Alex Eschmeyer usually towers over her competition on the basketball court.

During the Women’s U17 National Team Training Camp, though, much of Eschmeyer’s competition looked the Peak to Peak junior in her eyes.

“That hasn’t happened much,” she said. “It’s an adjustment for me, but it’s an honor being here with such great talent. … There’s a higher level of physicality, but I’ve still managed to find ways to contribute. Coaches keep mentioning the little things like aggressive defense, running the floor and how you don’t have to drive and get a fancy layup every time down the court. The coaches see value in that.”

The six-foot-five forward welcomed the challenge as she, along with Riverdale Ridge’s Brihanna Crittendon, battled among more than 40 prep girls basketball players for one of 12 spots on Team USA’s U17 team.

Day 2 of the three-day camp consisted of an hour of drills and another 60 minutes of team scrimmages, where Eschmeyer faced multiple players who challenged her height and matched her talent.

Eschmeyer found ways to score and dished out a few assists during the scrimmage, but she noted the grind required to make the correct decision.

“These girls are mature strength-wise,” Eschmeyer said. “It’s awesome to be in an environment where everyone works so hard and for the same goal. Everyone here wants to be a pro and that’s what they’re working toward.”

Crittendon shared similar sentiments and said she’s cherished her time at the camp.

The Riverdale Ridge sophomore has been a scoring machine for the Ravens the past two years.

In her first two seasons, Crittendon scored at least 800 points as a freshman and sophomore and finished this year 35th in the nation at 28.9 points per game.

On Dec. 19, 2023, the Ravens faced Air Academy and Crittendon lit up the Kadets for a game-high 36 points in an 88-51 win.

Despite her scoring prowess, Crittendon, who has posted 20 or more points in all but one prep contest in her career, didn’t score with her usual ease.

“There are girls who are taller and bigger than me and I’m not the biggest one, so it’s definitely iron sharpens iron here,” Crittendon said. “I’ve worked hard to get offensive rebounds so I could get put backs. It’s also important to make that extra pass or extra cut because your points will come. Everyone knows you can score.”

Coaches will trim the roster to 12 during the final day of camp Sunday.

Regardless of the outcome, Eschmeyer and Crittendon said they’ve enjoyed learning from coaches and players at the camp.

Both players also enjoyed the chance to wear red, white and blue.

“It’s awesome to represent the United States of America and we’re almost at the highest level of basketball you can play,” Crittendon said. “It’s been a good experience the past couple of years and I’m happy to learn from the coaches and players.”