Small Classification, Big Game Pt. 3

In the last part of the Small Classification, Big Game series I move my focus to the returning class 3A All-State players. These players will be returning for the 2021-2022 season looking to have a great individual season while leading their team this season. Check out some of the best players in the 3A classification below. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="305964" first="Avery" last="Marsh"] | 2022 | CG | Episcopal Collegiate</strong> Avery is a coach’s daughter so you know her skills are going to be solid. In the game I saw her in, she pushed it well in transition with good vision to make the right play. When she didn’t have the ball and there was a transition opportunity she ran the floor hard and wide. She displayed the ability to finish in transition and in the half-court. Avery is a crafty finisher that scored in traffic and through contact. Defensively she gave great effort and was a solid on-ball defender. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="306112" first="Riley" last="Brady"] | 2023 | Wing | Episcopal Collegiate</strong> Riley plays hard and with a lot of energy. She showed she can handle the ball and get in the lane and make interior passes. Riley can also finish at the rim whether off the dribble drive or out of the high post. When attacking off the catch, off the dribble, finishing, or shooting, Riley showed good footwork. She rebounded the ball well on the defensive end which lead to quick transition play. Riley was also a good on-ball defender and she got to her help spots early. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="305946" first="Jaecie" last="Brown"] | 2022 | CG | Hoxie High School</strong> Playing with your head up is good but playing with good vision can be a difference-maker. Jaecie sees the floor well in transition and in half-court. This allows her to make good decisions with the ball and make plays not just for herself but for her teammates as well. Typically those passes lead to teammates being successful. When she attacks she can finish in traffic and if you leave her open she can make the catch and shoot three-pointer. <strong>Josie Story | 2022 | Wing | Mt. View High School</strong> Josie is a good all-around player for her team. Defensively she gets into a wide stance to pressure the ball and contest shots and passes without fouling or getting out of position. When the shot goes up she aggressively hunts the ball for the defensive rebound. When she secures the board she is now attacking the opposition in transition. Her shifty ball-handling and footwork keep her under control and on balance to be able to finish at the rim or score the mid-range jumper. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="305952" first="Kyndal" last="Rooks"] | 2022 | PG | Rose Bud High School</strong> I love to see point guards who can handle the ball and make plays with both hands. Kyndal displayed those abilities during the game of hers I evaluated. She delivered on target passes off the dribble with either hand and used her handle to get into the teeth of the defense draw extra defenders and draw fouls. When she didn’t have the ball she continued to play smart by cutting to areas on the defense where she could be effective. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="304723" first="Marlee" last="Bright"] | PG | 2022 | Centerpoint High School</strong> A lot of players today can dribble the basketball, but not many of them understand how to use their dribble effectively to get by a defender. Marlee doesn’t just handle the ball well, she can use her handle by keeping the defense off-balance to get to the rim. When you have a good change of speed and footwork, that’s a deadly combination and it keeps the defense guessing. Marlee is a solid pg that keeps pressuring the defense with her aggressive nature. She can also create space off the dribble and knock down the three-pointer. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="306111" first="Maddi" last="Holt"] | 2023 | Wing | Bergman High School</strong> In the game I evaluated Maddi I kept asking myself, "Why are they leaving her open". She is a good shooter from behind the three-point line. You can’t give her room or leave her open. If you play a zone you have to be aware of where she is at all times. If you take away the catch and shoot three she has the ability to put the ball on the floor and finish at the rim with either hand. Defensively she gives great effort and communicates well with teammates on screens and switches. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="306145" first="Kara" last="Ponder"] | 2024 | CG | Bergman High School</strong> During the game I evaluated Kara didn’t try to do too much or play out of character. She took the shots that were open and gave effort defensively. She showed she can make the spot-up three-pointer, push the ball in transition and finish at the rim. Kara also had the vision to see the floor well in transition to find open teammates. <hr /> The following players I didn’t get the opportunity to see a whole game of them playing. The evaluation is solely based on highlights I found of them. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="305935" first="Hannah" last="Collie"] | 2022 | SG | Bismark High School</strong> From the highlights, I saw Hannah displayed several skills that were impressive. On defense, she anticipates well with quick hands. This allows her to play the passing lanes and get deflections and steals. Offensively she transitions quickly from defense to offense when there is a steal or defensive rebound. She runs the floor well and can finish in transition through contact. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="305922" first="Ava" last="Knoedl"] | 2022 | CG | Central Arkansas Christian High School</strong> Ava is a threat from either guard position. She handles the ball really well with the ability to change speeds. She creates off the dribble for herself or for her teammates. She’s a three-point threat that can shoot it off the dribble or on the move. She can also get out in transition and finish in a variety of ways. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="305944" first="Lydia" last="Stanley"] | 2022 | PG | Danville High School</strong> Lydia is a player that is going to play hard especially on defense. She plays the passing lanes well with her anticipation which allows her to force the offense to catch in uncomfortable spots or get steals. Offensively she handles it well and can make the spot-up three if left open.