Work Trips to Tip-Offs: Up-and-coming Guards/Forwards

This past week, I bounced around different regions in the state once again. I started my work week in Conway, following up on a story, and then spent the next day down in Monticello. That Tuesday, I had a story based near Ravenden, which is a part of the Sloan-Hendrix School District. On Wednesday, I had a story based out of Jacksonville, but also followed up on a situation in Roland, which is a part of PCSSD (Joe T. Robinson). I capped my work week off on Thursday in Russellville.   With that said, I chose to highlight players from Conway, Monticello, Sloan-Hendrix, Joe T. Robinson, and Russellville.    [player_tooltip player_id='1260301' first='Nicole' last='Jones'] made an immediate impact as a freshman with the Conway Lady Wampus Cats, and she is looking more and more like a star.   Jones was excellent when it came to scoring the ball. Against La Vega, Texas, at the Sandra Meadows Classic, the guard put up 16 points and 3 steals. She looked even better once conference season came around, dropping 27 points on Cabot on the road. Her great play extended into the summer, averaging 14.6 points per game during the Adidas 3SSB Circuit, which included a 17-point, 3-board, 3-assist, and 2-steal outing versus the Lady Jets.   The rising sophomore can flat-out shoot the nets off the rims. She proved that in the Cabot contest, as 18 of her 27 points came from beyond the arc. She has a quick release, but her first step may be even quicker, as she can fly by her defenders and get to the basket with ease.   There is a reason why [player_tooltip player_id='1260301' first='Nicole' last='Jones'] is ranked in the top-5 of her class. Don't be surprised if she makes a play for the top 3 if her play continues to get stronger.     Defense wins championships, and with [player_tooltip player_id='1244391' first='Sa'Riyah' last='McCoy'] on the court, she is going to help do just that.   McCoy is incredible at jumping the passing lanes and intercepting passes. She is one of the quickest players on the court and can race down in transition, leaving defenders in the dust as she goes to finish with an easy two.   McCoy offers some size at the 2-guard position, and she makes an impact on the glass. Her athleticism also plays a part in her rebounding efforts, and she can even go up and reject some shots when sliding over from the help side.   [player_tooltip player_id='1244391' first='Sa'Riyah' last='McCoy'] is super underrated, but I can see her easily being a two-way force with the Lady Billies this coming season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1118018' first='Rylee' last='Brown'] played well all throughout the season for the 2A runner-ups. Now, in a new conference, I'm betting that her great all-around play will translate nicely.   Brown had notable performances last year, but I believe she played her best basketball in the state tournament. Against Quitman in the state championship, Brown was incredible every time the ball was in her hands. She put up 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals on 83% shooting from the field.   She made plays during the regular season as well, particularly against Marked Tree early on, putting up 14 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 stocks. Brown is a solid outside shooter, but if she has a chance to get in the lane, she's going to find a way to score. Her defense is also outstanding, making her a great player to use at the 2, 3, and 4 spots.   [player_tooltip player_id='1118018' first='Rylee' last='Brown'] is returning to a talented Sloan-Hendrix team that's anxious to get back to the championship, and this rising junior might just take them there.     [player_tooltip player_id='1807301' first='Angel' last='Wesley'] had plenty of strong moments with Jacksonville this past season, and she is part of a team that could make some serious noise in the 5A classification in 2026/27.   In one week during conference play in February, Wesley averaged 9 points and 4 rebounds a game. She may be listed as a guard, but she can play like a forward, as she boxes out hard underneath and grabs just about every rebound she can.   Wesley is a tough player who has no problem taking on some contact inside. She can finish through traffic, but she is also a willing passer, and she brings good vision when on the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='1807301' first='Angel' last='Wesley'] is a solid hooper who has no trouble playing against bigger and stronger players. A versatile and hard-nosed player like her is invaluable.     [player_tooltip player_id='1255560' first='Lauren' last='Jackson'] is a part of a group of Lady Senators who helped crush the competition this past season, as she earned her 4A-5 North all-conference selection.   Jackson had several strong performances as a freshman last season. Early on in the year against Stuttgart, she looked unstoppable, dropping 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. Around that same time, she had a 15-point, 10-board double-double against Alma, as well as a 12-point, 14-rebound double-double against Maumelle.   Jackson is a strong outside scorer who can knock down shots off the catch and the bounce. Working inside the arc is no problem for her either, as hitting a mid-range jumper, lacing a floater, or absorbing contact for a great finish in the paint are all part of her game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1255560' first='Lauren' last='Jackson'] was one of the best freshmen in the state, and I have no doubt she will make a play at the top 10 of the 2029 class with another strong season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1260347' first='Tiana' last='Causey'] didn't play much varsity ball this past season, but based on her play with Russellville's JV squad, she will no doubt make an immediate impact in 2026/27.   Causey had several notable outings last year, including her 18-point performance against Cabot South. She had 17 points against Morrilton during the year as well.   Causey is a solid all-around player, but she can knock down the three at a high rate. She even hit a clutch three at the end of a game off the catch at the buzzer, and she did so without a single ounce of hesitation.   [player_tooltip player_id='1260347' first='Tiana' last='Causey'] should be an underrated member of the 2029 class this coming season.

This past week, I bounced around different regions in the state once again. I started my work week in Conway, following up on a story, and then spent the next day down in Monticello. That Tuesday, I had a story based near Ravenden, which is a part of the Sloan-Hendrix School District. On Wednesday, I had a story based out of Jacksonville, but also followed up on a situation in Roland, which is a part of PCSSD (Joe T. Robinson). I capped my work week off on Thursday in Russellville.