Border War 2023-Surprise Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With more than 30 basketball organizations comprised of over 75 teams, the 2023 Border War in Springdale was an unbelievably successful event. What else was unbelievable was some of the surprising performers that jumped out and got my attention. Yes, the top athletes delivered, but there were some other young ladies that clearly made an impact on coaches, parents, and spectators like myself. The following is a list of those surprise performers;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aubriana Wilson 5'6" SG 2024 Springdale H.S.-Arkansas [program_tooltip program_id='713386' first='Lang' last='Academy']-</strong>Pictured above, this girl can shoot! Her strength is to get open and knock down the three ball. More of a catch-and-shoot player, she's quick and can defend on the other end. I was impressed by her floor balance and versatility in playing several positions for her team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='870527' first='Landrey' last='Richardson'] 5'11" P 2024 Cossatot River H.S.-Arkansas RV Heat-</strong>Landrey is a stretch big that can play facing the basket, or post up in the lane. She has a knack to position herself for multiple rebounds, especially on the offensive end. Her skill set of hitting that 10-footer draws the defense out and opens up the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Addison Evans 5'9" F 2027 Bigelow H.S.-Arkansas Swaggin Dragons</strong> <strong>2027-</strong>This freshman to be, dominated the glass during the event. She displayed poise and got physical when she posted up in the paint. I was impressed by her aggressiveness. Also, her balance in the open court was something you don't see from someone so young. Bright future for this young lady!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sara McClain 6'0" P 2024 Searcy H.S.-[program_tooltip program_id='712401' first='Arkansas' last='Sting'] 2024-</strong>Sara is a stretch big that can hit 3's. She prefers to play facing the basket. That causes problems from a mismatch perspective due to her size. I was impressed with her hustle and determination to play hard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Annabelle Burton 5'10" F 2024 Highland H.S.-Arkansas JBBallers</strong>-Annabelle has the size to make a difference in the middle. Her ceiling is high. She displays good footwork and has the potential to be a very effective post-presence for her team. If she stays aggressive, good things will happen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Reese Thorton 5'11' P 2026 Farmington H.S.-[program_tooltip program_id='715977' first='AAO' last='Flight'] 2026-Reese's</strong> size and agility just jumps out at you immediately. She'll post up on either side of the lane effectively. She has a nose for the ball with respect to rebounding. Reese has the skill set to make an impact at the varsity level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='876333' first='Claire' last='Citty'] 5'6" SG 2026 Harding Academy H.S.-[program_tooltip program_id='712401' first='Arkansas' last='Sting'] 2025-</strong>Claire plays with the maturity of an upperclassman. She's savvy and efficient with the ball. She is quick and gets out in transition. As she gets stronger she'll have more success driving the lane. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All of these young ladies have the capability to play and excel at the varsity level next year. During these grassroots events, their games will improve and I look forward to tracking their progress throughout their high school careers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bobby Brown</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->