Join me in introducing the Lady Heels Elite straight from Greenville! This team has the drive, a fearless mindset, and will be playing with a chip on their shoulder to earn their keep! Everyone has bought into the organization’s mission and that’s a scary sight. There’s nothing worse than one team all on the same page! Their “anyone can get it” mentality will put them in the limelight this summer.
The girls side to this organization started about five years ago. They’ve been slowly but surely transferring over to more of an elite program over the years. Loyalty, sportsmanship, work ethic, and family are the focal points for this program. Heavy emphasis on the family aspect. The way they approach anything is decided by the family.
The team dynamic has changed to where the coaching staff is very confident in their teams battling anyone in the nation. They have every piece they need to go to war with teams. In this game, there will always be top dogs, and they want all the smoke.
Let’s meet the savages from the Carolinas…
17U
First up is Ka’Nyah O’Neal (G, 5’10, 2023, Southside HS). When you talk about dynamic scorers, she has to be in the conversation. She led the state of NC in scoring averaging 31.7 ppg, 4th in the nation. Simply put she’s a bucket. For as much damage she can cause on the court, this is the most humble, selfless kid you’ll ever meet. She won’t ever brag about her success, accolades, or any next level stuff. She cares for the family atmosphere, and solely focuses on her development. She strives to be the best she can be.
Armani Reid (PG, 5’9, 2023, Southwest HS), girls’ basketball player of the year in her conference! Year after year, she progresses to another level. This is an official breakout year for her so be ready. Standing at 5’9, Reid is a do it all point who knows how to get the job done. She averaged 22 ppg, 8rpg, 5spg, 1 bpg. Going into the aau season, she is on the same type of time and will be filling all the stat sheets. It will certainly be a sight to see Reid paired up with O’Neal in the backcourt this summer.
Shileyia Williams (Post, 6’1, 2023, Rocky Mount HS) is the heartbeat of the Lady Heels Elite! She’s a swiss army knife and her passion for the game makes her one of a kind. She broke a bone in her foot last year, healed 100%, and came back without missing a beat. She believes in “we not me” and thrives to get better any chance she gets. Williams’ athleticism jumps off the page. For example, she’s also a track athlete and competes in every event. She’s a big body post who can hurt you from inside and out. The girls look at her as a leader and she carries herself in that manner.
Watching Aquarius Pettaway (F, 5’11, 2022, North Pitt HS), reminds people of old school powerhouse basketball. She was a walking double-double in her time at North Pitt. This is a physically dominant post player working towards an opportunity. Every team has that one player who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty. She seeks out contact and loves to battle down low in the trenches. Pettway is also in the 1000 point club!
16U
Lailana Harris (CG, 5’7, 2025, Perquimans County HS) has natural talent as a young guard. Harris is such a high IQ guard, people are often surprised by her age. Her understanding of the game allows her to be very aware of the best opportunities for the team. She scores at a high clip with top tier confidence. This athlete was the leading scorer on her 21-5 high school team and led them through a successful run in the playoffs. She will be a sight to see this summer and for the years to come.
Crishya Sellers (Post, 5’9, 2025, Perquimans County HS) is a freakish athlete! It’s something you have to see to understand her numbers. She averaged 11 rebounds per game as a freshman. Sellers is a true heart over height player and welcomes any challenges. As well as Harris, both players are still young but the future is bright.
Kaitlin White (Wing, 5’9, 2025, Washington HS) is an uber athlete as well. For one of the youngest players in the program, she is the fastest of the bunch. Mixing in her speed, size, and mentality makes her one of the most dominant defensive players in the program. Some players love to score, some love to pass, defense is where she makes her money. White covers all 94 feet and has very active hands averaging about 8 steals per game. This young group will make a lot of noise in the upcoming months.
Every athlete, parent, coach, etc. has bought into the way they do things and the girls are starting to build a strong camaraderie. The goal is to give the players the opportunity to gain the exposure they deserve. It’s long overdue! With those opportunities, there is no doubt they will get the offers and interest they’re looking for.