3A District Play Reveals Top Talent

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class 3A district play is complete, and the top teams throughout the state now start Regional play on Wednesday, February 22. During the season, I've viewed many games in this particular class. This is a list of those schools and the players who will have a huge impact on the ability to help their teams qualify and advance to the state tournament;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Atkins H.S.-</strong>The Red Devils are led by 6'1" junior center <strong>Abbi Grace Cunningham</strong>. Abbi Grace will need to control the boards and take advantage of mismatches down low. Add in sisters <strong>Koree</strong> <strong>Keaster</strong>, 5'5" senior, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465498' first='Kadee' last='Keaster']</strong>, 5'5" sophomore out front and this trio will be hard to guard. Look for the <strong>Keaster</strong> girls to push the ball for some easy baskets in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Central H.S.-</strong>This team will try to post up inside with senior leader <strong>Ali Jo Cruce</strong>. Ali Jo, at 5'8" has excellent footwork in the paint. <strong>Lana Boykin</strong> senior swing guard and <strong>Baily Chapman</strong> sophomore point guard will handle the back-court duties. Add positive energy from senior guard <strong>Edriana Hunter</strong>, and the Pirates could go deep in the playoffs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dumas H.S.-</strong>The Bobcats are led by 5'9" senior center <strong>Ma Dyson Mc Kinzie</strong>. Her strength is rebounding and picking up trash around the rim. Alongside her is a trio of sophomore guards. 5'5" <strong>Stephana</strong> <strong>Steen,</strong> 5'8" <strong>Ziyaun Mc Kinzie</strong>, and super-sub <strong>Samone Brown.</strong> This team is very athletic, and if the shots are falling, they can beat anyone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jessieville H.S.-</strong>As I have written before this is a very young and talented squad. Led by 5'9" freshman point guard<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='876275' first='Payton' last='Futch']</strong>. Futch is a scorer, plain and simple. She'll find a way to score or draw the foul. Complementing her are sisters<strong> Kennedi Scrivner</strong>, and 5'8" sophomore, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1060836' first='Karstyn' last='Scrivner']</strong> a 5'9" freshman. Kennedi works hard down low and plays solid defense, Karstyn is a very aggressive offensive player who loves to drive the baseline. If the Lions can get rebounding help from senior <strong>Olivia White</strong>, this team can surprise some folks!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lamar H.S.-</strong>This experienced squad is tough to beat. Led by All-State performer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442128' first='Karley' last='Williams']</strong>, the Warriors are also playoff proven in other positions.<strong> Morgan Cochran</strong>, a 5'5" senior is a steady and smart swing guard, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465496' first='Kori' last='Sanders']</strong> 5'4" point guard is as quick as any on the floor. With all that experience, look for this team to go deep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Valley Springs H.S.-</strong>The Tigers are led by a couple of underclassmen. Swing guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='435887' first='Macy' last='Willis'] </strong>is as good as anyone on the floor. She can shoot the three but is more effective driving to the glass. Willis, a 5'6" sophomore is definitely an impact player. Also, 5'10" junior swing guard <strong>Savannah Ketchum</strong> can play both inside or outside creating mismatches on the offensive end. This duo will need to play well to help their team advance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are several 3A powers with excellent players such as<strong> Bergman,</strong> <strong>Booneville, Cossatot River,</strong> <strong>Episcopal, Fouke, Harding Academy, Helena, McGehee, Melbourne,</strong> <strong>Salem</strong>, and many others that will make this year's Regional playoffs a memorable one! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bobby Brown </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->