Take Five: Day Three Of 2011 USA Women's U16 National Team Trials

Colorado Springs, Colo. • May 28, 2011

The trials roster for the 2011 USA Women's U16 National Team is down to 53 athletes after two rounds of roster reduction on Saturday. The competition to be on of the 12 members of the 2011 USA Women's U16 National Team has heated up, and the focus is on scrimmages from this point forward.

USABasketball.com caught up with five of the trials participants to hear how trials have gone for them thus far and their reactions to making it through to Sunday.

Jordin Canada (Windward School/Los Angeles, Calif.)
How does it feel to make it through the first and second round of cuts?
It feels really good. It's been really hard playing against a lot of talented players here, and I'm really fortunate to make it this far. Hopefully I can continue.

How do you feel you have been playing?
It's a big experience, and it feels good playing with different girls. I'm getting used to it. But I'm playing very well, and I'm proud of myself.

How do you feel physically?
I feel pretty good.

Is the experience what you expected?
I had no idea what to expect. I was really nervous coming in here when I found out there were 120 girls, so I knew it was going to be a tough challenge and I'd have to play a lot of defense and go hard on every possession.

What’s been the best part so far?
The most fun part is getting to know the girls, making new friends and learning new things from different coaches.

Alaina Coates (Dutch Fork H.S./Irmo, S.C.)
How does it feel to make it through the first and second round of cuts?
It feels good to know that I have enough talent to get this far, because to tell you the truth I thought I was doing really bad. I had three flights in one day, and the first day I didn't do all that well. Then I didn't eat today because I lost track of time. But I feel honored to be at this point.

Other than your first day struggles, how do you feel you have been playing?
I felt like the first day I was here, I felt kind of out of my element, but things are getting better for me.

How do you feel physically?
I feel better now. I've warmed up, and I got plenty of rest last night. I've been eating well, and I'm making sure that I'm taking care of myself.

Is the experience what you expected?
It was different because I knew girls were invited, but I didn't realize until later that there was an application process, too. I think having more girls makes you push yourself and there is more competition.

What’s been the best part so far?
The best part has been playing with new people. Me and one other girl are from South Carolina, so I really didn't know anybody. I'm meeting lots of new people, and it's fun.

Kaela Davis (Buford H.S./Suwanee, Ga.)
How does it feel to make it through the first and second round of cuts?
It's a great feeling to know you put in a lot of hard work, and it's paying off. Everything you have worked for up until this point is paying off.

How do you feel you have been playing?
I feel like I'm playing well. I feel like I'm doing the right things -- communicating well, getting my teammates the ball and doing the things I know how to do best.

How do you feel physically?
It's hard. It's not an easy process, with the altitude change and how much scrimmaging we do. It's kind of tough, but I prepared myself and I've played schedules like this before. It's just going to come down to a mental thing.

Is the experience what you expected?
It's almost the same as last year when I tried out for the U17 team. It's tough on your body. You have to stay hydrated and make sure you are doing the right things -- not acting crazy -- and that you are staying off of your feet. Last year definitely helped me a lot for this year.

What’s been the best part so far?
The most fun part is just getting to know everybody. I usually play up with everything I do, and I don't really know a lot of girls from my class and the class below. So, I think this is great to meet so many girls that are in my class from all over the country, not just from where I live. Meeting everybody and feeling everybody out is a great experience.

Linnae Harper (Whitney M. Young H.S./Chicago, Ill.)
How does it feel to make it through the first and second round of cuts?
It's very exciting and shocking at the same time because there were over 100 girls, and even though I was invited, it's still tough. You just have to work hard.

How do you feel you have been playing?
I think my nervousness is overcoming me. I'm holding back a little bit. So, hopefully, over the next day, I break out of my shell and play my game.

How do you feel physically?
I'm fine. My body is doing great. I had to adjust to the alitude -- that was a little shakey at first, but I'm over it now.

Is the experience what you expected?
I thought we would be more separated, into smaller groups, but it's OK. They have to see everybody, so that's part of the process.

What’s been the best part so far?
Getting to know everybody. There are people from all over, and you get to know their lifestyle. So, I think the most fun part is getting to meet new people.

Taya Reimer (Hamilton Southeastern H.S./Fisher, Ind.)
How does it feel to make it through the first and second round of cuts?
It's awesome. I feel really honored. There are so many good girls here -- I mean 120 girls. It's amazing that I made it all the way to Sunday, and hopefully I'll be there Monday, too.

How do you feel you have been playing?
I feel like I've done really well so far. I'm trying to bring a lot of different aspects, not just the scoring, like rebounding, running the floor, passing and being a team player. They are looking for a lot of different stuff. I think I've done well so far.

How do you feel physically?
I'm beat. It's tough. The altitude really hasn't been that bad, but I'm sore.

Is the experience what you expected?
I don't know if it's what I expected. It's kind of one of those things where I didn't know what to expect. I've had a great time so far.

What’s been the best part so far?
It's really fun to get to know all of the girls. That's probably the best part. And just to play against all the best girls in your age group.