GREENSBORO GALAXY goes 4 and 0 at DUKE SHOWCASE

The Greensboro Galaxy Girls AAU Team that features Desiree Drayton Sophomore (Dudley), Brittany Drew Sophomore (Page), Khadeja Wilkerson Freshmen (Dudley), Katrina Gibson Junior (Ragsdale), Miranda Jenkins Sophomore (Eastern Guilford), Chell Jackson Sophomore ( Dudley), JC Frazier Sophomore (Dudley) , Victoria Davis Junior (Parkland) with the additions of Jasmine Cromartie (Parkland) and Jamilla Pollard (Parkland) ran the table to go 4 and 0 at Duke University Fall Show Case Event while under the watchful eye of several major college coaches led by none other than Sylvia Hatcher of the University of North Carolina and some of her assistants. Galaxy got to play some of the best competition State wide and abroad. The Galaxy squad which consisted of four of the players who had won a Division Two National Championship in 2007 (Desiree, Brittany, Khadeja , Miranda and Katrina who is playing with Galaxy for the first time this year was part of the Classic Championship Division One runnerup in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Galaxy got off to their customary winning ways by beating Hightower Rimrockers in a very close game 57-56. They were rusty after not being active together since July. In addition to getting adjusted to their new teammates, they finally put it together to close the deal. Brittany “The Catalyst” Drew who should have a stellar season at Page for Coach Debbie Jones sparked the team by netting 21 points, 2 assists, 2 steals along with two three pointers. Khadeja “Special K” who just keeps getting better and better and will give Dudley fans a whole new presence from the center position contributed 9 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 assists. Her stock is rising among college coaches even though she has not played one high school game yet. Chell “Action “Jackson did a great job with her hustle plays and contributed 5 points, 4 rebounds, 5 steals, 1 assists. She will be a great role player for Dudley this year. Katrina “Cool Breeze ” Gibson knocked down a nice three pointer to finish with 5 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assists, 1 steal off the bench. Ragsdale team could be in for a pleasant suprise. Miranda “Quiet Assassin” Jenkins saw limited action after sustaining a ankle injury on a hustling defensive play. She hobbled along to finish with 5 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist. Will be one of the key components in Coach Tina Gunn system at Eastern Guilford. Desiree “Double D ” Drayton who can make any coach look good because of her quickness and athleticism scored 5 points, 11 rebounds, 7 steals, 1 assist and hit three straight crucial free throws while the game was still in doubt. Coleges love her game and she will be very vital in Dudley success if they are going to contend for a State Championship. Victoria “I Got Game ” Davis had 4 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists will be a welcome addition for Parkland as she moves on from an All Conference season at Forsyth. Do not be surprise if Parkland is not contending for the State Championship. Jasmine “Secreteriat of Defense “Cromartie had 1 point 4 rebounds 1 block as she adjusted to her new teammates. JC “The Penetrator” Frazier scored 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 rebound. She should get plenty of playing time as she gives Helen Terry and Brionna Patterson a rest during the year for Dudley.

In game two Galaxy played a tough Woodbridge Elite Team that had everyone wanting to see. The game was close until Galaxy turned it up a notch and pulled away with a 71-39 victory. Brittany continued her torrid shooting by knocking down 16 points, 1 assists, 3 steals, 2 rebounds. Khadeja had 11 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks. Jasmine adjusted to her new teammates and finish with a strong game of 10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists. Jamilla arrived in time from her test and contributed 8 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks. She is highly recruited. She also converted on both freethrows. Victoria hustled and powered her way to 8 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals. Miranda continue to hobble and contributed 8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals,1 block. Desiree scored 3 points, 4 rebounds. Chell chipped in 3 points and 1 rebound. JC ran the offense and scored 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal and continued the defensive pressure. Katrina finished with 2 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal. Great team effort in the win.

Game three was a rematch with Wake Forest Wizards whom they loss to back in the Spring in double overtime. It looked like the Wizards had the Galaxy number by getting off to a 10 to 1 start and their fans were in a frenzy. But Galaxy showed great composure and went on a 56 to 32 run to win 57-42. Galaxy inside presence made all the difference in the world. They wore down the tall Wizards led by Khadeja 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks. Victoria 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist. Jamilla had 10 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block. Jasmine grabbed 6 rebounds and scored 2 points. Brittany kept the Wizards at bay by knocking down 7 points, 3 steals, 2 assists, 1 rebound. JC had her best game by scoring 6 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists. She kept the pressure on their guards to keep them from getting in to a set offensive pattern. Desiree grabbed 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 assists. Chell scored 2 points, 2 rebounds along with 2 for 4 from the charity stripe. Miranda limped her way to 2 points, 3 assists, 2 steals, 3 rebounds. Super win for Galaxy.

