Surprising Newcomers Making Their Mark

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Team personnel changes from year to year and as I travel the state, I've watched some significant newcomers that have made an impact on their teams. These kids are taking their opportunity to play at the next level by cashing in and making their mark;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cutter Morning Star H.S.-[player_tooltip player_id='1196095' first='Natalie' last='Babb'], 5'6" SG, 2027, and [player_tooltip player_id='1253247' first='Danielle' last='Babb'] 5'6" SG, 2026.</strong> This sister duo have taken the Eagles to another level. <strong>Natalie</strong>, pictured in the white uniform, is as versatile as anyone on the team. She has a very high ceiling. Athletically she can compete with anyone on the court. Her anticipation skills and length makes her an excellent defender. <strong>Danielle</strong> is a catch and shoot specialist. She's smart and has a knack to be in the right spot at the right time. She protects the ball and has taken a leadership role for the team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jessieville H.S.-Rosario Cortes, 5'6" SG, 2025. </strong>Transferred in as an exchange student from Spain, <strong>Rosario</strong> will be an important part to the Lions continued success going forward this season. Jessieville lost some important roles due to graduation. <strong>Rosario</strong> can fill some of those needs. She's smart and fits in well with the returning players. Look for her game to improve and minutes increase in 3A Region 7 play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hot Springs Lakeside H.S.-[player_tooltip player_id='871171' first='McKenzie' last='Williams'] 5'2" PG, 2027.</strong> McKenzie has the ball in her hands on every possession. She has excellent footwork, great court vision, and a basketball IQ that exceeds expectations for a freshman. She can score from anywhere on the court and when she gets bigger and stronger her defensive game will much improve. Look for McKenzie to help lead the Rams to a post season appearance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dumas H.S.-[player_tooltip player_id='876344' first='Kendri' last='Broughton'], 5'8" P, 2026.</strong> <strong>Kendri</strong> has bolted on the scene with excellent post play in the paint. She's a space eater that gobbles up rebounds and put backs for second opportunity points. Her excellent footwork gets her into rebounding position on both the offensive and defensive side of the court. She's sneaky quick and can beat the other bigs down the court in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Arkadelphia H.S.-Z'layiah Jackson, 5'9" SG, 2026.</strong> Z'layiah is a natural athlete. She's strong and has the size to mix it up inside the lane. Offensively she prefers to attack the rim and create contact. She can rebound and get the ball out for the fast break. Her weak side needs work, but from a production standpoint, her strong side is enough to carry the Badgers offensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The evolution of players and teams from year to year is an interesting sidebar in covering high school athletics. These kids are spark plugs that provide energy for their coaches and teammates to create a new environment from the previous season. All of these young ladies are making their mark for their respective programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->