6A Playoffs: Class of 2024 Difference Makers Pt.1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Arkansas 6A state playoffs are right around the corner. Star players will be looking to lead their team into a deep playoff run, but there will always be the role player or the energy player that can make a difference in a first-round exit or a state title. Let's take a look at some players from the 6A Central conference class of 2024 who could be difference-makers for their teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Amyia Taylor | Forward | Conway | 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amyia has shown so much improvement from last year. The senior forward can be a difference-maker in Conway's run for back-to-back state titles. She typically is assigned the opposing team's best guard/wing player and has the task of slowing them down. If she locks in on defense to contain the opponent's top perimeter player and then chips in some points while bringing good energy, she could help push Conway over the top for another state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='870511' first='Madison' last='Hatley'] | Post | North Little Rock | 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madison has been a difference-maker for North Little Rock all season long. The senior post player has done an excellent job of holding down the paint on both offense and defense. Her rebounding, defensive presence, and interior scoring are major reasons why North Little Rock is a major threat to dethrone Conway and win a state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='305320' first='Aven' last='Sasser'] | Post/Forward | Little Rock Central | 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aven could easily be considered the most versatile player in the conference. With her length and size she can not only play on the interior and perimeter, but she can also defend multiple positions. When she plays with confidence and uses her athleticism by running the floor, blocking shots, rebounding, and being aggressive, Central could be a tough team to beat. Aven could be a key component to Central making some noise in the playoffs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='870525' first='LaRiah' last='Hawkins'] | Post | Bryant | 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Championship teams need good post-play. LaRiah could help push Bryant over the top against some of the higher-seed teams. Controlling the paint with her rebounding on both ends and her defensive presence could be huge for Bryant in the postseason. Rolling hard off on-ball screens and rim running in transition can Bryant extra</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='453165' first='Jaycie' last='Cook'] | Guard | Cabot | 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every team needs a shooter that can spread the floor and knockdown jumpers. Every coach wants their shooter's confidence high when the postseason comes around. Jaycie is a threat from the three-point line and when she's connecting from deep, Cabot is a problem. It's going to take a total team effort for Cabot to come out on top, but if Jaycie's shooting is on then look out for Cabot. Jaycie's play is one of the reasons Cabot is 2nd in the 6A Central.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->