Eight Firecrackers named to All-GymRat CHALLENGE Team

The GymRat CHALLENGE, well-recognized as a launching pad for rising talent and a place where future stars begin shining brightly, announced their All-Tournament Teams on June 20. Eight Firecrackers, below, were honored by the tournament committee.

16u All-GymRat CHALLENGE Team
Emily Esposito, 5-9 guard, Maine Firecrackers-Clement/Gorham: A high IQ player with a strong motor. Will post up to take advantage on the blocks as well as stepping out to knock down open shots. Versatile game off the dribble. Ability to pull up and shoot, or hesitate and go. Confident player who wants the ball. St. Joe’s, Boston College, Marist, Maine showing interest.

Kelsey Shaw, 5-10 power forward, Maine Firecrackers-Clement/Mt. Desert Island: A smart, hard-working player who exudes confidence and shoots from long-range and from mid range. Plays well within the system and keeps the defense honest. A lefty who pushes the ball up and weaves to score. Real ball-hawk on defense. Stonehill, Assumption, St. Michael’s showing interest.

16u Honorable Mention
Brooke Howard, 5-8 forward, Maine Firecrackers-Clark

14u All-GymRat CHALLENGE Team
Anna DeWolfe, 5-6 point guard, Maine Firecrackers/Greely: Confident, savvy point guard; fearless passer; plays with a touch of flare; enjoys displaying a stylistic element in her game; has a sufficient mid- to long range jump shot, but is most often in penetrate mode; proficient with both hands; can push tempo effortlessly; finishes smoothly at the rim; active hands in passing lanes; stealthy defender; demonstrates a rare combination of quickness and speed; equal parts playmaker and scorer.

Mackenzie Holmes, 6-2 center, Maine Firecrackers/Gorham: Powerful, dominant presence; plays the game as a traditional, back-to-basket center; impressive mobility and foot speed for size; makes quality instantaneous decisions on the catch; possesses a range of crafty, polished post moves; finishes with the left hand; almost unstoppable inside five feet of the basket; can finish in traffic and thru contact; not a pure shot blocker, but often disrupts penetration; excellent help defender. Not only the tallest, but the most skilled interior post player in the division.

Faith Blethen, 6-1 forward, Maine Firecrackers/Boothbay: Long, agile small/power forward; has respectable outside shooting ability; can get up and down the court in transition; game comes naturally; does not need to force offense; can operate around the perimeter, but possesses solid post technique; finishes with the left hand; presents mismatch opportunities due to length and mobility; rebounds well on defense; bothersome in passing lanes; large potential for offensive growth.

14u Honorable Mention
Ally Turner, 5-10 forward, Maine Firecrackers
Eva Mazur, 5-9 forward, Maine Firecrackers