All-State Returners set to takeover (1A-3, 1A-4)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These all-state performers are looking to take a major step up in their play this coming season, and we can't be more excited.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>1A-3</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1091190"],"_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-69e06156c2360"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">What more can I say about [player_tooltip player_id='1091190' first='Journey' last='Jefferson'] that hasn't already been said, especially after helping Earle seek revenge in the 1A title game, eclipse 1,000 points, and earn all-conference and all-state in every season she has played in high school.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jefferson is truly an elite player, who will have this Bulldog offense all to herself this coming year. She can score any way she wants, as she is an unstoppable shooter who can pour it on from beyond the arc and the mid-range. She is also a great interior scorer, who can finish over any defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Enough can't be said about Jefferson's passing and defense. Jefferson is a great floor general who is looking better and better every season. The guard's defense is horrifying for the other team. She is in the grill of every opposing guard, hands in their face, and is liable to force a turnover. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1091190' first='Journey' last='Jefferson'] is one of the best players in the entire state, and that all-state selection just cements that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1356654"],"_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-69e06156c2421"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1356654' first='Ava' last='McCuiston'] was a major part of Marked Tree's successful 2025/26 season, and I would imagine her excellent play will carry over into her junior campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McCuiston is an excellent two-way star, who has proven to be exceptional on the glass. Rebounding on both ends comes easy to her as her athleticism and length are critical in her success on that end (she's 5'10"). Defensively, McCuiston has great shot-blocking instincts, and she rejects multiple shots a game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The forward has a dynamic offensive game. She can stretch her offense out to the perimeter with her solid shot-making ability off the catch. But of course, McCuiston's length comes in handy on the interior, as she can finish over taller defenders with ease.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1356654' first='Ava' last='McCuiston'] had a fantastic sophomore season, and now I think she is ready to take that next step up into stardom.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>1A-4</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1212740"],"_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-69e06156c24b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Magazine is coming off a great 2025/26 season, and it was led by [player_tooltip player_id='1212740' first='Cecilia' last='Mora'], who may very well move up in the rankings soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mora is a dynamic point guard who is an excellent scorer in space. She can hit shots from beyond the arc, even with a hand in her face. She drives hard to the basket and can finish through traffic without consequence. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mora is more than a scorer, as she has established herself as a solid defender. She plays with active hands and her energy and effort never quits, which allows her to force numerous turnovers and come away with multiple steals. Her playmaking is also solid, as she is always looking for her open teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1212740' first='Cecilia' last='Mora'] has turned some heads so far, picking up a recent offer from Hendrix College. With a great senior season, I don't see why she doesn't move up the rankings, and pick up more offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1806231"],"_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-69e06156c253b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In addition to being a phenomenal player, [player_tooltip player_id='1806231' first='Brecken' last='Mainer'] is great on the hardwood, and her numbers prove that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mainer has had several games where she has gotten buckets. Against County Line, she put up 22 points. She also had an 18-point outing this past year as well as a 14-point, 7-rebound game against Norfork.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mainer can score multiple ways, but her ability to impact the game in other areas is impressive. She rebounds well for her position, using her quickness to slide into position and grab as many boards as she can. Her defense is solid, playing hard along the perimeter at that end of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1806231' first='Brecken' last='Mainer'] will no doubt be higher in the 2028 rankings by next season, and her stock could continue to raise higher depending on her play at the start of the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->