Tyasha Harris Named to U.S. U18 National Team
May 31, 2016
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina incoming freshman Tyasha Harris was one of 12 players earning a spot on the 2016 USA Basketball Women’s U18 National Team following three days of trials at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. It marks the third-straight summer that a Gamecock will participate in international competition. This is the first team selection for Harris, who also participated in the 2013 U16 trials.
The U18 National Team will return to Colorado Springs for training camp July 2-8 before departing for Chile to defend its gold medal in the 2016 FIBA Americas U18 Championship July 13-17 in Valdivia. Athletes eligible for this team must be U.S. citizens who are 18 years old or younger (born on or after Jan. 1, 1998).
“It is a very versatile, interchangeable team,” said Jim Foster, chair of the USA Basketball Women’s Junior National Team Committee, which is responsible for selecting the team members. “They can play a big lineup. They could go to a small lineup. We have a nice combination of athletic basketball players and shooters. I think they will be a good defensive basketball team with a lot of opportunities for different looks. I think it will be a fun team to coach.
“It is always a tough decision, and this was a little bit different, because we had two trials going on and two groups eligible for this team, the U17s and the U18s, which gave us a little more flexibility and an opportunity to really diversify the group.”
“The committee did a great job,” said USA head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio. “When you look at the players that we have been given to compete for a gold medal, I’m excited about the wealth of talent that we have. As far as when we go to compete, having players fulfill roles of being good point guards, shooters, play-makers, post players, some versatility, rebounding and defense. You look at the energy that this group brings, the excitement, and I’m really looking forward to working with them and preparing for Chile.”
Rounding out the coaching staff are Kamie Ethridge and Elon’s Charlotte Smith as assistant coaches.
USA Basketball U18 National Team
Jeannie Boehm, F, Winnetka, Ill.
Rellah Boothe, F, Ocala, Fla.
Chennedy Carter, G, Manfield, Texas
Sidney Cooks, F, Kenosha, Wis.
Lauren Cox, F, Flower Mound, Texas
Crystal Dangerfield, G, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Tyasha Harris, F, Noblesville, Ind.
Ruthy Hebard, F/C, Fairbanks, Alaska
Valerie Higgins, F, Granada Hills, Calif.
Amber Ramirez, G, San Antonio, Texas
Megan Walker, G, Chesterfield, Va.
Evina Westbrook, G, Salem, Ore.
