MWC Lady Cat Invitational Thrilling Performances

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The MWC Lady Cat Invitational never disappoints with good team play and some even better individual performances. This year was no different. There were some good competitive games, but even better individuals that stood out. After this tournament, I see the future is bright with some really talented freshman players (which I will talk about in a later article). For now lets look at some of the individuals that put on thrilling performances.

When discussing thrilling performances Emerie definitely deserves a mention. Despite some key teammates facing foul trouble, Emerie consistently made crucial shots whenever Vilonia seemed poised for a comeback. Beyond her accurate long-range shots, Emerie’s relentless pressure and attacking style made it challenging for Vilonia, ultimately contributing to Conway’s victory. Emerie played a pivotal role in leading Conway to success.

If I had to pick an MVP, it would be Samyah. As the junior point guard, she did everything a team could hope for. She led the team, applied good defensive pressure, got her teammates involved in the game, kept the opposing defenses on their toes with her penetration, and played with unmatched intensity. Even though the Conway team might not be the tallest, Samyah is the one who drives them forward like an engine.

Traniyah Weston | Point Guard | Conway | 2027

I was really excited to watch Traniyah play this weekend. Conway doesn’t usually get many transfers, so when I heard about her, I had to see for myself. Traniyah is a strong player who is great at defense and performs well in the open court. Her speed and skill at scoring, even against taller defenders, make her a challenging matchup for anyone. It’s not easy to join the 6A Central conference as a freshman, and being a starter adds even more pressure. But Traniyah did well, holding her own and gaining valuable experience on the court.

Whitley Rogers | Guard | Little Rock Christian Academy | 2026

Whitley is a versatile player for her team, doing a bit of everything. Even though she’s a wing player, she’s taking on the role of playing point guard. With her size and skill, she’s well-equipped for the position. Whitley can use her height and strength against smaller defenders and, at the same time, rely on her ball-handling and speed to blow by taller defenders and score easily at the rim. She also has the ability to shoot from beyond the three-point line and make mid-range pull-up shots.

The junior point guard, Sidni, has been guiding the Vilonia team since her freshman year, and with each passing year, she keeps improving. Sidni stands out as one of the most skilled point guards in the state. She excels in the pick-and-roll, has a solid mid-range jumper, poses a threat from the three-point line, and moves effectively without the ball. Throughout this tournament, she showcased all her skills, and with running the show, she seems ready to lead Vilonia to another successful state tournament run.

I was really excited to watch Syniah play—the player I was most looking forward to. Standing at 5’10”, she’s a versatile guard comfortable playing both point and wing positions. Her impressive ball-handling skills let her change direction swiftly, and she’s great at finishing at the rim even in traffic. Syniah has a solid jumper, and her length creates issues for opponents on defense. I appreciate a player who isn’t afraid to defend, and Syniah uses her quickness and wingspan to her advantage. It might be early in the season, but she’s definitely standing out as one of the best freshmen in the state, no doubt.

Shalyn Lyle | Guard | Nashville | 2025

Shalyn is consistently making a mark for herself, improving every time I see her play. She’s quickly becoming one of the top point guards in Arkansas for the class of 2025. Shalyn shows skills in driving to the rim, finishing well in crowded situations, having good court vision in the half-court, handling the ball effectively against pressure, and making accurate passes. Her versatility allows her to play both guard positions, and with her abilities, she’s set to lead Nashville in a strong state tournament run.

Makenlie Campbell | Point Guard | Springdale Har-Ber | 2027

Being entrusted to lead a team as a freshman is a tough task for any player in the state. It gets even more challenging when it’s in the 6A, unless you’re a player like Makenlie. I’ve watched her with the Mavs Elite multiple times, but this was the first time I truly saw her shine in her element. Makenlie’s composure, ability to make plays, and high basketball IQ are exceptional for a freshman. Her performances over the weekend strongly argue for her being one of the best point guard in the Arkansas class of 2027.