By Roekwan Holmes: @Unstoppable_23 (Twitter)
Small states on the northeast coast often have the narrative of not having much to offer. Being a CT Native, it is a hump we all have to encounter sometime. Slowly but surely, the northeast is becoming a powerhouse when it comes to all athletics. This organization has a homegrown gift. The Springfield Ballers is composed of local talent playing with a chip on their shoulder. They know being in a smaller state, being overlooked isn’t a surprise so they’ll be looking to shake things up on the circuit.
This program has seen some extensive growth since 2003. Started out with 4 teams and has now grown to 18! Well respected organization in the state of MA. They will be taking full advantage of the IE league this summer. They look forward to playing the best of the best and see what other states have to offer. Obviously covid slowed things down, so the main goals are to bounce right back. The Springfield Ballers want to show people that there is real talent out of a small market.
First up repping the Ballers is Yamaya Perez (PG, 5’10, 2022). Dual threat point guard that attends Holyoke High School in MA. Do it all type of player that’s only getting better. . She started last fall and has already surpassed that leadership role. Before we get into the skills of the player, it is important to know she is a high academic kid as well. The game comes natural to Perez. She’s had multiple 30+ point game glimpses. She’s that player that brings the best out of people. She looks to utilize her team and share the shine but she can also take over a game with ease. Every team needs a point guard who’s like a coach on the floor and that’s Perez. She is developing into the full package point guard. Currently receiving mid major interest. Projected to rise this summer.
Where Perez is more of the finesse type, Ashley Vazquez (PG, 5’4, 2022) is the bigger physical guard that’s going to bring it every time! She also attends Holyoke High School in MA. Strong ball handler that looks for the opportunity to blow past defenders and attack the rim. As the game progresses, she shows how extensive her game really is. Vazquez is also a knockdown shooter from the outside, so there is no way to predetermine how she’ll play. Overall, her toughness and physicality will stand out the most.
Julie Bahati (Wing, 6’2, 2023) is a big time forward for this group out of Springfield Central High School. She causes mismatches all over the court. She can post up down low and overpower or finesse her way to the bucket. An underrated trait is her ability to go from having her back to the basket to pivoting to a faceup position. She has solid handle/control which allows her to be a high post technician. Defensively, she runs the floor very well and can guard multiple positions. Versatility shines with this player.
Amany Lopez (CG, 5’8, 2023) is currently in the top 25 for scoring in the IE League. She has an IQ that allows her to play above her years. Being one of the younger players on the team, she shows great leadership qualities. For example, last year she competed vs Holyoke HS to lead her team to another Western Mass Division 1 final. As a freshman, she treated the game like a vet. This is a player that is not easily rattled and does exactly what her team needs to get the win. There really is no downside to her game but still so much space to get better. She has the size, the scoring ability, the ball handling ability, and motivation to be one of the better guards on the east coast for years to come.
Bianca Ortiz (CG, 5’6, 2023) is that lucky lefty each team needs. She attends Holyoke HS in MA. Coach raved about the physical and mental toughness of this player. Hardnosed point guard who is fearless when it’s gametime. Great three point shooter, nice stop and pop game from the free throw line, finishes through contact against bigger players, and defends all 94 ft. Can’t ask for much more. Ortiz is an offensive threat who has a great feel for the game. Currently receiving a lot of mid major interest.
Jordis Tautalatasi (PG, 5’4, 2023) is the glue player for the Springfield Ballers. If the coach says get ‘em, best believe they are shut down! Jordis is another hardnosed, fearless player who enjoys locking down her opponent. She provides the team with an energy boost! She thrives in the open court and in the passing lanes. When she causes a turnover, she flips the switch and speeds up the court. Offensively, she is also a knockdown shooter. She has the two way playstyle teams look for. She attends Springfield Central HS in MA.
Heaven Morris (G, 5‘7, 2022) is the sleeper player of the group. She attends Springfield Central HS in MA. She just stepped out of her shell this year. Slowly but surely, she’s turning into a more dominant player. Sneaky athletic! She beats defenders off the first step, slashes to the lane, and finishes through contact. Morris has the size and finesse to battle with most players. She will be a sight to see this summer.
Ella Florence (F, 5’9, 2023) will be looking to bounce back strong this summer. She just returned off an injury and hasn’t missed a beat. She puts the “power” in power forward. Florence is a strong physical presence in the paint. She fights for every rebound and contests every shot. She has a nice touch around the basket and can extend her game to the mid range. The injury and covid has slowed things down for her but she is now battling back and has a chip on her shoulder. She attends Chicopee HS in MA.
Brooklyn Olivero (G, 5’9, 2023) and Jordyn Robinson (Wing, 5’8, 2023) are two players to watch on this circuit. Brooklyn is a bigger guard which allows her to be more of a situational player. She does every little thing well. Being the sixth man off the bench she provides the team with valuable minutes. Robinson is a long athletic player that has point guard vision. This is a very versatile player who also comes off the bench. Both players have a motor that is undeniable. These are two sleeper players for sure and they both attend Springfield Central HS.
Mass is a small state with big time talent! Local homegrown ball players are my favorite because they compete to gain scholarships but also bring attention to their state in the process. The Northeast needs a lot of that. The talent is always there but smaller states get overlooked a lot. The Springfield Ballers will be looking to shake things up in the league and rep Mass in the best way possible.