Division II-A State Tournament Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now that we have previewed the Division II-AA state tournament teams, let's dive into the Division II-A state teams. Before we begin, let me start by saying that this will be one of the most talented fields this division has seen in a long time. Just looking at the teams left (mind you, there were talented teams that got put out recently), this field is covered with talented hoopers from the east side to the west side. Just as I mentioned in the previous article, it's all about matchups, and looking at the table, there really isn't an easy road to the finals for anyone. Each team left has size, speed, and shooters, along with the ability to play aggressive defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look at the teams in the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MTCS vs. CAK</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Winner plays USJ</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Trinity vs. Nashville Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Winner plays Notre Dame</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson Christian vs. GCA (Knoxville)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Winner plays PCA</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northpoint vs. Ezell Harding</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Winner plays TKA</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All I can do is shake my head about this field of teams. If you haven't kept up with this division here lately, there are some talented girls in this batch of teams. Kids who can really put the ball in the hole and put on a show for all to see.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let me drop some names for you to watch for during this next week of games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='780456' first='Jules' last='Ferrell'] (MTCS)</strong>- She's on a burner right now. Tough kid who can score off the dribble or pull up in transition to knock down the 3.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='821670' first='Jade' last='Watson'] (MTCS)</strong>- Shifty guard who can get paint touches with ease. Her defense is on an upswing and will be vital down the stretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>A.C. Shirley (MTCS)</strong>- Playing with a chip on her shoulder. Veteran who has been here before. Has something to prove her last go around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='821765' first='Maddie' last='Braden'] (CAK)</strong>- Consistent scoring threat who always rises to the occasion.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='519799' first='Colie' last='Thompson'] (CAK)</strong> - Versatile wing who contributes in all phases of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513242' first='Brilee' last='Price'] (Ezell-Harding)</strong>- Austin Peay signee who is a solid defender and a dynamic scoring threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='821641' first='Haylen' last='Ayers'] (USJ</strong>)- Elite ballplayer who is one of the top kids in the country from her class. Will look to defend the title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155021' first='MiMi' last='Lee'] (Notre Dame)</strong>- Shifty guard who is creative with the ball in her hands. One of the hottest prospects in the state right now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1133751' first='Anniston' last='Allgood'] (Nashville Christian)</strong>- Versatile forward that can play inside and out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='583370' first='Skylar' last='Walden'] (TKA)</strong>- Top floor general who can score at will.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1244607' first='Jenny' last='Bitounou'] (TKA)</strong>- Uses her size to create mismatches down low. Big-time on the boards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='620459' first='Olivia' last='Loveday'] (TKA)</strong>- Versatile winger who can stretch the floor or play down low.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513278' first='Kayte' last='Madison Bjornstad'] (PCA)</strong>- Big-time big who uses her physicality to get to favorable spots. Plays with poise and knows how to score the basketball around the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155053' first='Eva' last='Birkofer'] (PCA)</strong>- Athletic PG who can score from all 3 levels. Tough on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513232' first='Nya' last='Burns'] (GCA Knoxville)</strong>- A heady floor general who is a shutdown defender. Can get to the rim with ease, run an offense efficiently, and knock down shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='686347' first='Logan' last='Connatser'] (GCA Knoxville)</strong>- Versatile kid who has stepped up lately. Glue girl who contributes to multiple phases of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='732116' first='Abby' last='Roberts'] ( GCA Knoxville)</strong>- Sharpshooter who can knock down the three-ball with confidence. Have to know where she is at all times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking at the list above, there are still girls worth mentioning that I didn't get to. Understand this division is super tough throughout the state. The field of teams still playing: any of them has a shot at taking the gold ball home from the F&amp;M Bank Arena in Clarksville. This division will be one that many coaches will keep an eye on. As I mentioned in the previous article, I can't tell you who will come out on top. All I will say is that this will be one of the more exciting finals this division has had in a long time. As before, get your popcorn ready, as this will be an exciting state tournament you don't want to miss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->