Season Preview: Top Non-Select 5A Teams (1-4)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Several Non-select 5A teams are standing out this season. Zachary has a deep roster with new talent. Parkway, the reigning champs, feature [player_tooltip player_id='484973' first='Dakota' last='Howard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='484980' first='Savannah' last='Wilson']. Walker, led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='484971' first='Arionna' last='Patterson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='484990' first='Lashantae' last='Clay'], remains strong. Denham Springs is integrating young talent after last year's runner-up finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zachary</strong> stands out as one of the deepest teams in the state. They're returning their core players from last season and have added key freshmen, [player_tooltip player_id='946175' first='Asia' last='Bell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='946191' first='Kennedi' last='Whitfield']. [player_tooltip player_id='909412' first='Ava' last='Raymond'] and Tiarra Mcpipe combined for over 34 points per game last season. Plus, they've got a strong post presence with Madison Alcero and [player_tooltip player_id='961144' first='Cimiya' last='Rideau']. Despite falling short in the quarterfinals last year, they're looking like a favorite to win it all.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Parkway</strong> is the two-time defending state champions! They've got the versatile [player_tooltip player_id='484973' first='Dakota' last='Howard'] leading the way, and senior [player_tooltip player_id='484980' first='Savannah' last='Wilson'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='489578' first='Khia' last='Thomas'] are some players to keep an eye on. They are the favorites to win it all again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Walker</strong> boasts a strong senior presence with [player_tooltip player_id='484971' first='Arionna' last='Patterson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='484990' first='Lashantae' last='Clay'] at the helm. They also have emerging talents in [player_tooltip player_id='943345' first='Kadyn' last='Green'] and [player_tooltip player_id='489582' first='Logan' last='Cookmeyer']. Their defensive intensity is a challenge for opponents. Despite significant senior losses last year, they're still projected to be a top contender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Denham Springs, who finished as runner-up last year, is bringing in a lot of young talent for key roles, including [player_tooltip player_id='946189' first='Kynlee' last='Journet'] and [player_tooltip player_id='946190' first='Zariah' last='Semere']. Forward [player_tooltip player_id='489574' first='Prai' last='Nelson'], along with guards [player_tooltip player_id='489625' first='Taylor' last='Smith'] and Kennedi Lindsey, are leading the charge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->