6A Championship Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bracket play has concluded, and the stage is set for the 6A championship game. Little Rock Central will face off against Conway in what promises to be an epic matchup, fueled by the history and rivalry between the two teams. Adding to the intrigue is Central's head coach, Marlon Williams, who previously served as Conway's 8th/9th grade blue side coach for several years. Central's knack for upsetting Conway is evident, having done so two years ago in the state tournament when Conway was heavily favored for a state championship, and again last year in the regular season by triumphing over Conway at Central. This storied rivalry has reached its apex, with these two powerhouse teams poised to battle it out for the title of state champions. Let's dive into some key matchups between the teams to assess who might emerge victorious.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='304688' first='Jordan' last='Marshall']</strong> <strong>| Wing | LR Central | 2024 VS [player_tooltip player_id='465503' first='Alexis' last='Cox'] | Wing | Conway | 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The matchup between Jordan and Lex is compelling. While they may not directly guard each other, their performance could significantly influence the game's outcome. Both players, versatile wings, play pivotal roles in their team's offensive strategies. [player_tooltip player_id='304688' first='Jordan' last='Marshall'] and [player_tooltip player_id='465503' first='Alexis' last='Cox'] are both strong contenders for state player of the year. However, Alexis has occasionally faced foul trouble throughout the season. If she can avoid early fouls and remain on the court, her scoring and shooting prowess could pose challenges for Central. For Central, [player_tooltip player_id='304688' first='Jordan' last='Marshall'] presents a potential matchup dilemma for Conway. Standing at 6 feet tall, she is a versatile wing capable of playing multiple positions and scoring from various spots on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465492' first='Samyah' last='Jordan'] | PG | Conway | 2025 VS [player_tooltip player_id='465505' first='Ky' last='Wilson'] | Guard | LR Central | 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The last time these two teams faced off, Ky and Samyah found themselves matched up against each other. Despite being friends off the court and teammates during the summer with the [program_tooltip program_id='712659' first='Mavs' last='Elite'], this game is all about bragging rights. I expect both players to fiercely compete to propel their respective teams to victory. Samyah serves as the driving force behind Conway's success. As a point guard, she excels in aspects that often go unnoticed, such as her on-ball defense and exceptional passing skills, which rank among the best in the state. Ky has also seen time at the point for Central. If she finds her rhythm from beyond the three-point line and creates opportunities for her team, then [player_tooltip player_id='304688' first='Jordan' last='Marshall'] won't be the sole focus for Conway. The performance of both these guards will be pivotal to their team's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='465513' first='Emerie' last='Bohanon'] | Guard | Conway | 2025 VS Alivia Montgomery | Guard | LR Central | 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now, let's discuss a couple of players capable of stretching the defense. Emerie stands out as Conway's top three-point shooter. She exhibits excellent transition play, quickly positioning herself for long-range shots. Additionally, she's proficient at driving straight to the basket if defenders close out aggressively or are caught off balance. On the other hand, Alivia serves as Central's go-to shotmaker. She can force defenders to close out hard, creating opportunities to penetrate and make plays. The contributions of both shooters are crucial, as they must consistently connect from beyond the three-point line while also showcasing their playmaking skills. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Central role and bench players VS Conway role and bench players</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conway and Central's success isn't solely reliant on the three players I previously mentioned. In fact, Central boasts one of the deepest rosters in the state. On any given night, any player is capable of stepping up and making a significant impact. Take, for instance, <strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='465504' first='Taylor' last='Day Davis']</em></strong>, whose clutch corner three-pointer as time expired against North Little Rock propelled Central into overtime. <strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='305324' first='Kiaya' last='Davis']</em></strong> is another key player for Central, known for her scoring ability and knack for delivering crucial baskets when needed. <strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='450142' first='Ashlyn' last='Kimble']</em></strong>, despite coming off the bench, has consistently provided starter-level contributions, excelling in both playmaking and defense. And let's not forget <strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='305320' first='Aven' last='Sasser']</em></strong>, the 6'2 forward who grants Central a substantial advantage in the paint. With her versatility, Aven can effectively guard wings or dominate in the interior, providing Central with numerous strategic options.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Conway may not have the same depth as Central, they still have the potential to succeed. <strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1090347' first='Traniyah' last='Weston']</em></strong>, a freshman point guard recently returning from injury, is poised to make valuable contributions with her ability to push the tempo and disrupt opponents with her athleticism on defense. <strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1056381' first='Alivia' last='Cox']</em></strong> will play a significant role, tasked with defending multiple positions, injecting energy into the game, and capitalizing on open three-point opportunities. <strong><em>MiRaiyh Wilson</em></strong>, another freshman, faces the biggest challenge of her young career in this game. If she can provide solid defense, rebounding, and easy scoring opportunities around the basket, it will greatly enhance Conway's chances of victory. Finally, there's <strong><em>Amiyah Taylor</em></strong>, a senior forward and starter known for her defensive prowess. Assigned to guard Central's top perimeter threats, her ability to limit their effectiveness while contributing offensively could tip the scales in Conway's favor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->