Akeem’s Top Performers From Day 1 of the Sweet 16

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Photo By: Cam Anderson</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>USE CODE&nbsp;<strong>webb30</strong>&nbsp;for 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Clark's Pump-N-Shop Sweet 16 State Tournament, also known as the "Greatest Show in Hoops," tipped off yesterday at Rupp Arena, and it did not disappoint! Here's a look at my Day 1 Top Performers who made a statement on the big stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["739686"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d349313661c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='739686' first='Kennedy' last='Stamper'] showed great poise, leadership, and looked like the best player on the floor. She started strong with a dribble pull-up and followed it up with a pretty scoop layup, showing her craftiness around the rim. She made the most of her trips to the free-throw line and displayed tremendous court-vision, consistently finding her teammates with smart passes. Kennedy was nearly impossible to stop off the dribble, using her elite body control to finish at the rim. Just before halftime, she got people out of their seats with a slick ball fake into a layup, then came up clutch in the fourth quarter with a tough pull-up jumper from the elbow. (Featured Image)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats:</em></strong> 15 points, 4 assists</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1050025"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d349313668d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I was in awe watching [player_tooltip player_id='1050025' first='Kennedy' last='Deener'] in person for the first time, she is the REAL DEAL! From the opening quarter, she made her presence known, running the floor and getting rewarded with easy layups. She knocked down a spot-up jumper in the second quarter and did a good job penetrating the defense, and kicking it out to shooters at the perimeter. Kennedy's offensive skill set was on full display, strong drives, coast-to-coast finishes, and a deep three that hit nothing but net. She also exceled on the defensive end with immense ball pressure and slid her feet well. She made good use of screens off the dribble and wowed the crowed in the third quarter with a beautiful behind-the-back move and finished strong at the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats:</em></strong> 27 points</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["631212"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d34931366db"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brooke was unstoppable from the opening tip against Ashland, setting the tone early with an aggressive offensive attack. She drove hard to the rack for North Laurel's first points of the game and had a thunderous block in the first quarter. She dominated the glass and did a good job going coast to coast with the rock, scoring all 8 of North Laurel's first-quarter points. She swatted another shot in the second quarter and drilled a crucial three-pointer in the third quarter to keep the game within four. Brooke continued to impact the game in every aspect and ultimately led her team victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>28 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assists, several blocks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["903256"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d3493136724"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Class of 2029 is set to produce some big-time prospects, and [player_tooltip player_id='903256' first='Tamia' last='Waide'] is undoubtedly one of them. She wasted no time making an impact, hitting the first three of the game and showcasing impressive body control on a layup in the first quarter. For such a young player, her feel for the game and basketball IQ is already off the charts! Tamia's defensive instincts were on display with a key steal in the second quarter, and when her team needed a spark, she delivered, drilling a much needed triple late in the second quarter to cut the Lady Broncos' deficit to just three. She was also a perfect 4-for-4 in the first half. [player_tooltip player_id='903256' first='Tamia' last='Waide'] is a name to remember!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>17 points, 4 steals, 7/8 FG, 2/2 3-PT FG, 2/2 FT</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["502134"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d349313676b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kyra left it all on the floor on Day 1 of the Sweet 16, with a gutsy performance for Knott Central. She got them on the board with back-to-back buckets at the end of the first quarter and continued to attack the basket with purpose. She knocked down a smooth stop-and-pop jumper at the foul line, then found her rhythm from beyond the arc, drilling a big three in the second quarter and another in the third. Kyra stayed aggressive throughout the game, scoring from all three levels and made a significant impact on the offensive end. Her relentless attack kept Knott in the fight, but was not enough to lead her team past Taylor County. Kyra will continue her athletic and academic career at the University of Pikeville.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>18 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 assists</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["631218"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d3493136800"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jailenn proved she is more than ready for the big stage, delivering a standout performance on Day 1 of the Sweet 16. She got things rolling with back-to-back buckets, showing her ability to run the floor and got rewarded in transition. Her speed and awareness made her a constant threat, as she consistently capitalized on fast-break opportunities. Jailenn also displayed a silky smooth mid-range game, knocking down shots with confidence. Her all-around play and ability to adapt to the moment showed she belongs under the brightest lights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats:</em></strong> 22 points, 4 steals, 2 assists, 1 rebounds, 9/10 FG, 4/4 FT</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["743664"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d3493136853"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jaelee put on a complete performance, making an impact on both ends of the floor. She showed her strength early with a strong rebound and put-back, finishing efficiently around the rim. In the second quarter, she came up with a big-time block, then ran the floor and finished in transition to bring her team within one. Coming out of halftime, she wasted no time attacking, driving hard to the basket, got the hoop and the harm, then calmly knocked down her free throws. The third quarter turned into a block party, as she protected the rim with all her might. Jaelee then displayed her offensive versatility, hitting a free throw jumper and capping off her night by drilling a dagger 3-pointer in the fourth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stats:</em></strong> 15 points, 8 rebounds, 5 blocks, 2 assists, 4/4 FT</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["885318"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d3493136899"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">LaReesha left it all on the floor with a memorable performance for Franklin-Simpson in their first state tournament appearance in 16 years. Despite a tough start in the first half, she came out strong in the second, leading the charge when her team needed her most. She showed great composure, passing well out of double teams and made smart decisions with the ball. Her presence on the boards was pivatol, grabbing a big rebound and put-back late in the third while consistently scoring inside. LaReesha's energy and determination fueled Franklin-Simpson and help them close the gap, but was not enough to beat 10th region powerhouse GRC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats:</em></strong> 14 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["555976"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67d34931368e0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='555976' first='Kenleigh' last='Woods'] gave North Laurel all they could handle in the first game of the Sweet 16. She attacked the rim with strong drives, finishing through contact and made several trips to the stripe, where she capitalized more times than not. She set the tone defensively as well, taking a key charge to start the second quarter. Offensively, she found her rhythm, burying a three from the wing and finishing the half with a tough drive and scoop layup. Kenleigh came out firing in the third, nailing a three to open the quarter and then hit back-to-back triples after that, keeping the pressure on North Laurel as the game went down to the wire.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats:</em></strong> 23 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->