Division II-AA 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>The table for the Division II final twelve is now set. This season has been such a whirlwind of events. Let me start by saying this: just as the public school sector is tough, the private school sector is tough too. This season, several teams have risen to the top. Not only have programs turned the corner, but multiple girls in this division have seen their stocks increase</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='514123' first='Nori' last='Jamison'] (Ensworth)</strong>-Senior leader who can control the pace of the game. Can score from multiple spots on the floor and deliver timely dimes to teammates. Big-time defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='821870' first='Blake' last='Maple'] <strong>(Lipscomb)</strong>- Versatile kid who is the 3 and D type. She will lock up on the defensive end and pick her spots to knock down shots.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1264682' first='Aubrey' last='Bush'] <strong>(Baylor)</strong>- Has taken the high school scene by storm. Sensational 8th grader who has been leading the charge. A bucket getter who can utilize her speed and quickness to get to where she wants to go.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of course, there were many more young ladies who elevated their game during the season and showed up significantly for their teams during the tournament. We will get more into that later, but let me dive into the final twelve for both Division II AA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>&nbsp;Here is a preview of what's to come for the Division II-AA state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Briarcrest vs. Ensworth</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Winner plays Knox Webb</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Agnes vs. Harpeth Hall</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Winner plays CPA</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lipscomb vs. GPS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Winner plays Knox Catholic</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Father Ryan vs. Baylor</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Winner plays Hutchison</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are a lot of good matchups in the first round of the 12, but waiting in the wings of the second round are even tougher opponents. I will say it is a game of matchups, and some teams have a more favorable road ahead, but once you get to the final four, anything can happen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I am not going to predict an outcome for this division or give a heavy favorite, but I will give you a few kids to keep an eye on down the stretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='822224' first='Jayda' last='Robinson'] (CPA)</strong>- Tough big man who finishes well around the rim. Has transformed her game this past season and has become a formidable force to be reckoned with. Look for her to establish her presence early down low.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='822235' first='Jane' last='Ellis'] (CPA)</strong>- Has been clutch down the stretch. Versatile big who can play both inside and out. She can exploit the mid-range area, play with her back to the basket, and knock down the 3.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='792678' first='Charley' last='Rae Hutchison'] (CPA)</strong>- Has been a nice addition to this squad. Can score from all three levels and is solid with the ball in her hands. She makes the right reads, delivers the ball on time, and plays solid on D.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513237' first='Ava' last='Jarrett'] (Lipscomb)</strong>- Takes no prisoners, and she will do whatever to will her team to victory. Look for her to get into her bag early and often, as she can light it up from the arc. Her ability to exploit options on the screen game is second to none. X factor for the Lady Mustangs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='899856' first='Maddie' last='Graham'] (Father Ryan)</strong>- Sharpshooter who can light it up. Father Ryan is going to be smart, play with poise, and know when to exploit a team's weakness. Look for her to settle into her game early and deliver some big-time shots for this club.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='636393' first='Ava' last='Jones'] (Hutchison)</strong>- Miss Basketball nominee- is ready to put her team on her back. She has what it takes to do many things. She will be the focal point to stop, but look for her to pick her spots and not force.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513227' first='Meeyah' last='Green'] (Knox Webb)</strong>- Miss Basketball nominee, looking to bring back even more hardware to the school. Tough kid who has established herself as one of the best in the state. Provides solid defense and is a dynamic offensive threat to a talented Knox Webb club.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The gold ball will be up for grabs come March 7th. Anything can happen during this time of the year. Personally, I couldn't put a finger on who would come out victorious even if I tried. All teams are talented, that's why they are where they are. There will be multiple tight ball games, and teams will have to play their best collective games to continue advancing. It will be interesting to see who hoists the trophy. Get your popcorn ready because this will be a fun division that will come down to the wire.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned for the Division II-A preview next.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->