Players expected to impress in the 2A Playoffs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The playoffs begin today! The 2A state playoffs take place at Cedar Ridge High School in Newark, Arkansas, and these are players I believe will impress the most from each first round matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1-seed Barton vs 4-seed Ouachita</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1060807"],"_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-67c77e7b833ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It is hard to bet against this Lady Bear team, especially with [player_tooltip player_id='1060807' first='Da'Mya' last='Wilson'] helping lead the way. I mentioned her star guard teammate in an article yesterday, but let us learn about this scoring machine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When Wilson was a freshman, she surpassed the half-century mark in a game, having one of the best single-game scoring outbursts in Arkansas high school girls' basketball history. After averaging well over 20 points per game during the regular season, she is bound to make defenses suffer in the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is not much Wilson cannot do offensively. She can shoot from way downtown, drive inside, finish amongst the trees, and pull up from just inside the arch. With all of the attention she draws when she has the ball in her hands, she is capable of finding wide-open teammates for easy buckets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1060807' first='Da'Mya' last='Wilson'] is a threat to go for 30 or more every time she steps out on the floor. She may very well do that in the tournament, so make sure to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2-seed Riverside vs 3-seed Alpena</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1202885"],"_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-67c77e7b83411"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Both Riverside and Alpena have deep rosters with multiple players who can contribute at any time. However, I think Riverside's freshman forward, [player_tooltip player_id='1202885' first='Arden' last='Vaughn'], could be the biggest difference maker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vaughn was recently crowned the Shawn Tillery 2A-3 player of the year during the 2A-3 district tournament. This is no surprise to Riverside fans, as Vaughn has been torching defenses all season long. She recently had a 20-point outing against Buffalo Island Central, who also made the tournament. Vaughn also had a 24-point performance versus a talented Sloan-Hendrix team earlier in conference play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Because of Vaughn's 5'10" frame, she spends much of her time down low, catching the ball on the block and maneuvering her way inside. She loves to play physically, as she will tuck her head down and go right into the teeth of the defense, forcing her way in and finishing through contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vaughn is also a fantastic defender. Heading into the playoffs, the freshman had 9 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 steals against East Poinsett County. Before that, she had 2 blocks versus Marshall and Buffalo Island Central, and then 20 points, 11 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block against Rector.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1202885' first='Arden' last='Vaughn'] has a chance to be the headliner of this great first round matchup, even as a freshman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1-seed Cutter-Morning Star vs 4-seed Mount Vernon-Enola</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1190757"],"_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-67c77e7b8345b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mount Vernon-Enola is the reigning 2A state champ and they are looking for a 3-peat (they won in 2023 as well). Despite their recent success, they are not the favorites, as they have to go through [player_tooltip player_id='1190757' first='Libby' last='Hood'] and a talented Cutter-Morning Star team first.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were several players from this team that I could have talked about, but Hood could be the deciding factor in this series. Offensively, Hood can put up a lot of points, as we saw her post 23 against Spring Hill earlier this season. She can knock down turn-around jumpers inside, along with moving well without the basketball. She is also a threat to record double-doubles, like she did against Dierks where she posted 16 points and 11 rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, Hood could be at her most valuable. Against Mountain Pine in February (they also made the postseason), Hood recorded 6 blocks. She shut down the painted area, making the opposition think twice about going up for those shots. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cutter-Morning Star has some great depth, with [player_tooltip player_id='1190757' first='Libby' last='Hood'] being a crucial part of this team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2-seed Acorn vs 3-seed East Poinsett County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1090293"],"_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-67c77e7b834a0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1090293' first='Allison' last='Gaines'] had a great regular season with East Poinsett County, emerging as one of the top sophomores in the state. She now seeks to play her best basketball on the 2A's biggest stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gaines averaged 14.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 3.0 steals per game this season. She can knock down threes, as she did connect on 24 3-point baskets this season, but she is even better when driving in the lane. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gaines hit 49% of her 2-pointers during the regular season, proving that she is tough to stop when she has an opportunity to attack. She is also a great defender, forcing multiple turnovers a night. