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<p>Bigs! You've got to love them. There is nothing like having a big man who can command the middle. She is that anchor in the paint. Someone who can truly make or break a game by the way they play. Scoring buckets, grabbing boards, blocking shots, having one on your team can be a huge difference maker for a ball club. We have to give post players respect. They do a lot of the dirty work down low and get their stats without initially having the ball in their hand.</p>
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<p>It's funny, growing up, I used to get mad at tall people. I am a pretty good height, 5'9 ½ ( you like how I threw that half in there), but I remember as a youngster, my dad would see a tall girl and say, “You must play basketball.” If she didn't, then he would entice her to play. The story of my life.</p>
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<p>Anyways, when you look across our state landscape and see the teams that go deep into the tournament, the majority of them have bigs who are difference makers. Right now, pull up any district on your phone, and I guarantee you that there is one impactful big that is keeping the team alive. Now, not all teams have them, but the majority that will go deep into state, I am telling you that position matters big-time.</p>
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<p>Look at the Bartlett program. Over the last couple of years, as they have made their run at the state, they have had someone big anchoring the post. This season, Samiya Jones is a big, physical kid who brings it. Scores, on the boards, she's one that gives this team an edge when she is on the floor.</p>
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<p>Moving over to the East side of the state, they are like trees over there. Bradley Central has [player_tooltip player_id='513228' first='Kimora' last='Fields'], who is a beast in herself. The Clemson signee has been getting it done the past 3 years, leading BC to state titles. This year, her team dynamic is a little different, but she is still leading the charge and giving Bradley the go ahead of being a heavy favorite to win the state again this year.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1039164' first='Kyndall' last='Mays'] who is up in Knoxville hoops for Knox Webb. She has done nothing but improve in every contest. The way she moves from block to block and finishes is pretty impressive. Establishing her presence down low and putting the ball in the net is what she does best.</p>
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<p>Let's meet in the middle, there are a lot of bigs in Middle Tennessee that do work. [player_tooltip player_id='513278' first='Kayte' last='Madison Bjornstad'] from PCA, talk about a kid who can establish her presence down low. The way she seals a girl to establish position is second to none. Scores it off the initial or on a put-back, she's going to give you double-digit scoring effort plus boards.</p>
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<p>Then there is [player_tooltip player_id='821620' first='Lauren' last='Hassell'] of Clarksville Christian. My my my. Such a talented big man that gives clubs fits. She can handle it, knock down the three, score over either shoulder. She's a monster on the defensive end, too by blocking shots. I got to add [player_tooltip player_id='821657' first='Marley' last='Spiers'] to the conversation, as well. Another tower on the Clarksville Christian team makes others feel like they have to shoot it into outer space to get it over them. Marley brings the physicality to the party and finishes great around the rim, just a tough competitor.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='816630' first='Cecilie' last='Brandimore'], the Missouri signee, is hot off the press right now. The Cameron Brink of Tennessee basketball is a bucket. She can utilize her quick first step and finish around the rim. Add in her rebounding ability, the way she blocks shots, and this girl gives her club an opportunity to win in any contest.</p>
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<p>As we enter postseason play, keep an eye on a team's big man. Having one who can dominate the position gives a team an advantage, especially here down the stretch. During this time of the year, things get a lot tighter. It's a possession-by-possession game. Everything means more. Having a big man who can help neutralize a possession or keep one alive is premium. I know I just named a few around the state who can get it done. Rest assured, there are plenty of others who also deserve to be mentioned as well. We have a good crop of bigs who will play high-level basketball at the next level when it's all said and done.</p>
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<p>Get your popcorn ready. The action is around the corner and in full effect. Watch as the post play will dominate during this time. Why? It's in the name: Postseason. Good luck! May the best post player's team win.</p>
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