Xpress Enjoys Inaugural Season Success

2023 All-Ohio Xpress

Experience has taught us that the creation of “super teams” does not always lead to success.  However, Coach Kelly Peeks’ 2023 All-Ohio Xpress squad has proven that a team made up mostly of star players can succeed if handled correctly. Case in point, so far this season All-Ohio Xpress has reached the championship game of each of the 12 tournaments the team has entered.  In addition, in all but 2 of those tournaments All-Ohio won the title.  If that wasn’t impressive enough, the Xpress team only played their age division 1 time, and played up in the 8^thand 9^thgrade divisions in most events.

When Coach Kelly assembled this team earlier this year one of the primary goals centered around finding the best competition available. To that end, over the course of the season All-Ohio routinely faced national level competition. Specifically, All-Ohio defeated Alabama Southern (by 11 points), who were not only the 2017 AAU National Champions, but were widely considered the #1 or #2 ranked team in the country. Moreover, on that team was Madison Booker, one of the top 7^thgraders in the nation.  It’s safe to say, based on their body of work this season, All-Ohio in not only the consensus #1 ranked team in Ohio, but they can make the case for top 5 nationally.

Obviously, in order to achieve the level of success the Xpress has enjoyed this season the roster has to have talent.  According to our own Buckeye Prep 2023 Top Player list, a majority of the players on this team are ranked.  The Xpress roster includes: Raven Raye-Redmond, Taylor Stanley, Carly Prows, Zyaire Miller, Gabby Martin, Lasonja Hill, Grace Barnes, KylaIrby, Mekhia Shipp and Kesha Francisco. We’ve had a chance to evaluate most of these players, as they excelled at our elite showcase back in the spring.  

We asked Coach Kelly to describe her team's style of play; to what she attributes her team's success; and her coach philosophy. "Controlled Up-tempo and organized transition is our style; however, they are prepared to play any team at any tempo," said Peek.  "We play with passion and control the controllablessuch as defense, conditioning, making smart plays, rebounding and winning 50/50 opportunities. If shots don't fall, all those things players can control when they step on the court - this will keepthem close in every game. If you are doing these things you are having fun," Peek said.  In terms of their success, "...same fundamentals taught at every position (i.e., ball handling, shooting and post work); strong basketball IQ of the PGs; tenacious defense; we can run the floor at every position; and we plan and play each game with 3 words, energy, effort and execution," continued Peeks.

All-Ohio will wrap up their season next week playing in a U14/U15 division at an exposure event in Atlanta, GA. Congratulations to the All-Ohio Xpress and Coach Kellyfor their outstanding season!  We hope to see most of the above players at are fall elite showcase scheduled for September 8^th& Camp; 9^th.