The LEADERS EXPRESS ORGANIZATION is fielding two high school teams, Black and White, this AAU season under the SA Islanders name.
The SA Islanders Black team is comprised mainly of freshman players and will be participating in Varsity divisions in a lot of "Showcase" tournaments around the state.
The Black team is led by the freshmen trio backcourt, Alexia Torres, Belle Tovar and Tara Molina. The starting backcourt forms one of the toughest freshman guard combinations in San Antonio and South Texas. Any one of the trio can go off on offense at any one time during the game, with Alexia and Belle adding an extra defensive prowess to the mix making it tough on opposing teams. They all possess nice handles with Tara having some of the smoothest in all of the City. All three are also slashers and can get to the basket creating their own shots or for their teammates. Lexy is the heart and soul of the team. She has a great court sense and vision and can pass on target with either hand. She is super quick and shifty. Belle is a "Player", tough competitor, has downtown range and doesn't like to lose. She is strong and can mix it up with posts. Tara can pump up the crowd with her moves and passes. Even though all three players can do the same things, all bring their own distinct personal flavor to their game. They are at their best in the open court. They all can hit from 3's or shoot off the dribble. When they get in a groove, they are a fun group to watch.
The front court features 5'11" freshman Erin Wimberley aka "Winner". A very underrated player because she doesn't come across flashy. She is steady, methodical, skilled and a very hard worker and highly coachable. She can hit the baseline jumper and is a very good passer.
Another freshman, Victoria Salinas compliments the team with her hard work ethic and love of the game. One of the best pure shooters from 10 to 15 feet out. She possesses a nice, smooth, effortless shot. Also has a good basic fundamental skill set enabling her to play various positions. She is constantly working to expand her offensive arsenal.
8th graders, Alexis Worley and Bri-Anna Soliz, will surprise a lot of people when they realize how young they really are. For starters Alexis at 6'3' and Bri have a presence about them that not many 8th graders possess. Alexis is easily one of the best post passers you are going see. She is aggressive and runs the court well. Once she gets more experience under her belt, she will be tough on both sides of the court. Once she shores up her shot around the basket, she will be tough to guard. Bri Soliz is super strong and has a very good skill set for any grade division much less for an 8th grader. She can hit midrange shots making it tough to guard. A very hard worker with a positive attitude. Her footwork is exceptional for someone so young.
With the majority of the team being 8th/9th grade and playing Varsity, it will make for an interesting season.
The SA Islander White team is working hard to be a team to be reckon with. They will be playing in the JV division primarily but will get a taste of Varsity in a few tournaments. A lot of the girls in the White Team are new to the AAU world. The majority of the players have played less than a year total in AAU ball.
The front court is tough. Emerging players, April Matthews and Arianna Craver, bring intensity, hustle, high energy and a lot of potential. They can cover a lot of space in defense. They are working to step up their game with fundamentals. They are slowly but surely working on their games to make names for themselves.
At 5'11", Hannah Murray has grown leaps and bounds since joining the team last year. She is on the path of becoming a great shot blocker. She is working hard to get stronger and finish around the basket. Shayla Pollard can become a beast if she continues to practice hard. She possesses a very good skill set, footwork and confidence in her game. Another Post is Teanna Peavy, a very athletic player. She is another track star in her own right and is working on her game to help out both teams in what is needed. Rebounding and defense is what she brings to the table right now. Guinevere Rodriguez rounds out the posts. She has grown figuratively and literally. She made large strides last year on both the defense and offense of ends. She is working on getting stronger and finishing around the basket. She can run the court as well.
New to the team are guards Lunden Patterson and Gabby Bernal. Lunden has a nice stroke beyond the arc and good mid range shot as well. She has a good understanding of the game and is a smart player. Gabby who is new to AAU is savvy and moves without the ball well. They both are working to get stronger, establishing a higher skill set and helping the team in whatever the team needs. Guards Brianna Lane and Julie Hernandez play the point. They both are fast and create havoc on the defense. They both are working on their shooting and range to elevate their game. They have come a long way in a very short time. They should grow tremendously overall this AAU season. Frankie Owens plays the 2 spot and can play the point as well if needed. Her shot beyond the arc needs to be respected. She is working hard on adding to her arsenal which include getting to the basket, creating shots and distributing the ball. Another point, Ashley Adaszczyk is only in 6th grade. She can break ankles with her exceptional ball handles. She is working on getting stronger and finding consistency in her shot. She will be one of the best players in San Antonio when she gets to High School, period. The heart and soul of the White Team is Erin Ashley aka "Awesome". When I first saw her on the court, she probably was one of least fundamental players on the team. Now through hard work, drive, desire and dedication, She is the one of the White Teams most fundamental player.
These young ladies from both teams exemplify what SA Islanders are all about.
Great students, hard workers, great kids and future LEADERS!!!!
Combine that with Great Supportive Parents and a hard working Coaching staff in Coach Oscar Antopia and Coach Drew Jefferson, good things are in store for SA Islanders, EXCLAMATION POINT.
