Week in Review: Rising Sophomores and Peaking Seniors

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Games Watched</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Newcastle 83</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bishop McGuinness 57</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westmoore 58 </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edmond Memorial 44</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bixby 46</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Union 53</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["572451"],"_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-696969dcd94e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Prestridge has been a walking double double this season for the Lady Jaguars. It was no different in their Tuesday night win, where she went for 16 points and 12 rebounds. Scoring has always came naturally to the gifted wing. Now she's shining as a more complete impact player while leading Westmoore to a 11-1 mark and a perfect 6-0 district record. What made her rebounding on Tuesday even more impressive is she did ot while also chasing around smaller guards on the perimeter. There's not much on the court that the Arkansas signee can't do. And it's translating to wins as she looks to power Westmoore to their first State Tournament appearance since 2016.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["913569"],"_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-696969dcd9559"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">King was the dominant force in Newcastle's Monday thrashing of district rival McGuinness. Had 18 points at halftime, because she assaulted the rim off the bounce and with ferocious offensive rebounds. Finished with the first half with an emphatic transition finish. When the dynamic wing is locked in like she was on Monday, she plays with a controlled type of violent athleticism that makes her nearly unstoppable. And has Newcastle well positioned to challenge for their first state title since 2016.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["913548"],"_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-696969dcd95b4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After a quieter Mustang tournament to end 2025, Richardson came out guns blazing as a shooter. She was also in double figures at half, making her a key part of Newcastle dominant run to lead by 22 at the break. Shot it very well from distance, while also being a connector as a passer in transition. Scoring is very much her calling card, and perimeter shot making like Monday will open up driving lanes for her smooth ability to attack the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["917333"],"_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-696969dcd9617"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Was the bright spot in the tough loss on Monday for the Irish. Stepped up as a scorer against quality competition. One of the more balanced sophomore offensive players, with perimeter shooting, crafty driving and good passing. Also impressed with her quick hands and attention to detail on defense. Active on the ball to poke out loose handles, swipe at shots and be in the passing lanes off the ball. Good mix of skill and grit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["579551"],"_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-696969dcd965f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith had it going in all facets on offense. Speedy in transition and when attacking in the halfcourt. Knocked down three triples in the first half. Then was also handing out dimes in the fourth quarter. Including a perfectly weight feed to a rolling screener. While another time she played fast but under control in transition and found a teammate for an easy score. This is a continuation of her fantastic play at the Tournament of Champions, where she was named all tournament team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1352739"],"_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-696969dcd96a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A newcomer to Union, Gater has been a breakout player for the Lady Redhawks. She's quick and strong off the bounce, good finishing at the rim. Also gets after it on the offensive glass and fitting in perfectly with Union's tenacious defense. Had a strong stretch in the second quarter, while bringing good energy throughout her time on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1260200"],"_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-696969dcd96fe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Opened the scoring for Bixby, and it felt like she had ever score in the opening frame. Knocked down smooth triples. One stepback along with one clean catch and shoot. Always was moving off the ball, cutting with purpose or even getting on the offensive glass. Had tough scores in the second half at the rim. Including a buzzer beater layup to end the third. The incoming NSU Redhawk is clearly a gamer with a jack of all trades skillset. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1226424"],"_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-696969dcd975c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kirk was the driving force for the Lady Bulldogs on Tuesday night. Looked more fluid and quicker with her hadnles and overall movement compared to last year. Gave Westmoore some trouble off the bounce, especially as they had to respect her range as well. Finished with 18 points and is averaging nearly 16 points a game on 37% shooting from deep. Which is doubly impressive as based on the game watched, she's the clear focal point of Edmond Memorial's offense. And is producing even with the defense's attention on her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["992456"],"_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-696969dcd97a4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Scrappy point guard, with good plays on both ends vs Union. Caught the eye in the first half when she fought through a screen, then successfully jumped and stole a post entry pass. Crashes the glass a bit too. Plays with a good chip on her shoulder. Capable shooter from distance too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->