Darby Maggard
'15 Watch List point guard Darby Maggard. *Photo by Ty Freeman.
MASON, Ohio - The Memorial Midwest Showdown showcased some of the best talent in the region over the Memorial Day weekend. Some of the regions top travel teams met at Magees Courts 4 Sports for some top shelf competition. Heres a look at some of the players that played well during this event.
Darby Maggard (Larwill, Ind.), Spiece Gym Rats Silver - 2015
Dynamite comes in small packages and that perfectly describes what Maggard brings to the game each time she steps on the floor. The 5-foot-3 point guard is one of the most efficient and effective point guards that our staff has seen. Her ability to shoot the ball from practically anywhere on the court forces defenses to play her close, which opens up scoring opportunities for her teammates. As one of our staff members put it, she is a Killer on the court. During the semifinal game at the Midwest Showdown, Maggard hit a shot from beyond the arc to send the game into overtime. The Gym Rats eventually won to advance to the finals to faceoff with a very talented All Ohio Black team.
The argument can be made that pound-for-pound and inch-for-inch, Maggard is a point guard that is an asset to any program. Her high basketball I.Q. harmonizes with her shot-making ability. As the 2015 point guard continues to fine tune her game, the attention she draws will constantly increase. She does the little things well, which in turn makes big things happen.
AROUND THE RIM
♦ Players that totally utilize their size and talents always catch attention. Tyra James of Cincinnati, Ohio, is just that player. The 5-9 small forward showed that she could score around the rim as well as step out and hit shots from beyond the arc.
♦ With the absence of Asia Durr to USA U16 trials, the Georgia Pistols needed offensive production from the supporting cast. Brianna Cummings of Lawrenceville, Ga., played more aggressive offensively along with the sharp shooting of Joshlyn Belcher from Suwanee, Ga.
♦ McKenzy Telfair of Indianapolis, Ind., is a player with a great motor and frame to match. We were impressed with the versatility of her game. She is a good all-around player on both ends that is sure to catch college coaches attention this summer.
♦ Raw talent and strong physical attributes are what Jayla Scaife of Muncie, Ind., brings to the table. This young small forward has a great feel for the game.
♦ One of the most athletic players that we saw at the Midwest Showdown was Jania McKay of Gainesville, Fl. She is quick with the basketball and has the ability to navigate traffic with ease. The 2015 point guard has creativity that opens up scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. Follow @StephenPeckPSB
