The Shining Stars on the AR Legacy 17U E40 Squad

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some of the best talent from Central Arkansas plays on AR Legacy's 17U squad, and they are hooping this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["881232"],"_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-6a001dec63b79"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='881232' first='Janae' last='Johnson'] stepped onto the ranking scene last summer after a great showing at the Houston Hoops Basketball Evaluation in Little Rock, and then she backed up her strong play with an incredible sophomore season with the Lady Tigers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout the season, Johnson proved just how dangerous she was on offense. She is long and athletic, basically being unstoppable once she has a look inside, as she is able to score over the top of any defender. Johnson is also an underrated shooter, and that is a part of her game that will continue to evolve for her. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rising junior uses her length and athleticism to make a significant impact on the glass and on the defensive end. She has a superb leaping ability, and she snags rebounds better than 95% of the forwards in the state. On defense, no one is getting around her, thanks to her long reach and quick feet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='881232' first='Janae' last='Johnson'] has turned some heads so far this summer, and I don't think that will stop anytime soon, especially after picking up an offer from Hendrix College recently. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1090888"],"_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-6a001dec63bf1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When I first saw [player_tooltip player_id='1090888' first='Keila' last='Dailey'] play as a freshman, the word "sharpshooter" would not leave my mind. But now, over a year later, she is more than just a shooter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With both Bryant and AR Legacy, Dailey has been tasked with being a primary ball handler, which she has taken in stride. She has a solid handle and keeps her eyes up at all times. If a lane opens up, she is driving to the basket, but don't forget, she can step back and drain a three in someone's face.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the other end, Dailey has proven to be a solid defender. She is very quick in her lateral movements, and she plays with good anticipation, taking advantage of loose balls and sloppy handles. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1090888' first='Keila' last='Dailey'] has always been a good player, but she just continues to round out her game, which will be evident this summer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["753259"],"_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-6a001dec63c42"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='753259' first='Gia' last='Campbell'] is a pure point guard who makes improvements every week when it comes to scoring. That should no doubt be evident in the AAU circuits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Campbell is a shifty point guard with length, and she is dangerous when attacking the basket. She can finish through traffic, either by absorbing contact on her way up or hitting the second line of defense with a smooth euro-step or step-through. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scoring-wise, Campbell just needs to keep shooting from outside. She has a good shooting stroke on her jumper, as well as a solid arc and good shot elevation. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='753259' first='Gia' last='Campbell'] will no doubt find herself back in the top 10 of the 2028 class, and a strong summer with the AR Legacy would be her ticket back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1197482"],"_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-6a001dec63c8e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1197482' first='Sa'Mya' last='Sanders'] just capped off a great junior season with the Hot Springs Lady Trojans. Now, she is looking to perform well this summer and take some extra momentum into her senior campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sanders offers great length on both ends of the floor. On the backboards, Sanders is going to collect her unfair share, thanks to her athleticism and physicality. Both physical traits bother the opposition whenever she is guarding them, as her long wingspan allows her to disrupt their offensive rhythm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the opposite end of the floor, Sanders can get to the basket whenever she wants, whether that is on drives or putback attempts. I want to see Sanders expand her game even more by adding a consistent 3-point shot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1197482' first='Sa'Mya' last='Sanders'] is a name to know this summer, and more than likely a player who could see a major jump in the rankings. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1090371"],"_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-6a001dec63cdc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It is perplexing to think that, as great as [player_tooltip player_id='1090371' first='Jaisha' last='Williams'] is, she only has one offer! Come on, coaches, what are y'all thinking?!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams went off during her sophomore season with Bryant, putting up 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game during conference play. Williams is the best rebounder on this team, and she was often the best rebounder on the floor during the 2025/26 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her athleticism gives her a leg up on the competition, but her offensive game continues to expand, and as a scout, that is exciting to watch. Her outside shot just looks purer and purer each game, and she hits consistently off the catch. If a lane opens up, this natural small forward will not hesitate to exploit it and score inside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hendrix College, good job giving [player_tooltip player_id='1090371' first='Jaisha' last='Williams'] her first offer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1183259"],"_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-6a001dec63d27"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1183259' first='Kierstan' last='Dailey'] has always been impressive, no matter where on the floor she is. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On offense, Dailey became more of a go-to scorer this past season, being a much more reliable 3-point shooter and driver than she was as a freshman. But something that did not change was her IQ and her willingness to cut inside and sneak around defenders for easy buckets or easy offensive boards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dailey is also a solid defender. She may lack some size for her position, but as I said earlier, she has a great IQ, and she finds a way to take advantage of her opponent's weaknesses. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1183259' first='Kierstan' last='Dailey'] is going to be a great player for Bryant for a while, and a crucial piece to a team that will be making the playoffs for several seasons to come. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Mariah Johnson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12124","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Conway","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"AR Legacy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a001dec63dd8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mariah Johnson made an impact last season with the Conway Lady Wampus Cats, and now, her role may increase even more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson is a solid post player who makes great plays around the basket. She rebounds well and is considered a "bruiser" when it comes to guarding opposing bigs. What she lacks in height, she makes up for in strength and physicality. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That solid play around the basket extends to the offensive end, as Johnson hustles hard for every rebound she can get. Once she comes down with it, she does not wait to go right back up and finish. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mariah Johnson provides the AR Legacy with a crucial post presence, and I would imagine a strong summer will help her find more minutes with a great Conway squad. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"D'Shya Bunch","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12124","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"North Little Rock","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"AR Legacy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a001dec63e73"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Daryl Fimple, the current Arkansas Tech Women's Basketball coach and former NLR coach, told me before the beginning of last season a little bit about every player on his team. Here is what he said about D'Shya Bunch:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Very physical kid."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was simple, but he didn't need to say much else, as Bunch (even in a limited time) has shown just how impactful she is on the floor, thanks to that physicality. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whether it is rebounding, defending in the post, or going up for a paint shot through tough defense, Bunch will get it done, and I am interested to see the impact she has on an NLR team that lost a lot of that physicality with its graduating seniors. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->