2023 Top Performing Juniors-Larger Schools

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2022-23 season was exceptional for Arkansas high school basketball. As we progress into the summer grassroots season, I want to recognize those outstanding juniors that I viewed throughout the year. These young ladies will make huge positive impacts as team leaders next season. I'll start this series of articles with the 4A, 5A, and 6A school classifications;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402861' first='Anna' last='Trusty']-</strong>This seasoned veteran has already displayed her leadership through the tough 5A schedule for two years. This is now her team and with the added back-court experience from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='453166' first='Carley' last='Sexton']</strong>, this team will be very capable of performing the trifecta of logging another state championship next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='307198' first='Taleigha' last='Ealy']-</strong>Taleigha is already a 3-year letterman and is the key for the Lady Cyclones to go deep in the postseason next year. Her footwork inside the paint is exceptional. She recognizes the double team and if she can get scoring help from her teammates, Russellville could make huge strides in the final results of the 5A West standings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='420388' first='Jennifer' last='Hartman']-</strong>Her size creates mismatch issues for her opponents. Couple that with her skill set, Jennifer can play both inside and out. She's got that intangible length that makes her a defensive nightmare for teams. Add 5'5" sharp-shooter <strong>Sophia</strong> <strong>Wahrmund</strong> to the mix and the Lady Devil Dogs should win another 4A Region 4 title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='871729' first='Brooklyn' last='Braughton'] 5'7" SG Lake Hamilton H.S.-</strong>Add teammate<strong> 5'7" SG</strong> <strong>Emma Hughes</strong> for a full season, and this guard duo could produce a playoff appearance next year. They'll certainly be hard to guard and with any inside help, I look for the Lady Wolves to be highly competitive in the 5A South Region next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brilynn Finley 5'7" PG Bryant H.S.-</strong>Brilynn is a standout point guard that displayed unbelievable leadership for the Lady Hornets. She has an excellent touch to turnover ratio. A playoff bid will be an uphill climb in this very tough 6A Central Region, but if it happens, Brilynn will be the catalyst for the turnaround.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='870006' first='Karlie' last='Cursh']</strong> <strong>5'4" Dardanelle H.S.</strong>-This 5'5" swing guard is a gamer. She loves to drive to the basket and is an excellent shooter from mid-range. Her leadership will be necessary for this young Sand Lizards squad to advance deeper into the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>London Ingram 5'9" SG El Dorado H.S.-</strong>London is very athletic and can absolutely run the court. Her strength is in the transition game. The Wildcats could make another postseason run, but for that to happen a few of her teammates will need to step up and contribute. The Wildcats lost many players to graduation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These are just a few of many juniors throughout the state that will take full command of their high school teams and attempt to lead them to a successful year in 2024. Next, 2023 Top Performing Juniors-Smaller Schools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bobby Brown</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->