenacious on ball defender...sleeper pick for the right program.

Audrey Meyers (Carolinas Elite 17U ASGR 5’11 SG/2020)
Vocal floor leader...long wing who can slash or stroke it from beyond the arc...brings intensity on both ends of the floor at all times...has the foot speed and athleticism to guard perimeter players and down on the blocks.

Amaia Parkins (NC Spartans  6’1 C/2021)
Extremely long post who elevates well… strong on the glass...finishes well with both hands in transition…solid mid-range face up game to about 15 feet...alters a lot of shots with her length and timing...as her strength and ball-handling improve she may move up on many schools radar.

Sarah Strong (Strong Center 2024 5’11 PF/2024)
A future star and definitely one to watch...strong, solid post player who uses her body effectively in traffic...snatches rebounds with authority...displayed the ability to operate effectively from the wing and the dribbling prowess to push the ball down the court in transition.

Jillian Hollingshead (Team Elite Hubbard 17U EYBL 6’4 PF/2021)
Dominating inside presence...impressive wingspan and agility...finishes well in tight spaces down low...handles the ball and operates comfortably from the wing...Excellent at distributing or attacking from the high post. Certain next level impact player with tremendous upside.

Chloe James (Team Loaded NC Winston 17U  5’4 PG/2021)
Operates at top speed at all times...good at changing gears  but loves to play up-tempo...A glider who is adept at breaking defenses down off the dribble..streaky perimeter shooter...does a solid job of getting others involved offensively.

Madison McDaniel (Team Takeover 8th Gr. Jr EYBL  5-4PG/2024)
Smart floor general who has a penchant for getting to the cup off the bounce...shifty, confident dribbler...low turnover ratio...quick hands and defensive reactions allow her to impact the game and dictate opponents tempo.

Telfair Epperson (Upward Stars York County  5’3 PG/2020)
Savvy guard who does a superb job of decision making and finishing when the pace picks up...Steady presence on the point who rarely gets rattled.