Mid-Season Review. Sophomores to Watch

I've attended several mid-season tournaments and viewed many games pitting several schools competing outside their enrollment classification. This has been some exciting basketball. Some of the outcomes are as predicted. The larger schools usually have the upper hand. But in a few cases, these smaller schools hold their own. For that to happen, the smaller school must have depth. That depth means that younger kids, usually sophomores, elevate their game and make important contributions on the floor. Below is a list of sophomores to watch. I've evaluated these student/athletes and their value to their teams;   [player_tooltip player_id='465509' first='Kate' last='Wood'] SG 3A Perryville H.S.-Kate, pictured above, is a natural athlete. She loves to attack the glass and is excellent in the transition game. She is a solid defender and her anticipation skills are off-the-chart. Kate is strong and can match up with anyone on the court. Her value to her team enables the Mustangs to compete at a high level.   [player_tooltip player_id='465496' first='Kori' last='Sanders'] PG 3A Lamar H.S.-Kori is a gamer. She handles the basketball on every play. Her motor runs on high the entire game. As the lead guard for the Warriors, she runs the offense and gets the ball to the scorers. She can score but prefers to drive and dish. At some point, she'll need to keep the defense honest by looking for the shot. Expect Lamar to go deep in the postseason.   [player_tooltip player_id='465498' first='Kadee' last='Keaster'] SG 3A Atkins H.S.-A deceptive player, Kadee will fool you with her quickness and savvy. Her versatility is vital to the offensive success of the Red Devils. She can play either wing position and fill in at the point if needed. She moves well without the ball and can get open at the arc. Kadee can steal a rebound and get out on the break. She's efficient with the ball and will be an important piece for Atkins during the balance of regular season play.   [player_tooltip player_id='1190757' first='Libby' last='Hood'] 5'11" PG 2A Cutter Morning Star H.S.-Libby is an anomaly at the point guard position. Her 5'11" frame and ability to handle the basketball create an advantage for her team. She always plays downhill and stays low while working to the basket. She competes at a high level and will attack the rim. Upper body strength would elevate her game. When she gets help from her teammates, good things happen.   [player_tooltip player_id='435887' first='Macy' last='Willis'] SG 3A Valley Springs H.S.-Macy's motor is always on high. She plays at a 100% pace all of the time. She's proficient with the ball and likes to drive the lane. The rock is in her hands at crunch time. She can hit the three, or drive to the glass and draw the foul. Her high IQ and skill set make her one of the best players on the court.   Avery Efird 5'5" SG 3A Bismarck H.S.-Avery is a shooter! She'll find a spot on the floor to catch and shoot. She has excellent footwork, moves very well without the ball, and will occasionally steal a rebound or two. She is probably the best ball handler on the team and is the go-to player when the shot clock is winding down. Defensively she needs to get stronger, but if the Lions make the postseason, it will be because of her offensive contribution.   Kennedi Scrivner 5'9" SG 3A Jessieville H.S.-As I've written before, Kennedi, who starts with her freshman sister Karstyn, is one of those players that performs many things that will not show up on the score sheet. Retrieving loose balls, defensive deflections, and double-team help defense are a few of those intangibles that help her team stay competitive. Bot don't let that fool you, she can score as well.   These young ladies all contribute to their team's success and many will be high-profile players in the next couple of years.   Bobby Brown

I've attended several mid-season tournaments and viewed many games pitting several schools competing outside their enrollment classification. This has been some exciting basketball. Some of the outcomes are as predicted. The larger schools usually have the upper hand. But in a few cases, these smaller schools hold their own. For that to happen, the smaller school must have depth. That depth means that younger kids, usually sophomores, elevate their game and make important contributions on the floor. Below is a list of sophomores to watch. I've evaluated these student/athletes and their value to their teams;