By Roekwan Holmes: @Unstoppable_23
Team Loaded has been a solidified contender every year with Insider Exposure, so you can guarantee they will be returning with the same energy. The name holds weight. Team Loaded has a lengthy track record when it comes to pushing high school athletes to the next level and pros. They expanded recently to NC but we are going to focus on where it all started, Virginia.
This is a family oriented organization. As you look into this team, you’ll notice the bonds they have is stronger than just being teammates. Even with the parents, they enjoy seeing each other during practices and events. Everyone has bought into the cause and it shows. When everyone is on board and wants the same thing, you have a well oiled machine going on.
The pandemic altered a lot of lives when it comes to basketball but especially those who are about to graduate. The older kids in this organization are ready to take full advantage of this exposure opportunity. If anything this Covid pandemic made this group stronger. It taught them about perseverance, resiliency, and fighting adversity. As of right now, they are just rolling with the punches and not taking anything for granted.
The twin power is in full effect with these two players. Cali Levine (SG, 5’8, 2022) and Jeni Levine (PG, 5‘8, 2022). Social distancing works for many situations but not when defending Cali. She will shoot the lights out the gym with no hesitation. If you watch her put up 100 shots, the form never changes. Great follow through, quick release, and steps into all of her shots. The team sets her up for a lot of shots but she can create her own opportunities as well. She moves well without the ball and understands spacing. She can go on a roll and shoot multiple threes in a row. Defenders often try to play up on her and forget she has the size to take it to the lane as well. A real special player.
Jeni Levine is the missing piece to that 1-2 punch. She is going to mix things up. Jeni is the combo guard for this group. She controls the tempo on the floor and makes it happen. She’s a very crafty ball handler that knows how to create. She’ll hit a few crossovers, draw the defense in and then dime her teammates. Very high IQ floor general who knows how to take what the defense gives her. If they play off, she has no problem shooting it. If they play on-ball, she can blow past defenders. Really it’s the best of both worlds. Knowing her sister Cali is a sniper from deep, it makes things easier. Both players attend Staunton River HS in VA.
Amaya Pendleton (G, 5’9, 2022). There is no limit to what she can do. Pendleton has a college ready body frame. This is a big body G that can really move. Has the inside out game down pact and knows how to get a bucket. She has a scorer’s mentality and it’s hard to slow her down because of how many ways she can put the ball in the basket. The size and speed combo makes it nearly automatic when driving to the hoop, quick crossovers allow her to shoot the three ball, active hands and hustle allows her to score in transition. Super high motor! She will dive for the loose balls, play the passing lanes, get chase down blocks etc. She does whatever the team needs. Pendleton attends Albemarle HS in VA.
Sanai Hairston-Williams (F/C, 6’4, 2022) is the paint presence for this group. Extremely lanky rebounder and defender. She’s not the most aggressive player but you can’t teach size. She is a walking double double. Rebounds and blocks just come naturally to her. Being 6’4, the upside she has is skyhigh! If she keeps progressing, she’ll be an issue for the years to come.
Madeline Rice (G/F, 5’9, 2023) is your prototype 2 way player. If you want a high energy player that loves doing the dirty work, this is the athlete for you. She simply gets after it. A lot of people like the flashy offensive players. This is the ultimate negation of those players. A lot of her points come strictly from shutting the opposing ball handler down. A true downhill player that can score on multiple levels. She’s going to be that player that fits into any system because of how versatile she is. Rice attends St. Anne’s-Belfied HS in VA.
Cierra McGinaly (G/F, 5’7, 2023) is extremely versatile and hasn’t reached her highest ceiling yet! This is a tough physical player. She handles the ball and finishes well around the rim. Her frame is perfect for absorbing contact when she drives through the lane. She’s going to be that player that boxes out big players, snag rebounds, and goes coast to coast on the break. If she has space, she’ll pull the trigger as well. McGinaly is a well rounded player. She attends Glen Rice HS in VA.
Sabrina Lewis (F, 5’8, 2023) has the perfect balance with finesse and physicality. Coach praised Lewis claiming her form and touch on her jumpshot is ridiculous. Her jumpshot is smooth as silk. You can tell she is a confident shooter because even under pressure, she’s unfazed. The physical portion comes on the other side of the ball. She knows how to fight for position when rebounding. Makes the necessary outlet pass and runs the floor very well. After a few shots, defenders may think she’s strictly a shooter but Lewis can switch it up at any time. She attends St. Anne’s-Belfield HS.
Micayah Holland (G/F, 5’9, 2023) will most likely be the quickest kid on the floor at all times. She is a two sport athlete who is involved in track and basketball. She received multiple accolades such as being a two time state champion in the 55 meter dash and a state champion in the 300 meter dash. Transferring that to the basketball scene will be scary. Her motor is relentless. She doesn’t mind doing the dirty work either. Great role player.
Trinity Dale (PG, 5’6, 2024) has an amazing upside as a freshman. She was turning heads as a 7th grader! She has basketball IQ above her years. Dale gets busy with the ball in her hands. Very crafty, she makes multiple defenders fall and second guess guarding her. Her first step is deadly. She is a three level scorer with top tier facilitating vision. She’s young but fearless. Dale is not intimidated by the older players and knows playing against them is only going to make her better. She attends L.C. Bird in VA.
#FamilyScholarshipsChampionships is the motto for Team Loaded. They have so much to look forward to this year. The team that they formed was almost destined to be. Tryout sessions looked like they played together for years. When you mix a team that has the will to win and coaching expertise, you get the Loaded Way. Welcome to the IE League!