Unsung Heroes from Day 1 of the Sweet 16

<!-- 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 are some Day 1 unsung heroes who made significant contributions for their teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["747675"],"_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-67d381c5ac8ad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brookelyn came to play at the Sweet 16 and did not shy away from the moment. From the very start, she was aggressive, making an immediate impact on both ends of the floor. She made a smart cut to score the first bucket of the game and was quick to assert herself offensively. Her active hands caused problems for ball handlers, she picked pockets and turned defense into offense, going the other way to score and put Ashland ahead 13-12 in the second quarter. Brookelyn showed her ability to take on contact, going up strong, drawing a foul and hitting both of her free throws. She continued to make strong basket cuts throughout the game and displayed a nice handle, creating opportunities for herself and her teammates off the bounce. Brookelyn was all over the floor as well, diving for loose balls and made hustle plays that helped turn the tide for her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Stats:</strong></em> 7 points</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1215747"],"_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-67d381c5ac90f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1215747' first='Samara' last='Bailey'] was an absolute force in the interior for Knott Central. She dominated the boards, pulling down rebounds and establishing her presence in the paint. To start the game, she made an immediate impact with a nice block, setting the tone defensively. Samara was a great rim protector throughout the game, blocking multiple shots and making it difficult for Taylor County team to score around the basket. Offensively, she finished strong at the rim and scored a couple valuable buckets for her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["502108"],"_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-67d381c5ac954"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='502108' first='Avery' last='Raikes'] showed up and showed out against Knott Central! She started strong with a rebound and put-back for Taylor County's first points of the game, quickly getting her team on the board. Avery then hit a corner triple to keep the momentum going, and setting the tone early on offense, scoring the first 5 points for the Lady Cardinals. Avery continued to stay hot from deep, hitting another triple in the second quarter and got in the mix for a 50/50 ball in the third quarter. In the fourth, she hit yet another big three, sealing her spot as a standout performer and keeping the game out of reach. (Featured Image)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em><strong>Stats:</strong> </em>11 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["897374"],"_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-67d381c5ac994"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='897374' first='Kloie' last='Smith'] showed she was ready for the moment. Her touch around the rim stood out to me, and she always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, making plays for her team. Kloie brought energy to floor on defense and was relentless on the boards. I recall her pulling down an offensive rebound, and going up strong for the And-1. Her hunger for rebounds was evident, and she made a living at the free-throw.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["739708"],"_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-67d381c5ac9d1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brynli put on a gritty and tough performance, showing she had a lot of heart against Frederick Douglass. At one point, she had to step away due blood coming from above her eye from a cut, then got stitched up and returned to the game without missing a beat! She made an early impact with a strong drive and finish in traffic in the first quarter, then scored with a tear-drop floater in the second quarter. Brynli's acrobatic finishes at the rim were impressive, adjusting mid-air and converting difficult shots at the rim. Her ability to battle through adversity and keep attacking the defense was incredible.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em><strong>Stats:</strong> </em>12 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assists</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->