5A Championship Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high school state finals have arrived, and I couldn't be more thrilled. There are some matchups I've been eagerly anticipating all season long. So, buckle up because it's bound to be an exhilarating ride. While I've already dissected the 6A matchup between Little Rock Central and Conway in a separate article (which you can read <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/03/6a-championship-preview/"><strong>HERE</strong></a>), this piece will dive into the 5A championship game where we have the Vilonia Eagles taking on the Greenwood Lady Bulldogs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465493' first='Sidni' last='Middleton'] | PG | Vilonia | 2025 VS [player_tooltip player_id='402861' first='Anna' last='Trusty'] | Guard | Greenwood | 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 5A matchup is bound to be epic—the rematch of the rematch. Vilonia faced defeat against Greenwood in last year's state championship game, only to claim vengeance earlier this year on their home court. [player_tooltip player_id='465493' first='Sidni' last='Middleton'] has showcased an outstanding individual performance throughout the year. Her scoring ability and playmaking skills rank among the best, not just in her class, but in the entire state. If she can kickstart the game with early plays and bolster the confidence of her younger teammates while maintaining her scoring ability, Greenwood might find themselves in for a tough battle. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With [player_tooltip player_id='402861' first='Anna' last='Trusty'] on their side, Greenwood always stands a chance of victory. Standing tall at 6 feet, Trusty is a versatile guard who should be considered a finalist for the Gatorade Player of the Year award. She contributes in all facets of the game, whether it's shooting from beyond the arc, driving to the basket, defending, or displaying unselfish play. If Trusty brings her A-game, she could effortlessly guide Greenwood to triumph.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='876312' first='Maddie' last='Mannion'] | Wing | Vilonia | 2026 VS [player_tooltip player_id='870020' first='Brooklyn' last='Woosley'] | Guard | Greenwood | 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year, as a freshman, Maddie absorbed invaluable lessons from the championship game. This season, she's entered with a clear mission, and now she finds herself just one game away from achieving it. Maddie's proficiency in three-point shooting will be pivotal for Vilonia. Knocking down shots from beyond the arc will force the defense to extend, opening up opportunities for herself and her teammates to exploit and keep the Greenwood defense off balance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the other side, Brooklyn, a senior and a Henderson State signee, is determined to conclude her high school career with a resounding victory. Her scoring ability and playmaking skills pose a significant challenge for Vilonia's defense. If Brooklyn finds her rhythm, Greenwood could find themselves hoisting the state championship trophy once again this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lexy Heston | Wing/Forward | Vilonia | 2024 VS [player_tooltip player_id='453166' first='Carley' last='Sexton'] | Guard | Greenwood | 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's perhaps no one more determined for victory in this game than Lexy. Last year, she faced injury and couldn't contribute to the state championship game as she desired. Now, she's presented with a second chance at redemption, and I assure you she'll give her everything on the court. Lexy's leadership, relentless drive, energy, and unwavering effort will be invaluable for Vilonia this year. This senior is poised to give her all, aiming to conclude her high school career as a state champion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carly Sexton stands as another formidable presence on the court for Greenwood. Her sharpshooting prowess from beyond the three-point line is formidable and could pose significant challenges for Vilonia's defense, whether they're in a man-to-man or zone. As a senior, Carly is prepared to leave it all on the floor. Vilonia's defense must remain disciplined, as leaving Carley open could prove to be a costly mistake, potentially resulting in easy points for Greenwood.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Significant Pieces</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vilonia's depth extends well beyond the three players highlighted earlier. The team benefits from the significant contributions of three freshmen: <strong>Brooklyn and [player_tooltip player_id='1091156' first='Briana' last='Burnham']</strong>, along with <strong>Kim Henry.</strong> Both Burnham twins bring shooting and the ability to defend multiple positions. But the biggest contributions they bring will be poise and toughness. <strong>Kim Henry</strong>, although coming off the bench, offers essential interior support with her rebounding and defensive capabilities. Additionally, <strong>Abigayle Wertz</strong> is poised to make her mark as a contributor. Her relentless energy, effort, and timely shooting will be invaluable assets to the team's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In addition to the mentioned players, Greenwood will rely on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='876322' first='Kylah' last='Pearcy']</strong> to step up and provide significant minutes. Her ball-handling and playmaking abilities will be essential for her team's success. <strong>Izabella Smith's</strong> high basketball IQ and defensive ability will play a crucial role in stifling Vilonia's offense. Role players such as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1186609' first='Pate' last='Jones']</strong>, <strong>Jenna Honkala</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1196157' first='McKenzie' last='Thomas']</strong> will make valuable contributions. Pate's facilitation skills will be pivotal in maintaining offensive flow, while Jenna and McKenzie will be tasked with defensive responsibilities and making intelligent offensive decisions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's uncertain how extensively each coach will utilize their bench, but every player must be prepared to make a positive impact to enhance their team's chances of victory. Any of the players highlighted in this article could emerge as a decisive factor, or it could be someone not mentioned at all. With such potential contributions from various players, this game has all the ingredients to be one of the most thrilling championship matchups of the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->