Pre-Season Contests Display Sophomore Splash!

Bobby Brown

November 20, 2023 @ 07:19 AM

During the early season, many teams are playing in pre-season tourneys, cross-town rivalries, and non-district play. Some student-athletes that were freshmen last year are stepping up big time this year. This is a list of those players that have started this year with a splash!   [player_tooltip player_id='881468' first='Whitley' last='Rogers']-5'11" PG, Little Rock Christian Academy H.S.-Pictured above, Whitley is already an accomplished competitor as the Warriors varsity point guard last season. She's bigger and stronger this year. The ball is in her hands on every possession. She is getting the attention of many D-1 college coaches. If she can get some help from teammates to take away the frequent double-team, the Warriors should be competitive in the very tough 5A Central.   [player_tooltip player_id='876275' first='Payton' last='Futch']-5'9" PG, Jessieville H.S.-Payton is another well-accomplished sophomore. She made her mark in her freshman year as an all-district and all-state performer. She is a scorer. She can create a shot from anywhere on the court. Her inside-outside game is phenomenal. She has matured to recognize the double team and gets the ball to an open teammate. Look for the Lions to go deep in the Class 3-A post-season.   [player_tooltip player_id='876312' first='Maddie' last='Mannion']-5'11" SG, Vilonia H.S.- Maddie also made a big impact as a freshman. Her team contributions this year will include a leadership role. She's lethal from behind the arc and can mix it up in the paint as well. She creates a mismatch for opponents and can run the floor as well as anyone. Look for the Eagles to once again be at the top of the state 5-A rankings.   [player_tooltip player_id='1060836' first='Karstyn' last='Scrivner']-5'9" SG, Jessieville H.S.-Karstyn got plenty of varsity experience as a freshman and got pushed around a bit. This season as a sophomore she'll be doing the pushing around. She's much stronger and can finish on drives to the paint. She's smart with the ball and can get up and down the court. Kartsyn can defend and will hit the three-ball if the opportunity arises.   [player_tooltip player_id='876657' first='Disyah' last='Christon']-5'8" F, Lake Hamilton H.S.-Disyah is as strong as anyone on the court. Her physicality is dominating in the paint. She's very athletic and as she grows into her game she'll be an important part of the Lady Wolves' success. The inside game is already there and her deceptive speed and quickness will be apparent as the season moves on.   [player_tooltip player_id='1060832' first='Kirsten' last='Johnson']-5'9" SG, Parkview H.S.-Kirstens' athleticism got my attention. She's as quick as a cat. She's strong and agile. Her length is extraordinary and she uses it to her advantage on the defensive end. She can shoot the three-ball and will lead the Patriots in most offensive categories this coming season.   [player_tooltip player_id='820896' first='Braylee' last='Winfrey']-5'8" SG, Lake Hamilton H.S.-What caught my attention was her strong fundamentals base. Her footwork, agility, and balance were very noticeable on the court. Braylee has a motor that doesn't stop. She's 100% all the time. Couple her length with her fundamental foundation, add experience and this sophomore has a bright future for the Lady Wolves.   These ladies are a sample of impact sophomores that have already received the attention of other players, coaches, parents, and basketball junkies like me. All of these student-athletes have worked on their game this past summer to achieve excellence. I hope to cross paths and watch them play again in the very near future.   Bobby Brown

During the early season, many teams are playing in pre-season tourneys, cross-town rivalries, and non-district play. Some student-athletes that were freshmen last year are stepping up big time this year. This is a list of those players that have started this year with a splash!