Cream Of The Crop-Early Season Review

Bobby Brown

December 23, 2023 @ 08:12 AM

We're nearly one-third of the way through this 2023/24 season. After two months and multiple games into the year, I've traveled over a quarter of the state to view some excellent basketball. During those games I've identified student/athletes that have proved to me to be on a list considered to be the best in the state. Their game is a cut above. Below is a list of players that are "The Cream of the Crop";   [player_tooltip player_id='465509' first='Kate' last='Wood']-5'9" SG, 2025 Perryville H.S.-Pictured above, Kate has developed into one of the top players in the state. She has worked on all aspects of her game. Shes' let the game come to her. Predominately a scorer, Kate now has much improved court vision and defensively has the strength and quickness to guard much bigger opponents. She'll still attack the rim if the opportunity arises, but will dish off after drawing the double team. Look for the Mustangs to go deep into the post-season.   [player_tooltip player_id='465492' first='Samyah' last='Jordan']-5'8" SG, 2025 Conway H.S.-Quick, strong, and fast describes Samyahs' game. She's the key ingredient for the Lady Wampus Cats to successfully defend their 6A State Championship Title. She plays with energy and and can run the court with anyone. She can sneak in for a rebound and take it coast to coast! Samyah has what it takes to excel on the court at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='403855' first='Amelia' last='Rogers']-5'8" SG, 2024 Hot Springs Lakeside H.S.-Amelia has been a cornerstone player for the Lakeside Rams for three years. She's as versatile as they come. Amelia can play all of the guard positions as well as slip in at the forward spot in certain situations. She's got a high level basketball IQ and can defend. Her footwork is excellent and she plays downhill on the offensive side of the ball. She's like a coach on the floor for her team.   [player_tooltip player_id='876275' first='Payton' last='Futch']-5'9" PG, 2026 Jessieville H.S.-Peyton is a scorer! Period! As a sophomore she has matured and now sees the entire court and recognizes the double team to dish off to a teammate for a higher percentage shot. But, if there is no double team she'll take it to the hole or spot up for a shot behind the arc. Payton successfully displayed her offensive skills last year as a freshman but this year she's solidified her game by sharing the ball, seeing the entire court and sharpening her defensive game.   [player_tooltip player_id='453205' first='Riley' last='Gottsponer']-6'0" SG, 2024 Wonderview H.S.-Riley is a seasoned veteran on the floor. Smooth and confident. She can hit the three ball or go inside and score. Her size creates a mismatch on the floor out front and can dominate a game at times. Her leadership is key for the Daredevils to advance deep in the post season. She is accompanied by several good players around her to make a State Championship run.   Cammi Christi-5'6" PG, 2024 Perryville H.S.-Cammi is clearly the leader of this Perryville Mustangs squad. The ball is in her hands on every offensive possession. Her quickness will surprise you. Cammi's anticipation skills are excellent and her leadership qualities are top notch. She can run the floor with anyone. Here touch-to-turnover ratio is unbelievable. You can trust her with the ball. She's like an extension of the coach on the floor. Solid!   [player_tooltip player_id='304687' first='Delaney' last='Roller']-5'9" SG, 2024 Springdale Har-Ber-Delaney leads her team on and off the floor. Her basketball IQ is off-the-chart. She's an excellent defender and can rebound and get out on the fast break for a transition lay-in. She can spot up for the three ball or drive the lane and create contact. Delaney is clearly one of the best all-around players I've seen this season.   Later in the year I"ll post other lists similar to this group. There's a plethora of talent out there and I'm excited to find those "Cream of the Crop" performers!

We're nearly one-third of the way through this 2023/24 season. After two months and multiple games into the year, I've traveled over a quarter of the state to view some excellent basketball. During those games I've identified student/athletes that have proved to me to be on a list considered to be the best in the state. Their game is a cut above. Below is a list of players that are "The Cream of the Crop";