WNBA MVP and Jordan Brand member Maya Moore is all smiles with MVP's Taja Cole (White) and Napheesa Collier (Black)
History was made as the Jordan Brand Classic for the first time fielded a girls all american game featuring 24 of the best girls high school basketball players in the country. With the urging of WNBA superstar Maya Moore, the Jordan Brand felt with its backing combined with the talent of the young ladies on hand, the game would prove to be entertaining and give the big apple a look into the future of the womens game. After the East team walked out 76-75 winners after trailing pretty much the entire game, im sure all on hand that witnessed the game would agree that the future of the womens game is in great hands. Louisville bound Taja Cole (Lloyd C Bird HS/ VA) pushed the West team out in front early and big with 9 points to open the game. Her blend of speed, shifty ball handling and ability to score from all three levels gave the East team problems from the start. Enter UConn bound Napheesa Collier. Truthfully speaking, if it wasn't for her heroics, the West would have won by a landslide. Collier ( 22 points (7-9FG)/ 13 rebounds/ 4 steals) would keep the East within striking distance throughout the game. However, as hot as Collier was, Cole was even hotter, hitting 10 out of 13 shots for 26 points to keep the West team ahead until the final minute. That's when Stephanie Watts introduced herself to Brooklyn. After a Cole jumper put the West up five with 56 seconds left, East guard Ali Patberg (Notre Dame) would get a steal and find a open Watts for 3 to bring the East within two, 75-73 with 24 seconds left. Cole would inbounds the ball and throw a deep outlet pass that was stolen by Collier. Collier would race up the court and find Watts once again, and with a defender all over her shot a deep three....nothing but net as the East took the lead by one 76-75 with 15 seconds left. Cole would race up court, shooting a desperation 3-pointer that came up short. East walked out 76-75 winners. A historic comeback win for a historic game. WNBA superstar Maya Moore presented Taja Cole and Napheesa Collier with the MVP awards. There were doubts, however the young ladies on hand proved to all that the girls game deserves to be a part of the Brands plans moving forward.
Historic jump ball
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