The Top Player from each Arkansas County (Preseason pt. 2)

This is my continued breakdown of who could potentially be the best player in every Arkansas county in 2025-26. The counties are arranged in alphabetical order.   Craighead County   This Northeastern Arkansas county has several schools, including Ridgefield Christian, Valley View, Jonesboro, Buffalo Island Central, Riverside, Brookland, Nettleton, Westside Consolidated, and Bay. All of these teams have talented, yet experienced rosters. Despite that, I believe an incoming sophomore might have a leg up as the top player in the county.   Riverside's <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/arden-vaughn/">[player_tooltip player_id='1202885' first='Arden' last='Vaughn']</a> showed just how tough of a scorer she was during her freshman season. She was the 2A-3 Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season, and she is expected to improve her numbers drastically. Vaughn is a great scorer inside the arc, especially in the painted area. She uses her length to her advantage, being able to shoot over the defense with ease. On the other end of the floor, Vaughn uses that length again, contesting and swatting shots inside.   [player_tooltip player_id='1202885' first='Arden' last='Vaughn'] has a chance to be the 2A-3 Player of the Year again, which probably means she will be the best player coming from Craighead County.   Crawford County   Van Buren, Alma, Cedarville, Mountainburg, and Mulberry are the high schools in Crawford County. Each team has great talent, especially the two 5A squads, Alma and Van Buren. However, I believe Cedarville has a dark horse candidate for the best player in the county.   With a list like this, it is not always about the player who is the best right now, just who could be the best at the end of next season. Cedarville's star <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/emily-mccutheon/">Emily McCutcheon</a> could be that player. McCutcheon absolutely hooped as a freshman last season, averaging 14.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2.5 steals per game while shooting 77% from the free throw line. She is a solid shooter, but she is at her best when she attacks the basket. With her physicality and length, she can score with ease inside, or draw contact and head to the line. On the defensive end, McCutcheon is tasked with guarding one of the opposition's better perimeter and wing players, which pays off as she forces turnovers along the perimeter easily.   The 2028 class is deep, with players like Emily McCutcheon ready to dominate as soon as they step onto the floor.   Crittenden County   Earle, Marion, and West Memphis are all in Crittenden County. They all have solid players, but the top player in this county is not a surprise.   Earle's <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jada-maples/">[player_tooltip player_id='876300' first='Jada' last='Maples']</a> has been one of the state's best guards for the last couple of years, and she continues to hold that designation as we head into the 2025-26 season. This incoming senior has a great feel for the game. She is comfortable with the ball in her hands, and she can take on any assignment thrown her way. Whether she is tasked with scoring from inside, outside, or in between, she will get it done. In that 1A title game, Maples did all that she could to will her team to victory, though they ultimately fell short. She had 31 points and 20 rebounds in that game, along with 2 assists, 7 steals, and 3 blocks.   The Lady Bulldogs were the 1A runner-ups this past year, but if we know anything about [player_tooltip player_id='876300' first='Jada' last='Maples'], she will be ready to take on the tall task of taking her team back to the title game, but this time walking away with some bling.   Cross County   There are not many schools in Cross County, just Wynne and Cross County High Schools. Like seemingly every other county, these two schools have a tremendous amount of talent, but I think Cross County High School gets the edge for the top player in this part of the state.   The Lady Thunderbird's <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/avery-cox/">[player_tooltip player_id='1245019' first='Avery' last='Cox']</a> was named to the all-conference and all-state teams after her junior season this past year, along with being named the team's offensive MVP. Cox led the team in points and field goal percentage, while also being second on the team in assists. The incoming senior guard had plenty of strong performances throughout the 2024-25 season, but she has been a fan favorite for helping Cross County achieve its best record in over 15 years.   [player_tooltip player_id='1245019' first='Avery' last='Cox'] will be looking to take this team to new heights this season, and I think she will assert herself as the top player in this county by this time next year.   Dallas County   Fordyce High School is the lone school in Dallas County. The Lady Redbugs struggled last season, only winning 7 games overall, but snagging 5 victories in conference play. For 2025-26, they bring back a young roster, who is mostly unproven. Because of that, I cannot identify one particular player who could have the largest impact next season.   Amiya Doherty, Samariya Moore, Nashari Brazil, Kileyann Brazil, Alisa McCleod, Kinley Rogers, and Jordan Hines are all returners from the 2027 class while Ty'riana Harris returns from the 2028 class. Lakenya Anderson is the most experienced of the bunch based off years, as she is expected to be the lone senior on the roster next year.   We will see who stands out from this group, but for now, all of these players have an equal chance of being considered the top player in this county.   