2023 Top Performing Juniors-Smaller Schools

Bobby Brown

March 25, 2023 @ 07:12 AM

This is the second in a series of articles recognizing top players that I had the privilege to watch play during this past school year. The following athletes are at the top of the list of juniors that got my attention;   Abbi Grace Cunningham 6'1" F Atkins H.S.-Abbi Grace is a 3-year letterman that's on a mission to help her school go much deeper in the playoffs than the unexpected early exit last year. She is an instant mismatch for all opponents. She can excel both inside and outside the lane. Her IQ is top notch and she can find a way to score or create a foul on every offensive possession. With some help at the guard spot, the Red Devils could find themselves on top of the 3A-Region 5 standings at the end of the year.   [player_tooltip player_id='453205' first='Riley' last='Gottsponer']-Riley will once again led the Daredevils to a deep postseason run in 2024. Factor in her size at the point guard position and contributions from 6'3" [player_tooltip player_id='870521' first='Layla' last='Terry'] and 5'10" Anna Ford, and these 2024 graduates can lead Wonderview back to another 1-A State Tournament appearance.   [player_tooltip player_id='525595' first='Marleigh' last='Sellars']-Just fresh off of a 3A State Title, Sellars along with 5'8" SG Maddie Keen should be favored to return as 3A-Region 2 Champions. Both players are very strong and can run the floor in transition. If the Lady Greyhounds can find a productive point guard, they could have another successful postseason run.   Brynn Washam 5'9" SG Mammoth Spring H.S.-Washam is clearly the floor leader for the Lady Bears. She received the MVP award for her overall performance in state tournament play this past season. With the contributions from Juniors Tay Davis, 5'8" SG, 5'6" PG Laney Young, and 5'9" SG Adrianna Corbet, this team will more than likely be heading back to the 1-A State Tournament to defend their 2023 title.   [player_tooltip player_id='453155' first='Keely' last='Blanchard']-Keely is probably the top point guard in Class 1-A. Her anticipation skills are amazing. Put her alongside teammate [player_tooltip player_id='453184' first='Liza' last='Shaddy'], and the Lady Panthers are very hard to stop offensively. If Norfork can shore up the middle, they'll be a formidable opponent in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='386716' first='Cammi' last='Christie']-A true point guard, Cammi is smart and deceivingly quick. Her basketball IQ is off the charts. She has led this Mustang team for two years and will be the key ingredient for a playoff run in the tough 3A Region 5 next year.   Abbi Buttrum 5'9" SG Caddo Hills H.S.-I watched Abbi play and what I saw was potential. She has length and gets up and down the court very well. Hopefully, she plays this summer and can blend her basketball skills with her natural athletic ability. Add the hustle of Skylin Sliger and the blue-collar play from Natalie Jackson, also both juniors and the Caddo Hills Indians will return to another 2-A postseason appearance.   Kallie Martin 5'10" P Parkers Chapel H.S.-Kallie is a rebounding machine. Her footwork in the paint is exceptional and creates multiple possessions for her team. She can hit the mid-range jumper and likes to work from the weak side block to attack the rim. With Martin leading the way, this young Lady Trojans squad has a good chance to win the 2A Region 8 title in 2024.   These are just a few student-athletes in a very talented 2024 class. Next up, I'll be recognizing some super sophomores from this past year.   Bobby Brown

This is the second in a series of articles recognizing top players that I had the privilege to watch play during this past school year. The following athletes are at the top of the list of juniors that got my attention;