1A Post-Season Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>16 teams qualified for the 1A State Tournament in Ozark. Only 2 remain, the defending champion Norfork Panthers and last year's runner-up Mammoth Springs Bears. That rematch will take place on Friday, March 10 in Hot Springs. The following is a list of the players that did not reach the finals but had a significant impact on their school's successful accomplishment this season;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rural Special H.S.</strong>-5'9" sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465508' first='Rayleigh' last='Turner']</strong> pictured above, does just about everything for the Rebels. Her versatility allows her to play multiple positions and has the ball in her hands on most offensive possessions. Riley was at the top of the list in most offensive categories this season and has two more years to add to those totals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wonderview H.S.-</strong>The Daredevils were led by junior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='453205' first='Riley' last='Gottsponer']</strong> and senior swing guard <strong>Abbi Baker</strong>. 5'11" senior post <strong>Maddie Stoval</strong> handled duties in the paint, and junior swing guards 5'10" <strong>Anna Ford </strong>and 5'6" <strong>Allison Pruitt</strong> filled out a tough squad that will go deep in the postseason again next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Demott H.S.-</strong>Seniors <strong>Zakiah Tyler</strong> and <strong>Jayla Foster</strong> led the Rams to consecutive Region 8 championships and a second straight state tournament bid to close out successful high school careers at Dermott.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jasper H.S-</strong>The Pirates were led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1190789' first='Aubrey' last='Henderson']</strong> and<strong> Skylea Lager</strong>. But the future is bright with sophomores<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1187049' first='Lyla' last='Raulston']</strong>, 5'10" forward, and 5'6" swing guard <strong>Tiana</strong> <strong>Siebert</strong>. Add 5'5" freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1196063' first='Laney' last='Daniels']</strong> and postseason appearances will be a common occurrence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kirby H.S.-</strong>This senior-laden team was led by <strong>Jenna Bailey, Gracie Hardage, Kendall Muse</strong>, and <strong>Kirsten Miller</strong>. This group accounted for several state tournament appearances. Job well done!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Taylor H.S.-</strong>The Tigers senior 5'11" forward <strong>Maggie McHenry</strong> led the team in scoring, however, 5'8" junior swing guard <strong>Heidi May</strong>, and 5'7" sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1244417' first='Brooke' last='Nunn']</strong> carried the load in the front court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kingston H.S.-</strong>5'7" junior swing guard <strong>Lila Hartness</strong> led the team in almost every statistic. 5'9" <strong>Rilee</strong> <strong>Pittman</strong>, also a junior swing guard, and sophomore<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1244400' first='Paige' last='Randall']</strong>, at 5'9" contributed to consecutive state tournament bids for the Yellowjackets. Look for another in 2024!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nemo Vista H.S.-</strong>5'6" senior guard <strong>Addy Peebles</strong> was all world for the Red Hawks. Assisted by another senior <strong>Kailynn Garis</strong>, this duo carried their school to two state tournament appearances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sacred Heart H.S.-</strong>Led by senior post<strong> Emma Dold</strong> and 5'11" sophomore forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='875501' first='Ayla' last='Hoelzeman']</strong>, the Knights can dominate the paint. They had a tough draw in this year's tournament, but look for this team to have more success in post-season play the next two years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> Many of these student-athletes are underclassmen and will again contribute to their school's postseason advancement next year. For the seniors, a successful end to an excellent high school career and great memories to share in the future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bobby Brown</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->