Offensive firepower to watch across the state this season

The 2021-2022 season is going to be an exciting year, for new faces to explode on the scene and make a name for themselves. The game of basketball is in good hands with players in each class becoming more skilled and more determined to show why they are the best. [player_tooltip player_id="245351" first="Jaloni" last="Cambridge"] – Class of 2024 Cambridge is a star in the making, and she is not afraid of the big moment. She has the utmost belief in herself and the consistent hard work she has put in the gym. The Sophomore sensation plays with so much passion and confidence, that it is exciting and fun to watch.  She has a lightning-quick release that allows for easy catch and shoot threes, and when she is coming off a ball screen she’s looking to score. Whether that be an off-the-dribble three or getting to her spot either one is a shot [player_tooltip player_id="245351" first="Jaloni" last="Cambridge"] is capable of making. Cambridge makes the difficult look easy, such as coming off the ball screen floating right and knocking down the three. However, the interesting thing about Cambridge is her athleticism highlights on the defensive end, with impressive blocks on undersized guards and back-side help. In the off-season, Jaloni plays against high-level players and still flashes as one of the best players on the court, if not the nation, on a consistent basis. The only thing Jaloni needs to do is play with a high motor on every play because she has the offensive talent. [player_tooltip player_id="245283" first="Amari" last="Bonds"] – Class of 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="245283" first="Amari" last="Bonds"] plays an effortless style of basketball. She doesn’t display aggressive antics when she gets an AND-1 but do not take the kindness for weakness. She dominates the stat sheet in ways that impacts winning. She makes tough shots when her team needs a basket, and consistent plays that keeps her team in the game. Bonds is a strong driver and is not easily bumped off her line. She drives through defenders and is not looking to bail them out by jumping away from contact. Bonds has a smooth dribble that allows her to play with an uneven pace and catch defenders leaning. She plays with an old-school demeanor of silent but deadly and uses the glass beautifully on baseline jump shots. Bonds has layers to her game that she has not yet reached, Bonds just has to find the extra gear that allows her to be the best player on the floor no matter what. Kaelyn flowers – class of 2024 If Kaelyn Flowers is not on your radar, get ready because she has so much untapped potential. She plays on the perennial powerhouse Blackman High School out of Murfreesboro, TN. She has been flying under the radar due to the loaded senior class with, [player_tooltip player_id="245134" first="Iyana" last="Moore"] Vanderbilt Commit, but with Blackman graduating five seniors they are going to be looking for a scoring option and Kaelyn Flowers is it. Her freshman year she was used more as a defensive player, but she will become more of a scoring option as time goes on. In the state championship game she scored 9 points going, 7-9 from the FT line. She is ready to take on the moment and her mental toughness will be needed early when the season begins. Flowers being just a sophomore her scoring will come, but her defensive mind and ability to look up in transition is something that can’t be taught. She understands the game and makes winning plays, and for a sophomore that shows the foundation of a talented player. [player_tooltip player_id="245207" first="Karly" last="Weathers"] – Class of 2022 Karly is a long and sneaky athlete.  On the fast break she does not dazzle you with fancy layups, but instead uses her length to finish high and get the same result which is an AND-1. Karly is well coached, so she plays with the fundamental skills needed so even on an “off night” she is still highly effective. Weathers has the range to shoot it deep and is physical enough to finish through contact. She uses her high basketball IQ to shoot pull up jumpshots in front of defenders and avoid cheap chargers. Her IQ also allows her to just react and not think of the game too much.  When she is around the basket quick passes to her teammates or a crafty finish is always an option. Karly’s a two sport athlete and she uses her volleyball skill set on defense so effectively. She meets the ball at the high point and blocks shots without fouling. Howard, Dyersburg – Class of 2024 Howard is a 5’10 strong guard who is not afraid to mix it up in the post. She plays anything from point guard to power forward for her team. She shoots the three with confidence and handles the ball in tight situations. She shows the ability to catch and shoot from deep. Howard’s release is not quick so she is not going  to hurt you with ill-advised threes and mess up the flow on offense. Her team runs a 1- 2 – 1-1 press defense and she plays the front of the press. The front of the press is designed for the player who is the most athletic and shows a willingness to commit to the defensive end for their team.