Class 2A & 3A Early Season Match Ups Display Leadership Qualities

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The regular season is just beginning and many young ladies are displaying leadership roles for their respective teams. This week I witnessed Monday's clash with 3A-Region 7 <strong>Genoa Central</strong> <strong>Dragons</strong> from Texarkana and the 2A-Region 7 <strong>Horatio</strong> <strong>Lions</strong>. Also, Tuesday I attended a 2A-Region 5 battle between the <strong>Jacksonville Lighthouse Wolves</strong> and <strong>Cutter-Morning Star Eagles</strong> in Hot Springs. Below is a list of players who elevated their game and displayed dominant leadership roles for each of their schools;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stormie Cudvat 5'4" SG/PG 2024 Cutter-Morning Star H.S.-</strong>Stormie, pictured above, has excellent anticipation skills. She seems to glide, not appearing to be fast or quick, but she's both! Her game is deceiving. She has excellent footwork on both offense and defense. Stormie could expand her game by getting stronger, but overall, she is usually one of the better athletes on the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gracie Fowler-5'9" SG 2023 Genoa Central H.S.-</strong>Gracie does a little bit of everything. At the swing guard position, she can handle the ball when needed, shoot the three, and also rebound. Her leadership role was clearly displayed in that she has the ball in her hands during pressure situations. Look for Gracie to keep the Dragons on track in 3A-Region 7 play this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kylie Russell-5'7" SG 2023 Genoa Central H.S.-</strong>Another senior floor leader, Kylie plays the same role as her teammate <strong>Gracie Fowler.</strong> She has the size to go down low and work in the paint because of her strength. She blocks out very well and will score usually inside the 10 ft range. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1060950' first='Brenley' last='Ward']-5'5" PG 2025 Genoa Central H.S.-</strong>Brenley comes off the bench and immediately produces at the point guard position. Look for this sophomore to keep earning playing time due to her basketball IQ and court awareness. Wouldn't be surprised if she is the starting point guard by the end of the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Emma Ray-5'10" SG/F 2024 Horatio H.S.-</strong>Emma has the size to create a mismatch on the offensive side of the ball. She can play facing the basket or post up on the block. Although she needs more development in upper body strength, she can still mix it up around the rim and create shots. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mallori Marshall 5'6" SG 2023 Horatio H.S.-</strong>Mallori is definitely one of the leaders on the floor. She does many things that contribute to her team's success. Mallori is efficient on the court and minimizes turnovers. She handles the ball probably more than anyone else and clearly has 100% of her coach's confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1190757' first='Libby' last='Hood'] 5'11" PG 2025 Cutter-Morning Star H.S.</strong>-A 5'11" point guard spells trouble for all opponents. When Libby puts it on the floor she has the skill set of a point guard. If she can develop more upper body strength, she will be unstoppable. Libby has a very high ceiling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McKenna Caldwell 5'3" SG 2024 Jacksonville Lighthouse H.S.-</strong>I was impressed by the way McKenna played with heart. She was at the point most of the game for a somewhat depleted Wolves team. Many players did not make the trip due to illness. McKenna kept her team together and ran the offense. She protected the ball, ran the court, and basically kept things in order all night. Well done. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All of these student/athletes displayed leadership characteristics that caught my eye this week. They will all contribute to their team's success this school year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bobby Brown</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->