Destiny Nash / Photo: Jackie Finlan
The Las Vegas Invitational is bringing high school select, all-star, international and stand-alone teams together in age-grade divisions. Land Park is one of several Californian teams making the trip east to Nevada and brings a young yet experienced squad to the tournament.
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Destiny Nash, Leireena Anjolok, Jackie Miller and Lexia “Lala” Reynolds are the veterans and they’ll be charged with leading the group.
“This will be most of the girls’ second LVI, so I don’t think there will be too many nerves,” Land Park assistant coach Curtis Popp explained. “We have attended so many tournaments and nationals in the last three years, I think the girls have learned when it’s time for fun and when it’s go time.
“The first year at nationals, we were just there for the experience and the girls were looking at players like [Danville’s] Mata Hingano with stars in their eyes,” Popp added. “Now these girls are in that role. Now they are the leaders and are making noise and getting noticed by colleges. It’s pretty neat.”
Eighth graders Promise Rouse, Simone Sackett and Kyra Guerra are on the young end of the spectrum, and they represent the next generation of Harlequins to watch. Zyana Thomas and Aryana Veimau are newer to Land Park but grabbing attention quickly. Thomas is a senior with a 4.5 GPA and her explosive acceleration has drawn interest from collegiate varsity programs. Veimau is a sophomore and still building her skill base, but she is built solidly, has very good speed and is tough to bring down.
Savannah Stinson is in her second year and displays track speed on the wing, and Angel Thao will be integral in the middle of the pitch as a halfback. Rubina Anej replaced an injured Mary Jibok and will pump up the lineup.
Pools and schedules have not been released, so check www.lvirugby.com for the latest.
LAND PARK @ LVI 7s
Rubina Anej
Leireena Anjolok
Kyra Guerra
Jackie Miller
Destiny Nash
Lexia “Lala” Reynolds
Promise Rouse
Simone SackettSavannah Stinson
Angel ThaoZyana Thomas
Aryana Veimau
Head Coach: Naki Hopoi
Asst. Coach: Cliff Rouse