Team Preview: Kenner Angels (17U)

Kenner Angels (17U) (New Orleans, LA)

IG: Coach_a_heard

X: @Kennerangelsbasketball

Head Coach: Alton Heard

I spoke with Coach Heard as the Kenner Angels squad gets their 2024 spring and summer grassroots basketball season going. There is a lot of excitement surrounding this year’s team as Coach Heard believes that the girls can compete on a high level and get eyes from the next level on the girls. Look for the Angels to really be locked in on the defensive end of the floor as they will look to apply pressure man-to-man defense for 94-feet. Hopefully, with a constant wave of in-your-face pressure, their opponents will wear down and not have enough in the tank late in the game. Offensively, look for a heavy dose of pick-and-roll offense in an attempt to create number advantages for their guards.    

Key Players:

Bailey Timmons (5’7/CG/’26)

IG: baebae_bballing

X: @baebae_bballing

Bailey is a player who can play on and off the ball. She is a two-way talent as she is aggressive off the bounce and a good finisher at the rim, while defensively, she is highly disruptive with her on-ball pressure. She plays with a high motor and often outworks her opponents.

Ke’Sonja Nelson (5’6/PG)

Ke’Sonja is a true floor general with a lethal mid-range game. She is very good at getting by her defender and getting to her spots on the floor. As good as she is at creating her own offense, she is just as good at getting her teammates involved and facilitating the offense. She is a mentally tough lead guard who defends the opponent’s best guard every game.   

Keylin Dublin (6’1/Center)

Keylin is the woman in the middle who can also stretch the floor with the trey ball. On the inside, she has good post moves and impressive footwork. She is a very smart post player with scoring versatility. She will be a key to the Angels’ overall success this year.

Players To Keep An Eye On

Addison Pontiff is a blue-collar caliber player with a high IQ and a good feel for the game who does all the little things correctly. She constantly makes winning plays, which are not always scoring plays. Raven Bolds is a 6’1 8th-grader with a high ceiling. Many people in the Kenner Angels circle believe that she has the potential to be a future Power 5 player, and on that statement from Coach Heard, I am looking forward to seeing Raven in action. 

What Is The Key For Your Team To Have A Successful AAU Season?

When I ask coaches this question, I often prepare myself for a long answer, but Coach Heard was different as he simply said shooting. He believes if his team can shoot it at a high level, they will have a chance to be a really good team this year.