Juniors Step Up in State Championship Game

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>NCHSAA hosted their state championships this week where eight champions were crowned.  We've already discussed player awards and the standout seniors, but there were some phenomenal performances by juniors as well.  Here are members of the class of 2027 who truly stepped up for their teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["832235"],"_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-69b5fe33855ee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='832235' first='Sydney' last='McGuire'] did a fantastic job slowing down the opposing point guard after that player had a dominating game in the regionals.  She had some nice moves hitting her shot from beyond the arc.  She hit her teammate with the pass leading to the winning bucket in overtime finding her open from the top of the key.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["890639"],"_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-69b5fe3385697"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='890639' first='Alani-Skye' last='Wilkerson'] was doing the work inside to get her points using her quick feet and strength to score some points.  She knew how to read shots to grab the rebound.  She was effective using power dribbles to get into position and score some points.  On defense, she was blocking shots protecting the basket.  She brought some much needed energy to her team in the third quarter hitting the old fashioned three point play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["755815"],"_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-69b5fe338570c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='755815' first='Amya' last='Harrington'] was all over the boards grabbing rebounds on both ends of the court making sure her opponents don't have second chances.  She was tough on the block using her body to get into position and get the open look.  Her strength was apparent getting some tough buckets to go.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1222736"],"_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-69b5fe338577b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1222736' first='Daisee' last='Fourkiller-raby'] knows exactly where to get the ball even catching it up the court running full speed in transition.  She plays exceptional defense blocking shots in the paint showing her versatility.  She came up with steals and immediately pushed the tempo up the court finding her open teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->