Small Classification Big Game, Pt. 2
I’m continuing my series on players who play in a small classification but have big game. In part 2 of this series, I focus on players who play in the 2A classification. All of the players mentioned below were selected…
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Continue ReadingI’m continuing my series on players who play in a small classification but have big game. In part 2 of this series, I focus on players who play in the 2A classification. All of the players mentioned below were selected to the Arkansas Activities Association All-State team and are returning for the 2021-2022 season.
Aubrey Evans | 2023 | Wing/Forward | Bigelow High School
If you have been reading my articles then this is a name you should be familiar with. Aubrey is a good athlete that does a good job on the defensive end of the floor. She uses her quickness to deny and force the offense to catch in unfavorable areas. She can get in the passing lanes and get deflections and steal which can lead to her getting out in the open court for transition layups. Aubrey is also a triple threat out of the high post with her playmaking skills, ability to get to the rim, and jump shot.
Ariel Penister | 2023 | Forward | England High School
Ariel can be an intimidator with her size. Opposing teams see her and often think twice about driving. She also does well on the perimeter of containing the ball vs other players that play her position. Offensively she understands how to use her height and size to her advantage. This gives her opportunities to get offensive rebounds, seal position on the low block, and when setting screens. Ariel also does a good job of making herself available in the half-court to be a threat in different areas of the court.
Jenna Lawrence Jenna Lawrence 6'3" | PF Farmington | 2023 State AR | 2023 | Forward | Farmington High School
Anyone that commits to the University of Arkansas has to have some big-time game. When a player commits to a division 1 school their opponent will throw everything at them to limit their touches, keep them from scoring, and minimize their impact on the game as much as possible. In the game I saw, Jenna didn’t score a lot of points because the opportunities weren’t there, but that didn’t stop her from having an impact on the game. She controlled the paint by offering help and blocking or altering multiple shots. She displayed her ability to handle the ball in the open court, she has a soft touch around the rim, and she made plays from the high post.
Chelsea Hamilton | 2023 | Wing | Salem High School
Chelsea is one of those players that just go out there and make things happen. She can get in the lane with ease in the half-court or in transition with her shiftiness. She understands how to use her body on the drive to allow her to play through contact. Once she gets in the lane she always looking to make the right play with either hand. She does a really good job of getting her teammates involved and can shoot the deep three-pointer. Defensively when she combines her quick hands and anticipation she’s a solid defender.
Marleigh Sellers | 2024 | PG | Salem High School
Every team needs a point guard that’s an extension of the coach. A player that can keep the team calm, organized, and running like a well-oiled machine. Sometimes you have games where players don’t fill up the stat sheet. They may not score a lot of points, but they do the things that go unnoticed. Marleigh was that player. She loved to attack to get the defense to have to rotate and scramble. That may not always lead to a bucket for her but it often lead to something positive for her team. She also was very effective out of the pick and roll and she could make the mid-range jumper off the dribble.
The following players I did not get the opportunity to see in a complete game online. I was only able to watch their Hudl highlights.
Carolina “Bean” Hoffman | 2022 | CG | Marmaduke High School
Bean has a good handle with the ability to change directions quickly. Her ability to go from slow to fast keeps the defense off balance and gives her the advantage to get to her spots. She finishes well around the rim, whether it’s a spin move, a Euro step, or with the left hand. She can make the spot-up three if left open or make the floater. Defensively she can get around screens for steals and does a good job of anticipating from the help position. She also applies good on-ball pressure.
Heidi Robinson Heidi Robinson 5'8" | PG Marmaduke | 2022 State AR | 2022 | CG | Marmaduke High School
Heidi displays a good handle that’s shifty. She can change direction and speed at ease that allows her to get the defender on their heels. She can then get into a dribble pull-up or blow by the defender for a finish at the rim. If you give her too much room she can also make the three-pointer. She has the ability to shift her defender to get enough space to shoot the three off the dribble or she can let it fly off the catch. Heidi also pushes the ball well in transition. You have to pick her up early because she can make the deep three-pointer off the dribble.