Oregon prep stars reflect on Team USA tryout experience

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — “I sent a video and then I got an email one day. I was like, ‘Oh my God, wow. That’s USA in my email,’” recalled Jayla Lackey.

It’s certainly not every day you find out you have a shot to don the red, white, and blue.

Both Lackey, a Class of 2028 Benson post, and Love Lei Best, a Class of 2028 Tualatin guard, had the opportunity of a lifetime to try out for USA’s Basketball’s U16 AmeriCup squad over the long holiday weekend.

The pair also plays on the same AAU team—The Maurice Lucas Lady Enforcers.

“I really love the energy and the intensity there,” said Lackey “Like, even though we’re competing for the same spot and we’re all going against each other, we were all positive and lifting each other up, so that was really cool to see.”

“There are only 52 girls in the whole country that got invited to be there,” said Best. “Then to have Jayla there with me too, always just looking at each other smiling, laughing, being like, ‘Wow, we’re doing this together.’ So, it’s super cool.”

Both Best and Lackey ultimately did not make the roster for Team USA, but they already have some ideas on what they want to improve if they get another shot down the road.

“I definitely think doing the details, doing it really good. Doing what you’re good at and doing it the best,” said Lackey.

“Really asserting myself as a leader next time I feel like will be really important for me because everyone there is good,” said Best. “It’s just finding the little things that you can set yourself apart.”

There’s another reason why the duo hopes this experience ultimately helps in making them stand out.

“It definitely lit a fire,” said Best of getting cut. “Hopefully we can go back next year and be able to represent.”

“It was a good experience. It’s motivation to get better,” said Lackey. “I’m definitely rooting for Team USA in June.”