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1090293' first='Allison' last='Gaines'] stood out after putting up 25 points against Tuckerman a few days ago and I do not think she is finished. Acorn better watch out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1-seed Izard County vs 4-seed Ozark Mountain</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1049441"],"_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-67c77e7b834e4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There are some great players on this Izard County team, but I think Ozark Mountain will have a tough time trying to stop their star senior, [player_tooltip player_id='1049441' first='Quinn' last='Johnson'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Izard County finished the regular season as 2A-2 regional champs, with Johnson having 21 points in the deciding victory. Also, Johnson had more points than the other team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She has had multiple 20+ scoring outings this season, including a 30-point effort against Sloan-Hendrix. Johnson is at her best when firing from long range. She has a quick release and she is tough to slow down when she has it going. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the other side of the ball, Johnson is capable of disrupting the passing lanes and stripping ball-handlers whenever she has the chance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1049441' first='Quinn' last='Johnson'] will be a key player in this playoff series and Ozark Mountain will have their hands full against her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2-seed Poyen vs 3-seed Bigelow</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["952547"],"_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-67c77e7b83528"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It is just about impossible to not talk about [player_tooltip player_id='952547' first='Kenady' last='Barrett']. The freshman has had some incredible performances this season and I think there is a good chance that she jumped up a couple spots in the 2028 ranking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Towards the tail-end of January, Poyen was averaging 28 points per game. Since then, she has compiled multiple 30-point games as well as a 40-point performance. Barrett has quickly become the talk of the state, single-handedly making Poyen a title contender. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is not much Barrett cannot do on the court. She can shoot from outside and inside. She can pass, rebound, handle the ball, and defend. It does not matter if Barrett has too much space or not enough, she will find a way to score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='952547' first='Kenady' last='Barrett'] has a great chance of being the best player in this tournament, even as a freshman. I encourage all of you to watch this superstar in the making.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1-seed Mountainburg vs 4-seed Buffalo Island Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1196057"],"_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-67c77e7b83585"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Traditionally, Buffalo Island Central is one of the favorites to win the 2A playoffs, but they just made it in as a 4-seed. Even though they are matched up with Mountainburg, I think this could be a great game, as [player_tooltip player_id='1196057' first='Josephine' last='Hanneken'] will make life difficult in the paint for the opposition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Back in January, Hanneken displayed her defensive prowess against Corning, recording 8 blocks. She also recorded 9 rebounds and 2 steals in what ended up being a massive victory against the 2A-3 foe.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is not the first time Hanneken has had incredible shot-blocking performances, as she had 7 blocks in a game against Riverside last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1196057' first='Josephine' last='Hanneken'] has also done some damage offensively, as she had 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists versus Cross County before conference play began. With this 6-footer's elite rim protection, Mountainburg may have to rely on their outside shooting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2-seed Quitman vs 3-seed Mountain Pine</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1060804"],"_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-67c77e7b835c9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">To me, it was a shock that Quitman was not a 1-seed in the playoffs, as they had a 31-2 overall record and went undefeated in conference play. Despite that, they are still considered a heavy favorite, thanks to their tremendous depth and the great play of Sara Dixon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During the 2A-5 district championship game versus Bigelow, Dixon put up 22 points in what ended up being a sizeable victory for the Lady Bulldogs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The junior is capable of going for big games thanks to her great long-range shooting ability. She has a quick release and is automatic when left with too much space. Dixon is also a fantastic driver and defender, contributing inside and on the other side of the basketball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The great thing about this team is that Sara Dixon does not have to be the go-to scorer every time. She can be a decoy and Quitman can find offensive success from other players on this roster. However, the Lady Bulldogs will face several great teams in the playoffs, with the first being Mountain Pine. With that being said, they will probably have to call upon Dixon to lead the way at times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I can see several upsets occurring in the 2A playoffs, thanks to so many of these great players. This will be one interesting postseason, so do not miss out once it starts tonight!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->