I'll never forget the email I got from Jesse Torres, head coach and director for the San Antonio Islanders however I have forgotten what year it was but I'm thinking 2011/12 even though using the search bar only dates back to 2013 but that isn't correct, or is it. In the email he gave me a rundown of his team, I actually used to read the emails with evaluations back in the day and many made me stop when the nonsense started to snowball so was he correct, yes he was
FLASHBACK on SA ISLANDERS
That was a fun squad to watch especially when they knocked off teams with double digit D1 players pissing parents off from opposing teams, that's what used to keep me going because remember, it's not what you do, it's who you do it against and I'm always down for the underdog, for numerous reasons so this became a "must see" squad for me, multiple long ball shooters, very high BB-IQ, unselfishness on the court as well as just getting after it and playing the game
I caught the new look Islanders this past weekend at Austin Elite's Tyrone Johnson Showcase and they left a lasting impression but the impression started the night before for six of their players at the All Eyez On Me Individual Showcase so I'm giving them a page to themselves and no, this is not nepotism, this is SIMOTISM and it means whatever you want it to
'23 Viviana Moreno was one of the standouts during Session 1
READ MORE and here is a breakdown on the Islanders who were in Session 2
Gianna Gonzales-guard- made it look easy as she got to the rim with ease but her athleticism definitely created problems as she mixed up attacking basket or just showing range, mid to long consistently
Gabby Contreras-guard- there were an abundance of players that showed me they could shoot the midrange, Contreras does that, quite well. She also creates her shot under pressure and has a knack for being at the right place at the right time
Ali Meyer-guard- lone returnee from last years squad as everyone has graduated from that team so watching her leadership at the ONE, where the game starts wasn't new. She understands how to run a team, she has range, form is nice and she gets "it"
Jordan Lefler-guard-creates off the dribble and can get her shot off under pressure, it's accurate, good form plus she attacks well from the wing. She also brought heat on defense and played passing lane which I always love to see.
Presley Young-does many things well and just brought it at the event. Shooting the midrange is something I love to see, I say it over and over because it's a lost art, college coaches love it. She had one of the highest percentages at the Showcase plus she attacks well and uses her athleticism to her advantage on both ends
