Maya Moore’s career leaves lasting impact on young Minnesota basketball players

st. Paul, Ming. – There was a non-stop rotation of matches during the MLK Day Classic Girls’ High School Basketball Tournament at St. Catherine’s College in St. Paul on Monday morning.

Many of the young players in attendance were channeling the inner workings of Maya Moore on the court.

Keira O’Rourke, a junior on the Academy of Holy Angels basketball team, said, “I know many women’s basketball players probably know who Maya Moore is.

Related: Lynx’s Maya Moore announces retirement from WNBA

“I remember coming into the finals in 2016 and wanting to win a match like this. [Maya did]said Ella Pritchard, a senior on the Academy of Holy Angels basketball team.

Holy Angels won a match against Cloquet High School in this tournament. Although they were opposing teams, the players shared the same love for Moore.

“When we were in fifth grade, we came down [to Target Center]and we actually got her autograph,” said Kylie Issendorn, a junior on Croquet’s basketball team.

Quinn Danielson is Cloquet’s point guard, the same position Moore dominated.

Danielson said, “Especially for me as a point guard, it’s pretty cool to have someone respect me for facilitating on the court.

The college D3 players who make up St. Kate’s women’s basketball team were impressed with Moore’s off-court decision.

Caris Zeza, a junior on the St. Kate basketball team, said, “She’s made a name for herself not only in women’s sports, but by saying that women can do these things absolutely amazing.” I got

Four years ago, Moore left the lynx and professional basketball to focus on prison reform. She helped free Jonathan Irons, who was wrongfully convicted in Missouri. She later married Irons and had a baby together.

After retiring, Moore says he wants to be there for his family and continue his advocacy work.

“Knowing she’s leaving this legacy and leaving to do what’s important to her is really great because I personally understand that after basketball is over for me, it’s not the end.” Captain of the St. Kate team.