Desha County   Dumas and McGehee have strong rosters, with multiple players who could be seen as the best player in the county. Though there are some young players who are expected to star for their squads next season, I believe Dumas' returning starting center will be the best player in Desha County next year.   <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kendri-broughton/">[player_tooltip player_id='876344' first='Kendri' last='Broughton']</a>, one of the best bigs from the 2026 class, will dominate the post again like she did during her junior season. Broughton has already picked up some college offers, including a recent offer from Ottawa University. She has also heard from Coahoma and Pearl River.   Broughton is one of the hardest players to handle in the post. She will back the defender down under the basket, too far under to be able to defend her. She can also spin off defenders and use her soft touch to finish through contact. There is also not a rebound that she does not grab when she is boxing out her opponent. I think there is little doubt that [player_tooltip player_id='876344' first='Kendri' last='Broughton'] will be the best player in Desha County once this coming season is finished.   Drew County   Monticello High School and Drew Central High School are in Drew County. I believe Drew Central has the best player in this county, and she is one who finds a way to improve her stock, year after year.   <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/chloe-anderson/">[player_tooltip player_id='881698' first='Chloe' last='Anderson']</a> is one of the state's best power forwards. She can play with power, or she can play with finesse and evident skill. Anderson has great footwork, able to use the drop step on defenders and create space down low to shoot. She can also get the ball near the perimeter and make a play for herself, which usually involved her attacking the basket with force.   [player_tooltip player_id='881698' first='Chloe' last='Anderson'] is already the best player in this county, and I think that will stay that way until she graduates.   Faulkner County   Faulkner County is loaded with top-notch hoop squads. Greenbrier, Conway, Conway Christian, Vilonia, Conway St. Joseph, Mount Vernon-Enola, Mayflower, and Guy-Perkins are all in this county, and though there is a deep talent pool, I think we all know who the best player in this region is.   <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/traniyah-weston/">[player_tooltip player_id='1090347' first='Traniyah' last='Weston']</a> of Conway High School has already picked up Division I attention as she heads into her junior season. She had a great sophomore year for a near-dominant Conway team, showcasing her tremendous potential on both ends of the floor. Weston can score at will, especially inside. If she gets a step on her defender, she will not hesistate to take it all the way to the rack. On the other end, Weston is too dangerous to dribble against. She will pick your pocket before you even notice, or she will steal your pass in mid-air.   Conway graduated 3 starters, with 2 of them being their star point guard and shooting guard. Despite this, I believe [player_tooltip player_id='1090347' first='Traniyah' last='Weston'] will take on the role increase with enthusiasm, and she will showcase her improvements from this summer on the biggest stages Arkansas has to offer.   Franklin County   Ozark and Charleston are the only schools in Franklin County. Of the two schools, I believe Charleston has the best chance of having a player considered as the top hooper in Franklin County.   Charleston's <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ella-dodson/">[player_tooltip player_id='1202882' first='Ella' last='Dodson']</a> is a highly underrated forward who was tasked with contributing in multiple areas this past season. The 5'9" hooper out of the 2027 class spent most of the year as Charleston's starting center, which turned out to be a great decision by the Lady Tiger coaching staff as she was difficult to contain thanks to her solid athleticism. Dodson was highly active on the glass, pulling down rebounds on both ends of the floor and establishing herself as a double-double threat. She was also a great finisher inside, displaying tremendous concentration and touch when shooting down low.   [player_tooltip player_id='1202882' first='Ella' last='Dodson'] is certainly underrated, but I still believe she can be the best player in this county next season.   Fulton County   These schools are so far North they are almost in Missouri. Of Salem, Mammoth Spring, and Viola, the latter has the county's top player.   Viola's <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/taylor-reese-richardson/">Taylor Richardson</a> was incredible as a sophomore. She averaged 18 points per game, showcasing elite skill from three, mid-range, and in the paint. Richardson can attack the basket with power, forcing the defense to foul her if they want to have any chance of her missing. She has a great feel for the game, being able to respond to everything the defense throws at her.   Richardson's work ethic is evident, and of all of the players in Fulton County, she has the best chance to be the top player in the region.   Garland County   Garland County is made up of several schools, including Hot Springs Lakeside, Lake Hamilton, Cutter-Morning Star, Fountain Lake, Gospel Light Christian, Jessieville, Christian Ministries Academy, and Mountain Pine. When looking at all of the great players from all of these schools, it is hard to pick against Lakeside's star guard.   <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/payton-futch/">[player_tooltip player_id='876275' first='Payton' last='Futch']</a> is one of the best players in the state. She has already picked up offers from Arkansas-Fort Smith and Arkansas Tech, but I doubt the offer letters end any time soon. After eclipsing 2,000 career points and being named an all-conference, all-state, and all-tournament selection, it is clear that Futch is a dominant talent. She has a killer crossover, allowing her to get by her defender and get into the paint where she can score through contact. If she cannot get all the way to the paint, she can simply pull up and knock down a jumper off the dribble.   [player_tooltip player_id='876275' first='Payton' last='Futch'] is one of the most exciting players to watch in the 5A classification. If she continues to fill up the box score next season, there will be no doubt about her being named as the county's best player.   Grant County   5A Sheridan High School is in Grant County and they have a great lineup. However, I think that Poyen High School has a top-heavy roster, courtesy of this one player.   The offers are starting to pour in, which is no surprise for <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kenady-barrett/">[player_tooltip player_id='952547' first='Kenady' last='Barrett']</a>, the #3 player in the 2028 class. Arkansas-Monticello, Ouachita Baptist, Harding, and Pittsburgh State have all offered this 20-point per game guard. Barrett had a phenomenal season with Poyen, practically leading them to victory singlehandedly. She is now balling out with the [program_tooltip program_id='715977' first='AAO' last='Flight'], improving her stock as she enters her sophomore season.   [player_tooltip player_id='952547' first='Kenady' last='Barrett'] is a great shooter who can hit deep shots off the dribble and the catch, while being a major threat to drive inside and finish over taller defenders. There is not much Barrett cannot do, which is why she is my pick for the Grant County Preseason Player of the Year award.   Greene County   Marmaduke, Crowley's Ridge Academy, and Paragould are all in Greene County. These schools had their struggles throughout the 2024-25 season, but not the other Greene County team.   The Lady Golden Eagles of Greene County Tech were incredible this past season, finishing as the 5A state runner-ups. Though it was a disappointing end to a great season, they will probably be back in that game next year, especially with their returning star forward, <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/emarriha-johnson/">[player_tooltip player_id='1186507' first='E'Marriha' last='Johnson']</a>.   After moving to Paragould (where GCT is) from Missouri, Johnson helped boost the Lady Golden Eagle squad on both sides of the ball. Johnson surpassed 1,000-career points and picked up an offer from Louisiana Tech this past season, propelling her stock upwards. She is a fantastic slasher who is nearly impossible to stop.   Johnson averaged 15.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game during the regular season, and I have a feeling her numbers will get even better now that she has had a year to get acclimated to her teammates. She also has more offensive responsibility after GCT graduated several scorers.   Hempstead County   Blevins, Hope, Spring Hill, and Garrett Memorial are the schools in Hempstead County. When you take a look at Blevins, they are not the largest school in this county, nor are they in the largest town in the county, but they feature one of the best players out of the 2028 class.   <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kentana-williamson/">[player_tooltip player_id='1180594' first='Kentana' last='Williamson']</a> was an all-conference, all-state, and all-region performer as just a freshman this past season. She was highly impactful on both sides of the ball all year, particularly in a January contest against Mount Ida, where Williamson posted 24 points and 4 steals. She loves to pick off passes and disrupt ball handlers, while pushing the ball in transition and scoring easy buckets.   [player_tooltip player_id='1180594' first='Kentana' last='Williamson'] is still young, but she has already accomplished so much. The rest of the 1A classification should be worried about Williamson's improvements as she heads into her sophomore season, which is all the reason I need to consider her as the top player in Hempstead County.   Hot Spring County   I will never understand why some towns are not in certain counties. For instance, why is Hot Springs not in Hot Spring County. The same goes for Conway, as it is not in Conway County. Obviously, geography is the reason, but why can somebody not change the names of the counties to match these towns. Now that I am off my soap box, I will tell you that out of Malvern, Ouachita, Magnet Cove, Glen Rose, and Bismarck High Schools, the former has arguably the county's best hooper.   <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/grace-efird/">[player_tooltip player_id='1192817' first='Grace' last='Efird']</a> out of Bismarck is another 2028 player who lit up defenses in her first year on varsity. She had multiple 30-point outbursts, in addition to some phenomenal performances on the defensive end. With Efird's shooting and finishing abilities, defenses do not know what to do when she has the ball in her hands. They cannot guard her too close or sag off too much, so Bismarck is wildly successful when she is wheeling and dealing.   Again, another great 2028 hooper who impressed as a freshman in 2024-25. With one year of varsity basketball under her belt, as well as a summer to get better, I think [player_tooltip player_id='1192817' first='Grace' last='Efird'] will be, without a doubt, the best player from Hot Spring County.

This is my continued breakdown of who could potentially be the best player in every Arkansas county in 2025-26. The counties are arranged in alphabetical order.