Dana Evans, a guard from West Side Leadership Academy (Gary, Ind.) was named to the USA Basketball Women’s U18 National Team to replace American Family Insurance ALL-USA first-teamer Crystal Dangerfield, who is injured.
The UConn-bound Dangerfield from Blackman (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) was among the veteran members of the team who previously won gold with USA Basketball.
The U.S. team return to the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, for training camp July 2-8 before departing for Chile on July 9. The tournament is July 13-17.
Evans, a 5-6 guard, is ranked No. 7 in the Class of 2017 by espnW’s HoopGurlz. She averaged 35.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists to help West Side to a 19-5 record and the 4A regional semifinals. She was named to the American Family Insurance ALL-USA Indiana first team.
“I was surprised and excited,” Evans said. “I saw Colorado Springs pop up on my phone, and I jumped up. This means a lot to me, being the first girl or boy from Gary, Indiana, to play for a USA Basketball junior national team.
“I have really strong faith in what God has planned for me. I’m dedicated to this game of basketball and enjoy playing it. This was a dream come true, and I am thankful for the opportunity.”
Said USA head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio: “Dana will be a great addition to our team. From what we saw, she is a tremendous point guard. She is very quick, athletic and can create her own shot or can create for her teammates, can disrupt the other team defensively and make things happen. That allows us to play at an up-tempo pace with her on the floor.
“Unfortunately for Crystal Dangerfield, we are disappointed that she won’t be a part of our team. I just hope she has a full recovery, because she is a great player with a great future.”