Rising Teams to Watch in DII-AA Basketball

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Well, as I was about to get back to our February Frenzy tournament, something else struck me, so I wanted to run with this idea. Let's call it the Run It Back series. Why? Great question. I can just say that a bunch of teams who made the state tournament will probably be in good shape to make another run for this opportunity next year. A lot of these schools that made the state tournament weren't senior-dominant. This means they were filled with underclassmen who got a taste of what state was like this year and will be salivating to get back to state and make a run for the title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In each classification, teams were loaded with talent to get there this year. However, do they have the same level of talent to back to state next year? It is never to early to make predictions and think outside the box a little bit. Let's just say anything is possible. We just never know.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some teams (in no particular order) who can make a run at state contention next season from the DII-AA classification.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Knox. Webb</em></strong>- This squad returns some key pieces that were pivotal in their state championship run this season. Led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513227' first='Meeyah' last='Green']</strong>, the Clemson commit, you have a bunch of solid pieces such as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1039164' first='Kyndall' last='Mays']</strong>, speedy <strong>Zahnayah Rockett,</strong> and freshman-to-be <strong>Ivy Napier</strong>. Also, there are a few rumors flying around that another big-time athlete could join the mix as well. This team has all the ingredients to run it back again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Lipscomb Academy</em></strong>- They will be led by seniors in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513237' first='Ava' last='Jarrett'], [player_tooltip player_id='513243' first='Bella' last='Shepherd'], and [player_tooltip player_id='513231' first='Anna' last='Williams']</strong>. This 3 headed monster will be surrounded by solid underclassmen who can help stretch the floor and put the ball in the hole. A name to also throw into the mix are juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='821870' first='Blake' last='Maple'] and [player_tooltip player_id='822230' first='Brooklyn' last='Lowry']</strong>, two girls who can attack the rim, freeing up the perimeter for open looks. They, too can shoot the deep ball as well. Also, look for solid role play from <strong>Izzy Beasley, [player_tooltip player_id='1055728' first='Lane' last='Smith'], Mikenzie Allen, and [player_tooltip player_id='907617' first='Macey' last='Hunter'].</strong> Also, this school has a solid crop of middle schoolers who will be joining the ranks shortly. Look for them to make a big-time run at the opportunity next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>CPA</em></strong>- Once everyone is healthy, this will be a squad that will be in state contention. Led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513275' first='Lily' last='Morrow']</strong>, she will have her PG back in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='514119' first='Merli' last='Routh']</strong>, two solid interior players in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='822235' first='Jane' last='Ellis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='822224' first='Jayda' last='Robinson']</strong>, and there are a bunch of rumors there will be a shooter coming on campus as well. Whatever the case may be, CPA is always solid when it comes to girls who compete and do their jobs well. They have a solid cast of girls who just excel at the assignments given. Experience at these tournaments has served them well, and they are poised to capture the crown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are a few schools that will be on the cusp of making a run at the title that weren't there this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ensworth- They are a year older and will have experienced year 2 in Coach Reaves' system. They have solid guard play in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='514123' first='Nori' last='Jamison'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1166593' first='Jillian' last='Sanderson']</strong>, a shooter in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='514125' first='Mak' last='Haile']</strong>, a solid core of 3-5 in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155014' first='Tempo' last='Haun'], [player_tooltip player_id='496295' first='Alana' last='Wells'], [player_tooltip player_id='514127' first='Kim' last='Cooper'], and [player_tooltip player_id='382892' first='Kaylen' last='Kenney']</strong>. Add in the growth of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155034' first='Naomi' last='Crawley'], [player_tooltip player_id='1248859' first='Addy' last='Durham'], and [player_tooltip player_id='884146' first='Claire' last='Hale'],</strong> and you have a nice foundation of pieces that can make some noise in a tough district.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Chattanooga Christian</em></strong>- This team is going to be my darkhorse pick because they have <strong>Kamora “Mo Mo “ Moore</strong> on the team. It's hard not to choose this squad, especially when they have her on the floor. There are rumors flying that there are a few girls in the mix that will be coming to help them get over the hump. Whatever the case may be, just know this team is a sleeper to get to the final four.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Father Ryan</em></strong>- This program is one of the most efficient and solid ran programs around. Led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='899856' first='Maddie' last='Graham'], [player_tooltip player_id='636402' first='Caroline' last='Kieffaber'], Lily and [player_tooltip player_id='636532' first='Kate' last='Fielding']</strong>, this senior class (to be) will have had another year in the Coach McLeod system. The way they run their stuff and backdoor the heck out of you is so good. With another year under their belt, look for these girls to take the next step.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->