Day 1 of Session 3 set the tone for one of the most competitive divisions in the Girls East Winter Circuit. With the Circuit Championship approaching, the 7th grade teams played with purpose, urgency, and confidence. The pace was fast, the margins were slim, and every game carried weight as squads worked to solidify their positioning. These teams weren’t waiting for opportunities; they were creating them.
Castle Athletics 2031 vs. Loudoun Flexx Jr. EYBL
This matchup quickly became one of the most complete games of the day. Castle Athletics and Loudoun Flexx Jr. battled from start to finish, trading runs and momentum. Both teams relied heavily on full-court pressure and a fast-paced style that demanded constant focus.
Sahana Srinivas led Loudoun Flexx Jr. with 16 points, but her impact went far beyond the scoreboard. Her activity on defense created extra possessions, disrupted passing lanes, and sparked momentum at key moments. Juliana Capello responded for Castle Athletics with confidence, delivering timely plays that kept her team within striking distance. In the final moments, Aubrey Fortier hit a crucial basket under pressure to give Loudoun Flexx Jr. the separation needed to secure the win. The game highlighted the toughness and evolving style of the division, competitive from start to finish.
NY Gauchos Jr. 3SSB 2031 vs. Philly Rise 2031
In a tight race at the top of the standings, NY Gauchos Jr. 3SSB 2031 turned in one of the day’s most complete performances against Philly Rise 2031. From the tip, the Gauchos controlled the tempo, applied consistent pressure, and executed at a high level on both ends of the floor.
Lina Collins set the tone offensively by controlling the pace and consistently putting points on the board when her team needed a lift. She scored in key moments and kept steady pressure on the defense throughout the game. Alongside her, Nicole Aiyedun’s scoring versatility created problems on every possession, as she found ways to score from different spots on the floor and forced defenses to adjust, opening up the offense for everyone around her. Her consistent play has made her a standout in every session. This win gave NY Gauchos momentum and helped establish them as a team to watch as the circuit progresses.
Exodus NYC 2031 vs. Virginia Diamonds
Exodus NYC 2031 came into the weekend at 6-1 and took the floor with the goal of holding their position among the top of the division. They did exactly that, setting the tone early and never letting it slip. Their scoring balance and defensive intensity created separation and kept constant pressure on Virginia Diamonds.
Maleah Singletary led Exodus with a performance that showcased her scoring from multiple areas on the floor. By attacking the basket, finishing in transition, and scoring within the offense, she kept the defense on their toes and fueled her team’s rhythm. Virginia Diamonds relied on Naiara Goodson to generate offense and lead her team, but Exodus’ depth and dominance proved too much. Exodus NYC sent a clear message that they were not only protecting their record but cementing their place among the top teams in the division.
Saturday Surperlatives
Ms. Versatility – Maleah Singletary, Exodus NYC 2031
Singletary earned the title Ms. Versatility through her complete offensive game and all-around impact. She scored consistently inside and out, finishing strong around the basket and stepping into shots from the perimeter with confidence. Her ability to play and defend multiple positions gave her team versatility and created matchup problems for opponents. She affected the game in countless ways, defending, staying active on the boards, making the right reads, and bringing energy on every possession. Singletary consistently left her mark on both ends of the floor.
Lockdown Defender – Juliany Torres, NY Gauchos Jr 3SSB 2031
Torres set the tone with relentless defensive activity, making every possession difficult for opponents. Her quick hands allowed her to read passing lanes and consistently disrupt offensive and getting deflections. She turned defense into early offense by creating turnovers and immediately pushing the pace. On the ball, Torres applied pressure, forcing guards into uncomfortable decisions. She consistently made life difficult for anyone she matched up against.
Ms. Consistency – Sahana Srinivas, Loudoun Flexx Jr. EYBL
Srinivas showed why she is known as Ms. Consistency, providing a steady and dependable lead option for her team. She scored reliably throughout the day, producing within the flow of the offense without forcing plays. When the game tightened and big moments arrived, Srinivas stepped up, delivering timely plays that swung momentum. Her composure and productivity from start to finish solidified her as a name to watch moving forward.
Saturday Takeaway
Day 1 of Session 3 showcased the depth, talent, and competitiveness of the Girls East Winter Circuit’s 7th grade division. Top teams asserted themselves while challengers continued to push, making every possession meaningful. The performances highlighted which teams are building momentum and setting the stage for an exciting run toward the Circuit Championship.
