The Top Risers of the 2029 Rankings

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1260223"],"_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-68d82e4635c68"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I have seen some describe [player_tooltip player_id='1260223' first='De'Asia' last='Neal'] as a guard in a forward's body. I can't agree more. She is one of the most versatile players in this class, and she is ready to contribute to Conway. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Neal is an excellent driver, using her power to move defenders out of the way and score through contact. She finishes well and has excellent balance, making it hard for the defense to slow her down. She often puts the ball on the floor when she drives, and her handles are so good that she keeps control of the ball, even against pesky defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her handles are not the only skill that Neal has that resembles a guard. She is an excellent 3-point shooter who fires it away with a lot of confidence. She can run around screens, get herself open, then catch and shoot the deep ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1260223' first='De'Asia' last='Neal'] is one of several freshmen who are expected to contribute to the Lady Wampus Cats as soon as they step onto the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1274931"],"_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-68d82e4635ce1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1274931' first='Ayla' last='Williams'] has been flying up the rankings, and I doubt she will stop anytime soon. After making the Bentonville West varsity squad, expect big things from this freshman. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams had an impressive two years on Grimsley Junior High's team. She went 41-1 in two seasons on the roster, averaging 12.4 points and 6.8 rebounds in just 14 minutes per game. During the summer with the [program_tooltip program_id='715977' first='AAO' last='Flight'], Williams put up 11.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per contest while shooting over 40% from three. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clearly, Williams can score. When she is not nailing 3-pointers, she makes her presence felt on the inside, scoring over taller defenders and out-hustling everybody for those rebounds. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1274931' first='Ayla' last='Williams'] has a lot of talent, so don't be surprised if she contributes right away on this young, yet promising Bentonville West team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1260744"],"_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-68d82e4635d33"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1260744' first='Hadleigh' last='Herron'] is about to join a great varsity squad in Izard County. She is expected to contribute right away to a team that is looking to make it back to the state championship game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Herron had a great 2024-25 season playing with the Izard County Consolidated Junior High team. She earned all-conference honors after having the best field goal percentage, free throw percentage, and recording the most blocks and rebounds on her team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the AAU stage, Herron has shown off her talent. For a center, she has good ball-handling skills, as she attacks the basket with coordinated drives and methodical moves. She can finish well through the teeth of the defense thanks to her soft touch around the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1260744' first='Hadleigh' last='Herron'] could see a lot of minutes during her freshman season, so keep up with this future 2A star.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1255560"],"_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-68d82e4635d81"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1255560' first='Lauren' last='Jackson'] is joining a young, yet promising Joe T. Robinson squad that is looking to finally be competitive in the 4A-5 North. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson is a versatile offensive weapon. Her ability to create shots is exemplary, as she has a great handle and can create separation to knock down any shot she sees. Whether she has a look from mid-range or three, that ball is going to rip through the nets, even with a hand in Jackson's face. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With her length, Jackson can initiate contact down low. If she drives baseline and a defender is in her way, they better move out of the way, as she will do whatever it takes to go up for the layup. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1255560' first='Lauren' last='Jackson'] is not being talked about enough, but she could be one of the best freshmen in the state this coming year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1260224"],"_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-68d82e4635dcf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bryant is bringing in a great group of freshmen, which should be worrisome for the rest of the 6A Central after seeing how good last year's freshmen were for them. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1260224' first='Bayleigh' last='Walker'] could be one of the better shooters in the conference. She shoots the ball from deep with a lot of confidence. Walker has a quick release and a great shooting stroke, able to fill up the box score thanks to her catch-and-shoot ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Besides outside shooting, Walker has proven to be a solid player in transition. She is always in the right place at the right time, able to catch the ball and go up and finish on the break. If help defense were to rotate over, no worries, she can still finish as she knows how to get the ball high on the backboard, away from any shot blocker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of all the solid freshmen on this Lady Hornet team, Walker could end up being the best, so keep an eye out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->