1-A Powers Display A Multitude of Talent

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the second half of the season winds down to the state playoffs, many league races are yet to be decided. Out of eight 1-A regions, I've witnessed five of the top schools in action and there is a reason these teams are competing at a high level. Each has excellent leadership and talent on the floor. The following is a list of those athletes and the schools they represent;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nemo Vista H.S. Region 4-</strong>Currently on top of the standings, the Red Hawks are led by 5'7" senior swing guard <strong>Addy Peebles</strong>, pictured above. She has a very balanced game and the ball is in her hands at crunch time. Addy can hit the 3-ball but prefers to drive and finish at the glass. <strong>Kaitlyn Garis</strong>, another senior usually handles the point position and complements Addy on the opposite side. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kingston H.S. Region 1 East-</strong>Junior swing guard <strong>Lila Hartness</strong> is 5'6" and is the leading scorer for the Yellowjackets. She is very strong and can also go inside when needed.<strong> Jaidyn Head</strong> plays the point guard position and is very quick. Along with junior forward <strong>Rilee Pittman</strong>, Kingston is probably one of the top 5 teams in their Class and should go deep in the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kirby H.S. Region 7-</strong>The Trojans are a blue-collar group led by senior swing guards <strong>Jenna Bailey</strong> and <strong>Gracie Hartage</strong>. <strong>Bailey</strong> moves well without the ball and is a very effective 3-point shooter. <strong>Hartage</strong> is more of a wing guard that can distribute the ball inside. Both players are excellent defenders and can break you down off the dribble. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dermott H.S. Region 8-</strong>Undefeated in the region, the Rams are led by<strong> Jayla Foster</strong> and <strong>Za'kiah</strong> <strong>Tyler</strong>. Both seniors, the 5'5" <strong>Foster</strong> is the ball handler and utilizes her speed and quickness to drive the lane. <strong>Tyler</strong>, at 5'9" is long and very athletic. She does most of her damage in the paint. <strong>Elisabeth Rowe</strong>, a 5'4" swing guard complements her teammates by getting out on the fast break. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wonderview H.S. Region 4-</strong>Second only to Region rival Nemo Vista, the Daredevils are led by junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='453205' first='Riley' last='Gottsponer']</strong>. This 6'1" point guard creates a mismatch at her position. She will penetrate the defense and look to dish.<strong> </strong>6'3" junior<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='870521' first='Layla' last='Terry']</strong> is the team's top rebounder. She works best in the paint. <strong>Allison Pruitt, </strong>a 5'6" guard produces positive results off the bench. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's no doubt these players add tremendous value to each of their schools. Add this group to top talent at <strong>Jasper-Region 1 East, Thaden-Region 1 West, Norfork- Region 2, Mammoth Springs</strong>-<strong>Region 3,</strong> and <strong>Taylor-Region 7</strong>, the Class 1-A postseason will be one to remember. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bobby Brown</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->