Now that Galaxy had three straight wins under their belts, there were still some questions surrounding game four that was to be played on Sunday. They had to answer the questions as to how were they going to win since new talented additions Victoria, Jasmine and Jamilla had already commited to a previous engagement to play in the Hoops Dreams tournament that was being held in Greensboro at the Sports Complex under the watchful eye of college scouts? Secondly, they still had to get adjusted to Chell and JC who had never been in a big game like this with them? Thirdly, they had Miranda one of their key players who could barely move around on Saturday would have to play more minutes with the team that she has played with in key situations for three years? This is why Coaches are so vital in situations like this. The great ones figure out a way to get it done. Coach Simpson, Fonville and Jackson some how found a way.

In the final game of the event Galaxy was pitted against a very talented team called the Fume Elite. Several of the players had been a part of the powerful Queen City Jewels whom Galaxy has never beaten. Plus they had girls from all over. It looked like from the very start that it would be a repeat performance. Fume was hitting shots from the inside and outside and for a moment it looked like Galaxy would be blowned out of the gym and settle for a great weekend at 3 and 1. Galaxy was trailing at the half 25 to 20. Some how they came together again and got on a role. Khadeja had her best game when needed the most. She dominated the interior and had great hands in receiving passes and finishing. She had a double-double 13 points, 13 rebounds. Miranda whom had been hampered all tournament was moving much better after and over night rest. She was around 60% game time. She knocked down the first shot on a runner and went on to finish with 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal. Brittany scored 8 points, 1 assist and ran the offense. Desiree almost had a double double with 8 points,11 rebounds,3 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal. She made one play that left the crowd breathless when she rebounded, out ran the entire team and finished with a left hand lay up that could only be described if you were there to see it. Chell played really hard and scored 4 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists. Katrina had 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block and JC dished out 1 assist and put enormous pressure on their guards. Super win by a team that seems to know how to answer questions when ever doubt seems to be at hand.

In closing it was a great Tournament and year for the Galaxy Girls AAU 15u Team. Couple with the 4 wins this past weekend they won more games than any other Galaxy girls team. They won 31 games and loss 11. They competed locally, State wide and Nationally and never had a losing record in any tournament. They played games in Ashville, Burlington, Durham, Atlanta, Tennessee and Greensboro. They gain valuable travel experience and even when funds were low they never allowed it to affect how they performed on the court. Many were wondering how would they come back from a National Championship year in 2007 and stay together and succeed? It seemed like they just moved along and their goal was to compete on a Division One level and any thing less was not an option. They had their core in tact from the National Championship Team. Desiree Drayton, Brittany Drew, Keandra Hicks, Khadeja Wilkerson and Miranda Jenkins. They added Katrina Gibson who contributed very well and should really help Ragsdale this year. There were others that chipped in along the way but the ones mentioned were the ones that made it to the finish line. They had a new coaching staff led by Coach Stuart Simpson and Coach Rick McClean. They got the chance to learn what Show Cases were and yet never alowed it to affect their desire to win and play as a team. So often when kids hear the word Show Case they tend to try to do things that they are not accustome to doing and tend to pick up bad habits all in the name of doing well. Many of these young ladies who have been under the radar might not be as much under the radar as many may think when it comes to college coaches looking for future prospects. They have shown the ability to win on a National stage. They are 12 and 4 over the last two years. They have played in two Show cases (Atlanta and Duke University) They are a combined 9 and 1. Plus they have performed well at their respective highschools during the past year as ninth graders. Above and beyond their athletic skills they are friends off the court. They support each other during the year by attending each others games when their team is not playing. They communicate on a daily basis and perform well in the class room. It looks as if they have learn to combine athleticism, smarts and team play to formulate a winning atmosphere and then allow the chips to fall as they may and everything else that comes with it. If they have the same team that performed this past weekend and it is marketed right going in to Spring next year, this team could be something very special at any age level Nationally.

9 thoughts on “GREENSBORO GALAXY goes 4 and 0 at DUKE SHOWCASE

  1. First of I would like to say that is article reminds me of the McCain and Palin campaign (incorrect information). Check your facts on things that are said in your article. Katrina I believe goes to Ben L. Smith High School and I also believe Coach Simpson’s name is Shawn not Stuart. Fact #2 if it had not been for J’mia Pollack playing with the Greensboro Galaxy team, which should not be listed as 15 and U since J’mia and Jazmine are seniors, then the big name coaches would not have been watching. Thirdly, there is not a school in Winston named Forsyth, therefore I will correct that also. Miss Victoria Davis played for North Forsyth High School. There are other issues that could be mentioned about the article but they may take up too much space and times. I think at times people have a false perception of really what they have and what they may know. It is interesting to know how recruitable these kids really are based on GPA and extracurricular activities within the school because college coaches look for that also. IT IS NOT ALWAYS HOW MANY POINTS YOU SCORE BUT INTANGIBLES THAT CAN BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED BY COACHES AND PARENTS.

  2. Stu, part two is due up in a few days and if we can find him, we’ll have former ESPN announcer Dan Patrick look into all of this.

