Shoot4ACure Recap: Prospects to Watch

By Kayley Joseph-Bernard

Shoot 4 a Cure is a basketball showcase and fundraising event that uses basketball to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research. This past weekend, this showcase celebrated its 15th anniversary at York University, and teams from Canada and the US came to compete for an amazing cause. These are some of the girls that really stood out from that weekend.

Crestwood Preparatory

Dinara Horsford (2027), 5’5, North York

A guard with a smooth handle that is capable of putting pressure on the rim and drawing fouls. She can finish through contact and take the ball coast to coast. Defensively, she shines; she is aggressive and applies consistent pressure the whole way down the court.

Maayen Gorin (2027), 5’7, Israel

A skilled guard who can maneuver through pick-and-roll situations with ease. She can push the ball in transition and can create scoring opportunities for both herself and her teammates. Her quick first step helps her get to the rim and draw fouls or cause the defence to collapse, to which she can find her teammates.

Fort Erie

Amelia Sow (2027), 6’0, Quebec

A forward with guard skills and the ability to run an offence. She has a smooth, effective mid-range jumper and can shoot beyond the arc. Her playmaking is also exceptional, especially in transition; she finds people and gets the ball out quickly. Her footwork in the post is very good; she has great patience down on the low block. Her size helps her defensively as she is able to apply pressure 94 feet away from the basket.

Royal Crown

Akeila Bailey (2027), 5’6, Toronto

A guard who is a capable shooter who can also create opportunities for herself by drawing fouls and attacking the basket. She is an effective passer who can thread the needle in the half-court and make smart outlet passes in the full court. She is also patient and composed with the ball. Defensively, she moves her feet well and keeps her hands up.

Reine-Marie Luke (2030), 5’6, Toronto

A guard who can score on all three levels, especially in the mid-range. Defensively, she has very quick hands and is capable of disrupting ball handlers.

Lincoln Prep

Samera Jeffers (2027), 5’10, Hamilton

A smaller forward that can also play guard. She can confidently bring the ball up and run a play. Her long arms help her to get in passing lanes, deflect passes and block shots. Her biggest strength is her post work; she understands how to establish position and seal defenders. She also has great footwork and a touch around the rim.