Border Wars 2023: Standouts 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Border Wars 2023 basketball tournament recently took place in Springdale, AR, featuring some of the most talented high school players and teams in the region. With high level division 2, NAIA, and Junior College coaches in attendance, the stakes were high for the players looking to continue their basketball careers at the next level. In this article, we highlight some of the standout players who made a big impact on the court during the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Kiara Owens | [program_tooltip program_id='712750' first='Shock' last=''] Hoops</strong> - 5'8” Active player with good instincts on both ends of the floor, an IQ player that is a willing passer to teammates, she has quick hands on defense and knows how to bait the handler to give her the ball, good energy - plays to win and set the tone for her team. She attacks the basket pretty good - looking to make a play for a teammate or herself. Solid player!! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 [player_tooltip player_id='315198' first='Mataya' last='Hall'] | [program_tooltip program_id='713111' first='Oklahoma' last='Swift'] Mathurin 17U E40</strong> - High energy player with quick hands and defensive instincts, plays strong and has good size at the guard position, attacks the basket and finishes through contact well, has a the ability to hit the outside shot consistently, is a team player that values the success of her teammates, high productive player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 London Cousin | Earl Watson Academy 16U Black</strong> - 6'0” Long wing player that attacks off the dribble aggressively, has the ability to shoot it from the outside - smooth looking jumper, uses her length efficiently - rebounding and getting second chance points along with blocking shots and protecting the rim, she plays the passing lane on defense, can push it in transition, and make a play for a teammate. Consistent outside shooter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 [player_tooltip player_id='331826' first='Sami' last='Sheaffer'] | [program_tooltip program_id='713111' first='Oklahoma' last='Swift'] Mathurin 16U E40</strong> - 6'0" Long wing player that could score, attacks the lane with purpose and can finish at the rim, uses her length on the defense with active handed taking away vision with on-ball pressure and also protecting the rim with blocks and deflections, she has good lateral quickness and isn't afraid to get up in the ball and apply pressure. Shows signs of still growing - athletic player - shot the mid range well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 [player_tooltip player_id='521955' first='Jordyn' last='Hernandez'] | Texas Lonestar Basketball 17U</strong> - 6'1 strong/athletic forward with good size and presence on the court. She will get her hands dirty - battle and rebound, protect the rim, and hustle on the floor for loose balls. She plays her role and doesn't step outside of herself and tries to be someone she isn't. Sets good screens and battles in the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->