Top Underclassmen Performers Class 3-A
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This is my Class 3-A view of the top performers as I traveled throughout the State this past season; 1-Karley Williams, 5’9” Junior Forward, Lamar-Karley led the Lady Warriors to a runner-up finish in the 3-A State Tournament. Her leadership…
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Continue ReadingThis is my Class 3-A view of the top performers as I traveled throughout the State this past season;
1-Karley Williams, 5’9” Junior Forward, Lamar-Karley led the Lady Warriors to a runner-up finish in the 3-A State Tournament. Her leadership should carry her school to another strong finish next year. Karley’s inside strength can get her to the basket and finish. she is an excellent foul shooter and should lead her team in scoring next season.
2- Kiki Williamson Kiki Williamson 6'0" | C Mayflower | 2024 State AR , 5’10” Sophomore Forward, Mayflower-Kiki can play both inside and outside. She’s best at facing the basket mid-range and penetrating. Kiki is very hard to guard and creates a mismatch for the defense. She will be a top state performer in 2022-23.
3- AbbiGrace Cunningham AbbiGrace Cunningham 6'1" | C Atkins | 2024 State AR , 6’2” Sophomore Post, Atkins-She is probably the best post prospect in 3-A. Abbi Grace’s post skills are advanced for a sophomore. Her basketball IQ is excellent in anticipating defenses and getting to the spot early. She is better with her back to the basket receiving the pass, however, she can also hit the three-ball. Versatility is part of her game. Look for Abbi Grace to excel and elevate her team to a deep playoff run next season.
4-Lizzie Jeter, 5’5” Junior Point Guard, Centerpoint-Lizzie is quick and proficient with either hand. She is a classic point guard that can penetrate and dish off to an open player. Centerpoint lost some senior leadership this past season, but Lizzie is fully capable of filling that need and leading her team to another playoff run.
4-Livian Burton, 6’0” Junior Post, Central Christian-I called this a tie with Lizzie Jeter for 4th best 3-A performer. Livian is a scorer in the paint. When she can go to her strong side, not many can stop her. Her footwork is advanced and she square’s up to the basket well before shooting. Central Christian is strong at the post position and will fair well in 2022-23.
5- Ashauni Corley Ashauni Corley 5'8" | CG Episcopal Collegiate | 2023 State AR , 5’8” Junior Forward, Episcopal-Ashauni is at her best when facing the basket. Her penetration skills are excellent and her quickness allows her to get to the paint for a high percentage shot. She is an excellent three-point shooter as well. Ashauni will lead her school to another deep run in the playoffs next season.
6-Adrian Cox, 5’6” Freshman Guard, DeWitt-I couldn’t help but notice the uncommon basketball IQ of this Freshman. Adrian is a natural talent that with some additional summer play can elevate her game and her team to new levels. She plays the point guard position for the Dragons and will probably hold the spot for the next three years.
7- Riley Bryant Riley Bryant 5'11" | SG Central Arkansas Christian | 2023 State AR , 6’0” Junior Post/Forward, Central Christian-Another strong post player, Riley compliments her teammate Livian Burton at Central Christian. They will dominate the middle next season and create many opportunities for the offense to score. Riley can face the basket as well and shoot the three when needed.
8-Kori Sanders, 5’7” Freshman Guard, Lamar-Kori is one of the quickest players I’ve seen all year. As a Freshman, I was impressed by the way she handled herself in high-pressure situations. Not yet a scorer, that time will come next season. She will have much more of a leadership role in the attempt to get back to the championship game and win.
9-Koree Keaster, 5’6” Junior Guard, and Kadee Keaster, 5’5” Freshman Guard, Atkins-This sister tandem takes care of the back-court for the Lady Red Devils. Both are proficient with the basketball and can either dish or shoot the rock from outside. Look for Koree and Kadee along with post teammate Abbi Grace Cunningham to compete for the 3A-5 district championship.
10-Hailey Francis, 5’5” Sophomore Guard, Mayflower-Hailey is probably the best three-point shooter on the team. She is very quick and moves well without the ball. Look for Hailey to touch the ball on every offensive possession next season. Mayflower is very young and with players like Hailey can make another State Championship run in the next couple of years.
My next top list will come from the 4A-5A classes.
Bobby Brown