Strafford senior-to-be Hayley Frank has done just about everything a high school basketball player can do; three-time state champ, Gatorade Player of the Year, 2,000 career points.
But this Memorial Day Weekend she’s taking her game to a new level against the nation’s elite prep players. Frank is one of 35 hand-picked prospects trying out for the Under 18 Team USA squad at the team trials in Colorado Springs, Co.
The camp began Friday with two-a-day sessions each day. Monday, Frank finds out if she’s one of 12 players selected for the team.
“I found out 2 months ago and have been basketball training every morning, then workouts and playing softball,” said Frank, who helped lead Strafford to a second straight state softball championship a week ago.
The 6-foot Mizzou verbal commit normally towers over her competitors, but this weekend she’s actually average height, playing against mostly recent high school grads, headed to the likes of UConn, Notre Dame and other national powerhouses.
???? Official photo of the #USABWU18 National Team trials group pic.twitter.com/s1RIfuNur0
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) May 27, 2018
“I’ve never had to work so hard to get my shot off,” said Frank. I’m learning to use screens more. Nothing comes easy here, but you just have to play basketball.”
Whether she makes it or not, Frank calls the experience eye-opening.
“It shows me where I’m at and to see what I need to work on. It’s an honor to wear USA across my chest.”
If Frank makes the team she’ll return for training camp in late July.
Frank, who was selected as the O-Zone Female Athlete of the Year for the second straight year, averaged 24.9 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 7.1 APG, 3.3 SPG 3.0 BPG last season at Strafford.
