NCISAA State Championships: Forwards to Know
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I was able to catch the NCISAA 2A, 3A, and 4A games on Saturday that were held at North Raleigh Christian. Six teams came to compete against one another from across the state trying to take home some hardware. Let’s…
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Continue ReadingI was able to catch the NCISAA 2A, 3A, and 4A games on Saturday that were held at North Raleigh Christian. Six teams came to compete against one another from across the state trying to take home some hardware. Let’s take a look at the forwards from the games that you should know including some new names.
Jada Vanderhorst Jada Vanderhorst 6'0" | SF Wayne Country Day | 2026 NC
Jada Vanderhorst Jada Vanderhorst 6'0" | SF Wayne Country Day | 2026 NC
Jada Vanderhorst Jada Vanderhorst 6’0″ | SF Wayne Country Day | 2026 NC scored the first bucket of the game getting the ball at the high post and driving to the hoop scoring well in transition. She is strong with her dribbles protecting the possession as she works her way in the paint to turn and score. She seemed to constantly get her hands in the way on defense preventing her opponents from getting easy buckets. She read her opponents well knowing what they are going to do to grab the steal and immediately push it up the court with ease.
Madison Smith Madison Smith 6'1" | SF Wayne Country Day | 2026 NC
Madison Smith Madison Smith 6'1" | SF Wayne Country Day | 2026 NC
Madison Smith Madison Smith 6’1″ | SF Wayne Country Day | 2026 NC has a quick close out being able to block shots around the perimeter with ease. She took over for her team in the second quarter grabbing the ball, using power dribbles and spin moves, and scoring some points to end the momentum of her opponents. She knew the importance of relocating and repositioning herself to make sure she was an asset on offense to get the entry pass.
Kennedi Hamner Kennedi Hamner SF O'Neal School | 2026 NC
Kennedi Hamner Kennedi Hamner SF O'Neal School | 2026 NC
Kennedi Hamner Kennedi Hamner SF O’Neal School | 2026 NC scored the first bucket for the Falcons with her offensive rebound and putback. She was constantly doing this throughout the game. She was reading her opponents well on the press being able to anticipate the next pass and jump in the way for the steal. She was running plays well executing her cuts perfectly to get the pass and score.
Icyss storm got right into her element scoring with post moves, and she set herself up for the three ball showing off her range shooting. She did a nice job protecting the basket on the other end blocking shots and using her length to keep hands in her opponents’ faces. She hustled up and down the floor being ready for the ball in transition, and she was diving on the floor going after loose balls. She created plays for her teammates, too, driving to the rim and making the dish to her teammates.
Highlights
Kierra Morrow was tough in the paint blocking the path of her opponents and grabbing rebounds. She had some solid shot blocks in the paint, too. She was sealing off her defenders easily putting her hands up making herself a big target and letting her guards know where she wants the pass. Her movements shift the defense whether she is driving to the hoop or making a move without the ball.