Pace and Paint Controllers

In this article, we look at pace and paint controllers from both,  the defense and offense  side of the ball. These are players who understand the moment — when to apply pressure, when to settle possessions, and how to keep their team in control through momentum swings. Whether it's organizing the offense or disrupting an opponent's rhythm, these players influence the game in the paint or by the flow and can do so without dominating the scoreboard or a single statistical category.    In just a little over a month into the season, Maddie Ray is returning to pre injury form and putting up gotty numbers in the process. Through 8 games, Ray is averaging nearly 10 rebounds per game, 10.3 points per game, and an incredible 7.6 blocked shots per game. The blocked shots allows Ray to control the pace of the game. At 6'3 with impeccable timing, no shot is safe around Ray. In addition to shot blocking, the center is finding the shooting touch, controlling the glass, and even making the assists. Ray is an excellent passing big. As a Freshman, the offense flowed through Ray often and she was comfortable dishing to cutters at the basket.     KJ Sharpe knows a thing or two about controlling the pace of the game. The young guard is having a statistical breakout season averaging nearly 15 points per game (per Max Prep). Sharpe has always been a savvy player who plays with poise and purpose. She does an excellent job running the offense, controlling tempo, and putting teammates in positions to succeed. A confident decision-maker, Sharpe consistently creates quality scoring opportunities and understands how to manage the pace of the game. She can knock down the three when defenses sag and knows when to attack versus or facilitate. Last season she played an important role on a State Championship team, showing an ability to adapt her game to the needs of the team - she balanced the floor, stabilized the two position, and was solid on the defensive end. This season she is a Senior whose time has come. Sharpe is contributing and controlling the pace on both ends of the floor - the role of a playmaking guard.     Five weeks in and [player_tooltip player_id='843397' first='Karli' last='Torres'] is quietly putting together an eye opening season - making contributions in the scoring department, rebound department, getting to the line, and putting the opposition in foul trouble. Torres provides a strong presence in the middle and her presence alone controls the paint and turns penetrators away (Especially with [player_tooltip player_id='400786' first='Imani' last='Henderson'] on the other side). Torres can score the ball on the inside and runs the floor well at the 4 or 5 position.     [player_tooltip player_id='514627' first='Yamise' last='Haygood'] is not just controlling the pace over in Baker county, she is controlling he game. Haygood has always been amongst the leaders in the State in steals and this year is no exception - she sits at 8.6 steals per game. The speedy, athletic, and crafty guard is also burning the nets down with over 24 points per game . Haygood is a terror in all phases of the game - a thief on defense, an attacker on offense, and poetic in the transition game. Haygood controls the pace from beginning to end - the reason she is one of the top guards in the 2027 class.     [player_tooltip player_id='514524' first='Ellieyana' last='Wallace'] continues to shift the momentum in games and control the pace with her ability to shoot the three ball and also mix in some attacking the rim. Wallace has that ability to rise to the occasion and play her role at the same time. She can shoot the three and also shoot the midrange shot as well. Wallace rebounds well from the small forward position on both ends of the floor. Defensively, Wallace can cover on the perimeter and also contribute in the paint with her size and physicality. Wallace is currently averaging 8pts and 5 (max prep). Her impact goes beyond the numbers. Her impact comes from experience in clutch moments, a high basketball IQ, and the ability to control the pace when the game is on the line.     [player_tooltip player_id='843385' first='Tasandra' last='Williams'] is having a breakout year and putting the First Coast on notice in the process. Superlatives like dynamic and electric come to mind when watching the point guard play. She has the ability to break down a defender off the dribble, she is shifty, and has a smooth left handed midrange shot. Williams is definitely a Stockriser and she is making the case from both sides of the ball - utilizing speed and quickness and a competitive edge.

In this article, we look at pace and paint controllers from both, the defense and offense side of the ball. These are players who understand the moment — when to apply pressure, when to settle possessions, and how to keep their team in control through momentum swings. Whether it's organizing the offense or disrupting an opponent's rhythm, these players influence the game in the paint or by the flow and can do so without dominating the scoreboard or a single statistical category.