  3. Staurt

    You are correct. The coach name is Shawn and not Stuart. But the last name Simpson is correct. Secondly in Victoria case the name Forsyth was used with out ever saying which one. Glad you felt the need to name the exact school. Thirdly are you sure that Katrina is at Smith or at Ragsdale? If you may have noticed the 15 u was specified because that was the group that was invited and the Galaxy squad that made it to the Classic Championship runnerup finish were in that age group. It was nice that they also competed and played with and against young athletes that were older and still held their own like they have done all year. I believe that you might be really mistaken if you think that the coaches would not have come if it were not for the ones you just mention. I guess Pat Summit just showed up along with UCLA, NC State, Alabama, Texas, Xavier, Oklahoma, UNC etc.. at the Nationals in Clarksville, Tennessee this past summer because they had nothing else to do. You are correct that GPA is vitally important and should always be at the forefront. But whatever intangle a player might have when they hit that court, it is best that they have at least one of these ingredients; The ability to defend,rebound, make assists, score,block shots, hit free throws, dribble if one handles the ball on a consistent basis and is a good teammate. Anything less than that, coaches will find someone on the college level when it comes to recruiting who does. It is how they keep their jobs; There is no mistake when it comes to that.

  4. Stuart:
    It is very apparent to most of us fun loving, law abiding citizens …Republic and Democratic alike that you; yourself are overly frustrated, irritated and extremely critical regarding the accomplishments of these young people… regardless of who they are…
    or who they want… and strive to be. They were present… They actually did win… Yes or no? What’s really your issue?

    Let us ALL remind (STUART)… (Who may or may not be an adult… we absolutely hope not …with this type mentality against the youth …you qualify as the perfect candidate for the scum of the earth club)… Get a life… Leave kids alone … or make yours better… OOPS!

    Remember Stuart:
    GREENSBORO SPORTS…. IS A “MEDIA DELIVERY” AVENUE MADE AVAILABLE TO CITZENS OF GREENSBORO AND SURROUNDING AREAS…
    GREENSBORO SPORTS IS FOR, AND ABOUT YOUTH ATHLETICS, BASKETBALL, FOOTBALL, CHEERLEADING OR TRACK – THAT SEEK TO EXCELL. HEY BUD… LET’S KEEP IT THAT WAY… NEXT TIME CAUGHT THE RHINO TIMES, THEY DON’T PICK ON KIDS!

    STUART: Every thought how you depict yourself in the in the media?

    We say “TAKE YOUR “BEEF” SOMEPLACE ELSE… SOUNDS PERSONAL.
    Can you really be proud of yourself? What A LOSER!

  5. well. whoever this stuart dud or gurl is you are very imature because these are kids and whoever you are must be a hater anyway get a life and either you have a child that cant play basketball or you cant play or maby your just mad at some people on this team if any of these are your reasons for writing waht you wrote your stupid as hell!!!!!!!!!!!!

  6. I was directed to this article by a friend and I’m glad that I was. I was at the showcase and actually saw this team play throughout the tournament. I must say that the author of this writing described these young ladies and their abilities with a little sensationalism. I’ve along with a few others have seen these players grow over the years at different venues. Judging from a professional view there are two maybe three players that could have a chance at a BIG DI level school. Ms. Drew, Ms. Drayton and Ms. Wilkerson. The article while informative an entertaining seems to say “I have ties to the organization or I’m related to one of the players.” Ladies and Gentlemen please don’t make the mistake of “Believing the Press” of any player. Less than two percent of high school senior athletes will attend a college with a scholarship offer. I Know because I see it every year. Prepare you kids for “The life after sports now.” Some of you may ask how did you come up with just three players from our team and why not my child? Simple. Recruiters not only watch your kids but keep up on other details about possible prospects. Some kids are watched as early as middle school. What you child does on the court isn’t the only thing thats considered. Attitude,Grades, SAT Scores, Club memberships are just a few other things that go into the equation. We also talk to coaches, teachers and anyone we can get a reference from. Ms. Drew you have come along nicely over the past couple of years. Keep the confidence in you shooting, ball handling an move your feet more on defense. Ms. Drayton you’re a joy to watch. You have the potential to become a Big Draw for a lucky coach. Awesome vertical, Great hands on defense. Ms. Wilkerson you have a ways to go. You’ll have the size but you need to develop your skills. You’re just a freshman so you still have time and you have a good teacher in your high school coach. Also remember ladies GRADES!!! No grades no scholarships and thats why you’re playing AAU. BE seen, Be offered, Be ready to go. Ms. Jenkins it wasn’t your best weekend. You’ve been viewed at other venues. Your biggest problem is attitude. Your attitude goes along away. You may have a chance to be picked up but by who will depend on you. All of you still have some growing to do but the time will come faster than you know. Senior year will you have or have not? Parents will they be prepared or not? Has your organization done everything for your child or just taken your money. Don’t be a victim and believe me we will be watching.

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