Top 7th Region Contenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 7th Region is historically one of the toughest regions in the state. It is home to majority of the Louisville teams, with the others falling into the 6th Region. All season long, there have been 2-4 teams in the region that have found themselves in the top 25 in statewide rankings. There is <em>a lot</em> of talent in the 7th Region. Here's a look at some of the top contenders in the 7th Region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>The Favorite</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It won't surprise anyone that Sacred Heart is the favorite to win the region as they are also the favorite to win state. They are reigning back-to-back state champions and they are undefeated in Kentucky. In fact, their only 3 losses on the season come to nationally ranked teams and they've actually beat some nationally ranked teams themselves. They've had a phenomenal season and they are certainly the team to beat going into post-season play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["254273"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cdiv dir=u0022autou0022u003eJohnson is one of the best players in the nation and she continues to prove why. She's averaging 21.6 PPG and 8 RPG, which are both team-bests, for a SHA team that has won back-to-back state championships and has been ranked on the national level all season long. She's shooting over 50% overall and 37.8% from 3, a part of her game she's really taken to the next level this season. She can do it all and there's no shutting her down. Johnson will continue to be a big reason behind the success of the Valkyries.u003c/divu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["245899"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cdiv dir=u0022autou0022u003eBender is a true scorer. She can knock down shots from anywhere on the floor, but she's far from a spot-up shooter. She can create good looks for herself and her teammates, plus she can score in a variety of ways. Bender's averaging 14.9 PPG and 3.3 RPG. If you don't stay right up on her, she u003cemu003ewillu003c/emu003e make you pay.u003c/divu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["257276"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cdiv dir=u0022autou0022u003ePelayo is one of the best bigs in the state. Add her to any team and she's going to be a difference maker. She has great hands and many moves she can turn to in the post. She's so disruptive around the basket defensively because of her length, strength, and ability to move her feet. Pelayo's averaging 11 PPG and 6.2 RPG, plus she has one of the best field goal percentages in the state at 61.4%.u003c/divu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["164387"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cdiv dir=u0022autou0022u003ePut Ralston on a not so talented team and she'd likely be averaging 20-30 PPG. However, on a team full of talent, she is often tasked with guarding the opponents best player and handling the ball on the offensive end. She can handle being pressured and she continuously makes plays. She's one of the best on-ball defenders in the state. Ralston's averaging 8.4 PPG and 4 RPG.u003c/divu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f5345fe3d1f"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>The 2nd Favorite</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Manual is widely considered to be the 2nd or 3rd best team in the state. Put them in any of the 15 other regions and they would likely be the favorite to win it, and if they can get past Sacred Heart, they will likely be the favorite to win state. Their defensive intensity is 2nd to none and they have a ton of veterans who will be looking to go out with a bang. Additionally, if they face the Valkyries in regional play, this will be the 3rd time they've faced off this season, so they are very familiar with one another.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["164391"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cdiv dir=u0022autou0022u003eThompson has proven that she is one of the most versatile talents in the state. No matter what is asked of her, she does it and she does it well. This season, after playing a guard position throughout her high school career, she's played down low for the Crimsons. How has she responded? By leading Manual in both scoring and rebounding at 15.2 PPG and 5.8 RPG. She's also shooting over 50% overall and over 35% from 3. With Thompson on the roster, never count Manual out.u003c/divu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["164400"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cdiv dir=u0022autou0022u003eTolbert is the kind of point guard any coach would love to have. She does whatever it takes to win. A great defender, ball handler, passer, and scorer wrapped into one player. Everything she does is so solid and she's such a critical piece to Manual's team. Tolbert's averaging 11.5 PPG.u003c/divu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["199609"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cdiv dir=u0022autou0022u003eWeaver has been putting people on notice all season long. She's shown how much value she truly brings to the floor. She can score inside or out and she's an excellent defender. While it may not get spoken about as much as it should, she's been a key for Manual this season. Weaver's also averaging double figures this season at 10.6 PPG.u003c/divu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["376789"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cdiv dir=u0022autou0022u003eJames is one of the best freshman in the state and the way she's been able to instantly step into a big role on one of the top teams in the state (that has a ton of veteran players) has been so impressive. She can bring the ball down the floor and handle pressure or she can play off of the ball. She can score or distribute. She's so poised and ready for the big stage.u003c/divu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f5345fe3e21"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>The Sleepers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are a few teams that have had solid seasons and will be looking to make a lot of noise in the post-season. The other 2 teams that most people believe to be contenders include Central and CAL, but teams like Male and Assumption have also shown their ability to compete with some great teams this season. Central has experienced veterans that won't back down from any challenge. They aren't going to be an easy assignment for any team. CAL is one of the youngest teams in the region, but they have some really talented underclassman, along with some talented juniors. They've shown flashes of how special they can be all season long. While Male has had to deal with a lot of illnesses and injuries this season, they will be looking to finish out the season strong, especially with some of the senior leaders they have. Assumption is actually 3rd in RPI in the 7th Region, so while many people have overlooked them, they believe in their ability to compete with the best of the best. Here's a look at some of the key players from these 4 teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["398020"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cdiv dir=u0022autou0022u003eJones has one of the most impressive stat lines this season: 20.2 PPG, 11.1 RPG, and 58.1% FG. She's so tough and she's a true 2-way player. She can alter and block shots defensively and she can score tough baskets offensively. [player_tooltip player_id='106147' first='Amaya' last='Asher'] and JaLa Douglas also average double figure points for the Yellow Jackets and play critical roles. If all 3 of them can put together big games consistently in the post-season, look for Central to make a big run.u003c/divu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["231487"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cdiv dir=u0022autou0022u003eWhile [player_tooltip player_id='376791' first='Brianna' last='Wilkins'] is a promising young star and CAL's leading scorer, [player_tooltip player_id='231487' first='Mariah' last='Knight'] is such a valuable player for the Centurions. She is their leading rebounder and a critical part of their defense as she is the rim protector. She's nearly averaging a double-double at 15.5 PPG and 9.3 RPG, and she's shooting 56% overall (40% from 3). Knight is a difference maker for CAL, but they will need all 5 players on the floor to show up big as they look to make a deep run in the 7th Region Tournament.u003c/divu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"Male's West, Mhango, and Jordan","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"Male","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_2_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"With Edelen out for the year, all eyes will be on seniors u003cstrongu003eu003ca href=u0022https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/makiya-west/u0022u003eu003cspan style=u0022text-decoration: underlineu0022u003eMa'kiya Westu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003eu003c/strongu003e and [player_tooltip player_id='164397' first='Desaine' last='Mhango'], plus 8th grader [player_tooltip player_id='747640' first='Amirah' last='Jordan']. West is the Bulldogs main presence down low and has been their leader on the boards. She can score inside or out as well. Mhango does all of the little things. She's a reliable guard who can make plays. Jordan will be the big scoring threat and is also a true playmaker.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["398024"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cdiv class=u0022gsu0022u003ernrnCooper is the Rockets leading scorer and rebounder (12.6 PPG and 7.5 RPG). They have only lost 2 games in the region and will be looking to open some eyes in the 7th Region Tournament. Cooper is a scoring threat inside and out, shooting 51.5% overall and 39.7% from 3. Assumption plays really good team basketball and will distribute the wealth. They will be looking for multiple players to contribute in their post-season play.rnrnu003c/divu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f5345fe3f68"} /-->