The Final 12 In DII-A
In this article:
The field is set for the state tournament in division II. Talk about an exciting year of basketball. This year was filled with surprises, exciting upsets, and full of kids who took strides towards building a foundation of greater things…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe field is set for the state tournament in division II. Talk about an exciting year of basketball. This year was filled with surprises, exciting upsets, and full of kids who took strides towards building a foundation of greater things to come. What’s even crazier, a lot of players around the state increased their stocks this year. That’s why you play the game. Once you get that itch and your confidence rises, as Kevin Garnett said “ Anything is Possible!”.
Things tip-off this Tuesday around the state with March 1st and 2nd in sight. This is going to be an exciting field of teams. Throw the predictions out the window, there will be some Cinderella stories happening here. What I love about the tournament is that some teams have yet to see each other this year. So preparation, scouting, paying attention to the details, being razor sharp, all come into play when the game happens. Each possession matters as it is win or go home from here on out.
Let’s take a look at the Division II Single A field.
Matchups (Home Team on the left)
TKA vs. Ezell-Harding
*Winner plays Jackson Christian
FACS vs. Boyd Buchanon (Neutral site in Middle TN)
*Winner plays Goodpasture
PCA vs. Lausanne
*Winner plays CAK
Silverdale Baptist vs. FRA
*Winner plays USJ
You never know which way the ball will bounce in a team’s favor. I will say that all these teams are ready to hit the hardwood and compete. As they duke it out, the team who plays together, stays healthy, and finishes will be amongst the final 4 going to the semifinal round in Cookeville.
Scout’s Insight
I will say that the squads with experience will prevail. That isn’t always true. However, we have some young pups leading the way and will soon take over.Take a look at a few vets and newcomers who will be pounding the hardwood in the final 12.
Brooklyn Jones Brooklyn Jones 5'0" | PG Goodpasture | 2027 TN (5’0/Fr./G/ Goodpasture)– Shifty guard who has some Allen Iverson like tendencies. Isn’t afraid to get paint touches and finish against bigger opponents or stroke it from the arc. The kid was phenomenal and the MVP of the championship region game. She’s a fierce competitor and when she is hot, she is hard to stop.
Haylen Ayers (6’0/Fr./G/USJ)- One of the best in the class, state, and country. Has some experience during this time of year. The multi-level scoring threat is determined to help propel her Lady Bruins to the promised land. Playing tenacious defense, hitting her spots on the offensive end, and playing big on the boards, USJ and Ayers will be tough to compete with.
Izzy Proffitt Izzy Proffitt 5'7" | PG CAK | 2024 State TN (5’7/Sr./G/ CAK)– Tough kid who has left her mark on the program. Squad went 12-1 in the district and is riding high coming off a big win over TKA. A 3 level scoring threat, she gets after it on every possession. A heady ball player who has great court awareness and a tremendous feel for the game.
Danae Kennedy Danae Kennedy 6'0" | SG First Assembly Christian School | 2027 TN (6’1/Fr./G/FACS)– Time for the state to take notice. Blessed with size and speed, she’s a beast when it comes to this game. Her confidence is through the roof and she does multiple things to help her club win: score, rebound, timely assists, defends. Exciting prospect who is ready for the big stage.
Other standouts who will be suiting up in the final 12.
Reghan Williams Reghan Williams 5'6" | PG Ezell-Harding | 2025 State TN (Jr./G/ Ezell-Harding)
Lazaviona Hawkins Lazaviona Hawkins 5'6" | PG Goodpasture Christian | 2025 State TN (Jr./PG/ Goodpasture)
Brady Branam Brady Branam 6'2" | PF TKA | 2025 State TN (Jr./PF/ TKA)
Skyler Walden (Fr./PG/ TKA)
Ava Zenner Ava Zenner 5'7" | PG Franklin Road Academy | 2028 TN (Fr./PG/FRA)
Daisy Gale Daisy Gale 5'8" | PG PCA | 2024 State TN (Sr./PG/ PCA)
Kayte Madison Bjornstad Kayte Madison Bjornstad 6'1" | C Franklin Road Christian School | 2026 State TN ( So./C/ PCA)
My prediction: As much as you all would like to know, I won’t say. Haha. What I will say is this, this field of teams is very talented and a lot will depend on who shows up. Shots have to fall, possessions have to be won, there are going to be some very tight matchups especially as it gets closer to the final four. The clubs with the most team unity, heart, and plays the game with a passion will prevail.