Not many freshmen get the opportunity to play alongside some of the best high school basketball players in the country. Cumberland Valley's Kelly Jekot didn't just play, she competed.
Jekot started her Memorial Day weekend as one of 124 hopefuls to land a roster spot on the USA Basketball Women's U16 Team. The Eagles 6-0 shooting guard ended as one of the final cuts after four long days of trials at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.
“I slept but I really didn't,” said Jekot, better known as jersey No. 199 for the past five days.
“I would say it changed me. I felt pretty good about the tryout. I worked my hardest and did everything I could to make it. Now I know I can work harder and accomplish more than I thought I could.”
On Monday, members of the Women's Developmental National Team Committee announced the 12-member roster that will compete at the 2013 FIBA Americas U16 Championships in Cancun, Mexico, June 19-23. Sue Phillips, head coach at Archbishop Mitty H.S. In California, will lead Team USA.
No. 199 (Jekot) was one of 43 players remaining before the final roster was announced.
“I felt pretty proud of myself because two months ago I didn't think this would ever happen,” said Jekot, not among the 32 players invited to the trials by the committee. After submitting an open application, Jekot proved herself through drills, workouts and two days of live scrimmages.
“I was proud that I could sit in and play with them. It was pretty intense, too. If you saw your number on the list, you could stay. Otherwise, you went home. It was a good feeling seeing my number each time.
Working as a 2-guard, Jekot said most of Friday's initial practice consisted of stretching and shooting, a lengthy warm-up for the action ahead. Scrimmages and on-court lessons, like learning a new offense and putting plays in motion within a few minutes, headlined Jekot's workload on Saturday and Sunday.
After Saturday's performance, Jekot was one of 95 girls still in the competition. By Sunday night, only 43 remained, Jekot included.
“The committee was looking the whole time. They were looking for the best players, but also for the girls that were there early shooting around, cheering on their teammates,” said Jekot, a Patriot-News Big 15 pick after averaging 12.1 points and nearly six rebounds during Cumberland Valley's road to the PIAA Class AAAA final in March.
“I learned that everything is about respect,” Jekot said. “You need to have respect for your coaches, the organization, and the players. Everyone is there for the same thing. We're all trying to make the team.”
The experience also gave the Eagles standout the opportunity to chat with one of the nation's top high school coaches in Phillips. “I loved her. I thought she was really well spoken. She taught me a lot,” said Jekot.
“We didn't have much individual time with her, but I did ask some questions and got to know her well. She didn't want to get emotionally attached because she knew not all the girls would make the team.”
While Jekot was hoping to become the first Pennsylvania product to make the U16 Team, only two non-invited players – guard Taylor Murray from Annapolis Area Christian (Md.) and Miramonte (Calif.) guard Sabrina Ionescu – earned roster spots.
US WOMEN'S U16 TEAM
F DeJanae Boykin, 6-2, Springdale, MD
C Kalani Brown, 6-4, Slidell, LA
G Chassity Carter, 5-11, Dickson, TN
F Lauren Cox, 6-4, Flower Mound, TX
G Crystal Dangerfield, 5-5, Murfreesboro, TN
G Chelsea Dungee, 5-11, Okmulgee, OK
G Asia Durr, 5-11, Douglasville, GA
G Sabrina Ionescu, 5-10, Walnut Creek, CA
C Tori McCoy, 6-4, Champaign, IL
G Taylor Murray, 5-6, Odenton, MD
G Arike Ogunbowale, Milwaukee, WI
F Katie Lou Samuelson, 6-3, Huntingdon Beach, CA
*C Nancy Mulkey, 6-9, Cypress, TX
*alternate
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