Hop Step Nationals 14U Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hop Step Nationals took place in Benton, AR and it featured some high competition and really great individual play. Let's take a look at 5 players that were the top performers for the 14U division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Addison Shumate | PG | Arkansas United | 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Addison played up and showed her versatility as a point guard. She is a player with strong ball-handling skills, she finished plays in transition, and has a proficient off-the-dribble shooting technique. Addison's three-point shooting and good court vision demonstrate a well-rounded game. Her IQ and decision making makes her a smart player that enhances her overall effectiveness on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kim Henry | Post | Armoured Elite | 2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kim is an impressive post player with a high level of activity and energy on the court. Her ability to rebound effectively and play with intensity on defense demonstrates her commitment to both ends of the game. Kim's soft touch around the basket indicates finesse and scoring ability in close proximity to the hoop. Kim's capability to handle the ball in the open court adds another dimension to their game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1093246' first='Anneke' last='McGhee'] | Wing | Arkansas Thunder Elite | 2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anneke was an outstanding sharpshooter, known for her ability to knock down shots from long range. When she's playing with confidence, she proves she can play against anyone. The confidence she played with enhanced her overall performance and had a hug impact on the game. Anneke played with energy and brought intensity to the court. Using her length to deny the passing lanes, this disrupted the opponent's offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1092584' first='Morgan' last='Thornton'] | PG | AR Lady Rebels | 2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morgan's great size for the point guard position gives her an advantage on the court. Her ability to see the floor well enables her to make smart passes and find open teammates. Making big plays to get her team back in the game shows her ability to perform under pressure and make a positive impact. With a nice handle, she can navigate through defenses effectively. Morgan's potential indicates she has room for growth and development in her game. She also has the ability to post up smaller guards and control the tempo of the game and make strategic decisions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1093342' first='Chezney' last='Stone'] | Guard | Armoured Elite | 2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chezney excels at finishing plays in transition, capitalizing on fast-break opportunities. Her ability to make good decisions on the court demonstrates Chezney's basketball IQ and understanding of the game. Handling the ball well in the open court allows her to push the pace and create scoring opportunities for herself and teammates. Chezney's strong court vision enables them to make accurate passes and find open teammates, further enhancing her playmaking abilities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->