The basketball courts at Open Gym Premier Ladera Ranch in Orange County were abuzz with energy and excitement from July 21st to July 24th as the much-awaited event, The Big Dance, took center stage during the final week of the NCAA Viewing Period. This remarkable tournament brought together some of the most talented young female basketball players from various teams and age groups. Over the course of four action-packed days, spectators witnessed extraordinary performances and jaw-dropping skills that left a lasting impression. Let’s delve into the top highlights of this enthralling event and celebrate the exceptional players who stood out from the crowd.

Savannah Myles: A Force to be Reckoned With

Another standout player was Savannah Myles, representing PGE 15U . Her performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of spectacular. Scoring 38 points in a single game is no small feat, but Savannah made it seem effortless. Her dominance extended to the boards, where she secured an impressive 15 rebounds, making her a double-double machine. Adding to her all-around brilliance, she contributed 4 assists, 5 steals, and 2 three-pointers, proving to be a formidable opponent on both ends of the court.

Young Talent Shines Bright

The tournament was not just about the older players; young talent also made a significant impact. Cayla Murray, from Girls 7th Grade Prodigy Athletic, stood out with an impressive performance, racking up 35 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals. Her exceptional long-range shooting resulted in 10 three-pointers made, proving that age is no barrier to showcasing skills.

College Programs in Attendance: A Showcase of Talent for Scouts

The Hype Her Hoops: The Big Dance at Open Gym Premier Ladera Ranch not only provided a platform for young female basketball players to showcase their skills but also drew the attention of numerous college programs on the lookout for promising talents. The presence of these college scouts added an extra layer of excitement and significance to the tournament, as players aimed to catch the eyes of coaches from some renowned universities across the country.

Among the notable college programs in attendance were:

For these college programs, events like this serve as a prime opportunity to scout potential recruits, discover hidden talents , and build connections with young athletes who could become valuable additions to their teams in the future. The players who participated in the tournament not only had a chance to shine on the court but also got the chance to catch the attention of college scouts and, perhaps, open the door to future collegiate basketball careers.

The presence of these esteemed college programs further elevates the stature of The Big Dance, turning it into an essential event on the basketball calendar for both players and coaches. As the tournament continues to grow, aspiring young players can look forward to even greater opportunities to showcase their skills and take their basketball dreams to the next level.

The Game of the Event: Cal Storm Team Taurasi 17U EYBL vs. Why Not Premier 17U EYBL (65-61 Overtime Thriller)

Among the countless thrilling matchups during the Big Dance” at Ladera, one game stood out as the epitome of excitement and competitiveness – the clash between Cal Storm Team Taurasi 17U EYBL and Why Not Premier 17U EYBL. This showdown between two talented teams kept spectators on the edge of their seats as it unfolded into a heart-pounding overtime thriller, ultimately concluding with a 65-61 victory in favor of Cal Storm.

Key Players and their Stats:

Tatianna Griffin: 12 PTS, 7 REB, 1 AST, 1 BLK, 0 3PT, 1 STL

Kaleena Smith: 22 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST, 0 BLK, 2 3PT, 2 STL

Jerzy Robinson: 21 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK, 0 3PT, 1 STL

Niya Price: 10 PTS, 2 REB, 0 AST, 0 BLK, 1 3PT, 3 STL

The Thrilling Battle

Both teams brought their A-game to the court, refusing to give an inch to their opponents. It was a tightly contested affair from the tip-off, with the score remaining neck-and-neck throughout the regulation time. The players displayed immense determination, executing precise plays, and unleashing their skills on offense and defense.

Kaleena Smith’s standout performance for Cal Storm, with an astonishing 22 points, played a pivotal role in keeping her team competitive. On the other hand, Jerzy Robinson of Why Not Premier had a phenomenal outing, recording an impressive double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds.

As the clock ticked down, the score was tied, forcing the game into overtime. The excitement in the gymnasium reached its peak during these additional minutes. In the end, Cal Storm Team Taurasi managed to secure a hard-fought 65-61 victory, showcasing their resilience and teamwork in a nail-biting finish.

A Showcase of Future College Talent

With both teams exhibiting incredible talent and skills, this game undoubtedly caught the attention of the college programs in attendance. Players like Kaleena Smith and Jerzy Robinson, who delivered outstanding performances under pressure, undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the college scouts present at the event.

As the Hype Her Hoops: The Big Dance concluded, it became evident that the future of women’s college basketball is promising, with such exceptional talent waiting to make their mark at the next level. The intensity and drama displayed in the Cal Storm Team Taurasi vs. Why Not Premier matchup will be remembered as a highlight of the event, showcasing the heart and spirit of these young athletes on their journey to greatness.

Conclusion: Celebrating Women’s Basketball

The Hype Her Hoops: The Big Dance at Open Gym Premier Ladera was an unforgettable event that celebrated the incredible talent and dedication of female basketball players. These top performances were just a glimpse of the immense potential and passion within the women’s basketball community. The future of women’s basketball is undoubtedly bright, and events like these continue to pave the way for young athletes to shine on a grand stage.

FULL GALLERY

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