Tip-Off: Division II Prediction (Redo)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Well, who will it be? Yes school is back in session and may be a week in, but the excitement about basketball for this upcoming season is just around the corner. Some stuff has changed since the last time I thought of my prediction. For one, Webb- Bell Buckle has moved up to the Division II-AA division. After owning this DII-A division the past three years, Webb has a new feat to try and accomplish. It will definitely be tough with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='245363' first='Bre'Aria' last='Cannon']</strong> joining Link Academy and <strong>Tatianna Stoval</strong>l heading to Bradley Central. So Webb is out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PCA received an early Christmas gift in late July when <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513278' first='Kayte' last='Madison Bjornstad']</strong> from Franklin Christian Academy decided to take her talents across town. This gives PCA a much needed presence in the paint. A walking double-double, KM establishes her presence inside the painted area. With talented seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='405709' first='Daisy' last='Gale']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='291009' first='Ambria' last='Ferkany']</strong> doing their thing from the outside, this Lady Lions attack looks very potent.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='821641' first='Haylan' last='Ayers']</strong>, the freshman sensation from USJ, had a tremendous summer competing in July and participating in some USA basketball showcases. When you add <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='821748' first='Lilly' last='Teague']</strong> and post player <strong>Ava Barham</strong> to the mix, this squad is super tough being that they have many ways to beat you.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Talk about talented, TKA is a nice squad to keep your eyes on. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='408998' first='Brady' last='Branam']</strong> mans the middle of the paint, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='620459' first='Olivia' last='Loveday']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='583370' first='Skylar' last='Walden']</strong> get after it from the perimeter. Skylar had a tremendous summer, displaying an impressive skill set that saw her finish at the cup consistently. These ladies are coming back hungry as they got a taste of state contention last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CAK, these girls are just a tough collective bunch. They were in the final four last year and you better believe they are going to grind to get back there again. After graduating seniors Zoie Bourgoyne and Kierra Leffew, it's up to the young pups to continue to build onto the foundation that has been set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I got three dark horses to bring to light.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MTCS will be back in the mix once again. Though two talented guards leave the program in Jailyn Banks and Autumn Davis, two more kids who can fill it up still remain, <strong>AC Shirley</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513246' first='Ashley' last='Rucker']</strong>. The combo has been seasoned in the high school ranks, seeing early action in their high school careers. These girls along with a cast of other members know what it takes to get back to the final four.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lakeway Christian Academy led by [player_tooltip player_id='513245' first='Natavia' last='Alber'] is someone you need to keep your eyes on. The big is a beast in the middle and coming off of a sensational summer campaign, look for her to lead the LCA attack. You talking about someone on a mission, this girl right here is the real deal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ezell-Harding,led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513242' first='Brilee' last='Price']</strong>, is a talented squad of lethal athletic attackers. They aren't afraid to go at you on both ends of the floor. Coach has them playing fast and fierce. As they continue to grow and gel as a unit, look for this club to make some noise as they continue to soar up the charts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who knows how this division may shake out. With so many uncertainties and clubs may get hot at the end, this division is wide open. We do know one thing, Webb will not be the winner this time around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->