GAINESVILLE — High school basketball fans across Hall County watched potential explode into stardom this season, as players like Anna Mckendree, Hannah Grogan, Macy Passmore and Carly Winters elevated themselves and their teams.
Yet while many of us were captivated in amazement, Nan Bishop took it all in with a knowing smile.
After all, she saw it all coming in the weeks and months beforehand.
Bishop coaches the DL Impact, a travel team made up of area prep stars that competes in national and regional tournaments. And after watching their exploits on the touring circuit, Bishop knew it would not be long before her charges were also lighting up the prep world.
"These girls have a lot of talent and a tremendous attitude," said Bishop, who is set to take the Impact back out on the road in the coming days and weeks. "And if one is not playing well, the other one will pick it up and run with it."
A number of the Impact's players took their high school teams on deep runs in the 2016 high school postseason.
Impact members Mckendree, Passmore and Megan English helped West Hall to its first region crown since 2002 and deepest postseason run since 1999, reaching the Class AAA quarterfinals. Mckendree surpassed the 1,000-point barrier as a sophomore and was named All-Region -- as was Passmore, who was a Lady Spartans team captain.
Meanwhile, Grogan, Ryann Moody and Tori Taylor led Lakeview Academy to its first region title since 2005 and the Class A Private quarterfinals. Grogan was named the Player of the Year in Region 8-A.
And Winters and Summer Lindsey helped pace East Hall's third straight state playoff appearance and a 21-win season. Winters finished the prep season draining the most 3-pointers in a game in Lady Vikings history with 10 and most treys in a season with 115 en route to being named All-Region first team. Lindsey also took the most charges in a season in team history.
When they get together, it's easy to see why it is a group with high hopes for this travel season. Yet is more than just obvious talent that is setting the Impact's goals.
"They just mesh together; they connect," said Bishop, who wasn't sure what to expect when she got the Impact together about three years ago. "I'm very fortunate. They just bonded; there's no drama, and they love to play the game and with each other."
That common goal led Impact from a season of organization and smaller tournaments around Atlanta to a second season that included "exposure tournaments" around the southeast.
"Last year we went to a tournament in New Orleans and finished third in the gold level and had a great time together," said Bishop, whose team has also included players from Hart County and Franklin County. "Those tournaments give college coaches a chance to see the girls play, and a lot of my players are planning to play in college. Several college coaches have already contacted me about these players too.
"This year we're going to a lot of exposure tournaments, and our goal is to win -- and I think can. Those tournaments are tough. Top to bottom those tournaments have teams full of All-Stars, and it's above a lot of what these girls face even in the (high school) playoffs."
The Impact will travel to the Bo Williams tournament in Richmond, Va., the Battle of Burrows in Nashville, Tenn., the Battle of the Bayou in New Orleans and the Peach State basketball tournament with Brandon Clay in Atlanta. The Impact are already practicing for those tournaments, including the start of the season on St. Patrick's Day weekend at East Hall High. And each player is working hard on bettering what have been impressive performances so far.
"I think each player has things she can get better at, but the good thing is that each one of them wants to get better, and works hard," said Bishop, who is assisted by Triston Cooper and Taylor Bishop. "I think people are going to be excited to watch them this year and next."
