SUNDAY PLAYMAKERS: Border War in Arkansas

Day 2 of the Border War Tournament, and my focus was on identifying up-and-coming players and those flying under the radar who deserve more exposure. Every one of these players has the ability to compete at the next level.    Emma (Banchees Cox) is just an eighth grader, but she played like a veteran against an older 16U group. She has great size and a strong frame that allowed her to hold her own this weekend   Offensively, she showed a smooth three-point shot with her feet and hands ready on the catch. She also displayed a strong feel for the game understanding when to take the shot and when to attack the rim.   Moves well without the ball, finding opportunities like a well-timed backdoor cut that led to an easy finish. On drives, she plays with aggression and physicality, often delivering the contact rather than absorbing it.   Coaches will have to be patient, as she's still a year away from the high school level     A shooting guard who caught fire in the game I had the opportunity to watch for the first time. She immediately grabbed my attention by knocking down a three off the dribble on top off a ball screen. A true perimeter threat with deep, deep range.   I liked her footwork as a shooter, consistently set and balanced, with her feet gathered and ready before the catch.   She also showed a scrappy side to her game. On the floor multiple times diving for loose balls and making hustle plays to save possessions. A solid defensive rebounder as well, showing the physicality to secure boards and fight off opponents trying to tie her up.   With her toughness, defensive effort, ability to shoot it deep, and willingness to attack the rim, Khloe will pick up offers this summer if she hasn't already.     A guard who may have flown under the radar after missing last season due to injury, but any concerns about her quickness where put to rest this weekend. She showed she hasn't lost a step, playing with lightning-quick speed on both ends of the floor.   Offensively, she uses a nice hesitation dribble to create separation and attack the rim. Displays strong footwork on drives, finishing with a smooth sidestep to avoid charges or shot blockers. Makes solid reads when defenses collapse, finding backside options and delivering timely passes.   Defensively, she's a lockdown presence. Created turnovers in multiple ways, stripping ball handlers and forcing bad passes with her pressure. Her quickness and instincts allow her to consistently disrupt opposing offenses.   A 2028 PG/SG player to keep an eye on this summer.     A combo guard who made an impact on both ends of the floor. Offensively, she got hot from three, knocking down shots impacting the outcome of the game. A tough downhill driver who gets her shoulders turned, attacks with purpose, and finishes effectively at the rim.   On the defensive end, her length stands out. She plays with active hands, creating deflections and coming up with steals. Good instincts in reading and jumping passing lanes. One of her most impressive moments came on a recovery play where she chased down and blocked a three-point attempt.   Expect this 2027 prospect to draw plenty of attention this summer with her combination of length, defensive presence, and scoring ability.     A player who continually caught my attention with her movement on both ends of the floor. She's a knockdown shooter on the kick-out, consistently relocating and finding open space to make herself available.   Good off-ball movement cutting to the rim and the ability to find gaps in the defense for mid-range opportunities. A creative scorer off the dribble, displaying solid footwork and a nice touch with the running floater.   Defensively, she is very active jumping passing lanes for steals and getting her hands on deflections. Moves well laterally and does a good job keeping ball handlers in front.     A lightning-quick guard who competes at a high level on both ends of the floor. She showed the ability to knock down the outside jumper, forcing defenses to extend and opening up driving lane. A nice change of direction off the bounce, getting downhill and attacking the rim.   Nice vision making the right reads and finding open post players or knocking down shooters on the perimeter.   Defensively, she's a true ball hawk. Whether applying pressure on the ball or reading passing lanes, she creates turnovers. Her low stance and quick lateral movement allow her to stay in front and disrupt opposing guards.   This is a competitor through and through. She brings an toughness that simply can't be taught..

Day 2 of the Border War Tournament, and my focus was on identifying up-and-coming players and those flying under the radar who deserve more exposure. Every one of these players has the ability to compete at the next level.