Another important basketball gathering taking place in Tampa on the weekend of the NCAA Women’s Final Four was the USA Basketball women’s junior national team minicamp. Forty-five athletes from around the country participated, representing the high school graduating classes of 2026–29. Among the hoopers hoping to be considered for upcoming international competitions were Ashley MacCalla from Middletown and Olivia Jones of Bay Shore.
“It’s a great opportunity to play against girls in my class that are top, and I wanted to show I deserve to be here,” said MacCalla, a 5’11” sophomore guard. “Last year, I got cut from the tryouts. I want them to know I’m better and I’m ready for [competition] … Ever since I got cut, my next goal was to make the team and make everyone where I live proud.”
Trials for the Women’s U16 National Team will take place in Colorado Springs next month. At stake are spots on the USA Basketball team for the FIBA Women’s U16 AmeriCup. Camp participants were well aware that players like UConn stars Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd played on junior national teams while in high school.
“At a young age, I think I was eight when I first watched the Olympic Games,” MacCalla said. “I could imagine myself standing on the podium. That is something I really want to do.”
Jones, a 5’11” junior guard, attends the same Long Island high school that WNBA player Celeste Taylor, who played on several USA Basketball teams, attended. “This is probably one of the coolest things that you can do as a high school athlete,” said Jones. “Having an opportunity to play on the national team … is one of my dreams that I’ve been looking towards. I feel this is one of the biggest things I could do right now. It means a lot.”
Jones said being among such elite company showed her the necessity of constantly building her skills and being versatile. There is always room for improvement, she explained, and a camp like this shows what you need to work on to distinguish yourself.
“Everyone is good when you come to a camp like this,” Jones said. “The way to stick out is constantly evolving and changing your game and perfecting your craft … Having the opportunity to play for a national team that’s an opportunity of a lifetime. Hopefully, that’s something I’m able to do.”