Dynamic Duos: Tennessee's Top 1-2 Punches in Girls' Basketball

USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF YOUR FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION   This morning, I tuned into Grind City Media, home of the Memphis Grizzlies podcast. On the channel, the broadcasters posed the question of who some of the NBA's top duos were coming into this upcoming season. Hearing this made me think, what are some of the top duos we have in women's basketball in the state of Tennessee?   Over the years, we have seen many great players and solid teams come together. We have seen a big four (Bradley Central), which led to multiple state titles. We have also seen a good deal of solid Big threes (we still have a few schools with tough matchups, with three solid players commanding the floor). Multiple schools have solid players who command attention. They have the star player and a cast of contributors built around them. However, just as in the NBA, we are approaching an era in which you need multiple complementary pieces to reach the next level.   As you look around the state, there are multiple schools that have a solid 1-2 punch. These pieces complement each other, and on any given night, one or both of these kids can go off. They are your leading catalyst, someone whom a coach has to gameplan for. They are the squad's leaders and stat stuffers every time they take the floor.   I took a gander at what our state has and came away with some impressive duos. Though this isn't all of them and these young ladies aren't in any particular order, I wanted to highlight some nice 1-2 tandems that we have in our state. My guess is these young ladies will be at the forefront not only putting up big-time stats for their club, but also helping their squad deep into postseason play.   Take a look at some girls who will be nice duos together this upcoming season.   [player_tooltip player_id='821620' first='Lauren' last='Hassell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='821657' first='Marley' last='Spiers'] (Clarksville Christian)- Two big-time prospects that command so much attention. Both are committed to playing D1. Both bring such a presence that is hard to defend. Marley commands the paint on both ends of the floor. Hard to defend on offense, as she cannot only finish over either shoulder in the low block area but also exploit the mid-range and is a solid screener away from the basket. Lauren is a versatile big who can go inside and out. She can utilize her body to post up or create off the dribble. Both bring a skill set that complements their size that many schools aren't fortunate to have. Two twin towers who dominate nightly.   [player_tooltip player_id='792678' first='Charley' last='Rae Hutchison'] and [player_tooltip player_id='822224' first='Jayda' last='Robinson'] (CPA)- Talk about a 1-2 punch that are great in the pick and roll action. Think of a Jokic-Murray tandem, where one can finish inside, and the other is nice off the dribble. Jayda is one of the better bigs in the state who can distribute the basketball. CR is one of the top penetrating guards who can get paint touches with ease. Both are solid defenders who give this Lady Lions club an edge. This tandem is still in the making, but look for them to lead CPA deep into postseason contention.   [player_tooltip player_id='792288' first='Makynli' last='Bacon'] and Aniya Dixon (The Webb School) - A new tandem that will look to terrorize opponents. Talk about long wings; both girls possess size and speed on the outside. They both can get it done inside and out, score in multiple ways, and contribute on the glass. One thing that will give them an edge this year is their defensive ability. These girls are long, and I expect them not only to be great on-ball defenders but also to get plenty of deflections and steals that lead to transition buckets.   [player_tooltip player_id='1155021' first='MiMi' last='Lee'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1264682' first='Aubrey' last='Bush'] (Notre Dame)- Talk about disruption, this newly formed tandem duo will surely create a lot of chaos in the backcourt. Speed is the name of the game, and each of them brings that to the table. Both of these guards are slashers; taking someone off the bounce is their specialty. Sure, they can knock down perimeter shots, but how they complement each other on offense will determine how far their club will go. Defense is going to be a focal point for them, and you better believe they will be at the top creating turnovers for sure.   [player_tooltip player_id='583370' first='Skylar' last='Walden'] & [player_tooltip player_id='1244607' first='Jenny' last='Bitounou'] (TKA) - A nice guard and a big tandem that's hard to handle. Each of them brings a unique skill set to the fold and blends well. Skylar, a dominant scoring guard who can also facilitate the rock, is a tough outing each night she steps onto the floor. Jenny controls the interior, dominating the glass and blocking shots. These two have worked well together in the past and will continue to bring dominance throughout this year. Two solid prospects who are on the verge of delivering a state title.   [player_tooltip player_id='821680' first='Lauren' last='Clark'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1252886' first='Lexi' last='Clark'] (Stone Memorial)- Sisters who are some hard-nosed ballplayers. These girls get after it, doing whatever it takes to win ballgames. Both are solid two-way players who complement each other. Both have a knack for being around the basketball, always in position to make plays, and can score in multiple ways from all three levels. I love their mindset and their willingness to do whatever it takes to help their club win.   [player_tooltip player_id='821765' first='Maddie' last='Braden'] and [player_tooltip player_id='821650' first='Alexis' last='Hammock'] (CAK)- A dynamic duo that truly complement each other. They read, react, and flow great. Both are heady ballplayers who are great in pace and space. Multi-level scoring threat who bring it every single night. It's not a game of whose better, but who has the advantage, and that one is the hot one and the other reads it. Last year, this duo was learning each other, and I expect that this year both of their games will rise, and we will see CAK deep in postseason contention. These girls are some ballplayers, and I expect them to uplift this squad and put them in contention to bring home the gold ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='1155034' first='Naomi' last='Crawley'] and Sunni Beasley (Baylor)- This is a young tandem in the making, but one that everyone should look out for. Both are athletic and can score in multiple ways, bringing speed and precision to a team looking to take the next steps toward becoming a dominant force in women's basketball. Both girls had a tremendous summer and will look to bring that momentum into the school season. The term “iron sharpens iron” is definitely a motto they will live by as they may be the two 1-2 punches for this team, but also have multiple complementary pieces to go along with this lethal attack. A nice tandem that will definitely uplift this squad.   [player_tooltip player_id='818215' first='Danae' last='Kennedy'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1354434' first='Jaliyah' last='Kelly'] (Collierville) - Two talented guards who are ready to push Collierville into state contention. These girls set the tone by doing a multitude of things. They have size and length, and both are solid two-way players who get after it. They are not only looking to be the best in the 901 area, but also to propel this club into competing for the state crown. Look for them to be exciting and a team that will put on a show and bring the crowd to their feet.   [player_tooltip player_id='821641' first='Haylen' last='Ayers'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1574250' first='Jas' last='Holmes'] (USJ)- A tandem that will make some noise. This might be Haylen's last go-around in the high school scene, but you better believe she is gonna try and go out with a bang. Jas, who battles Haylen every day in practice, has also learned from her and picked up a few nuggets along the way. You can look at it from a mentor/mentee aspect or the passing of the torch. Whatever lens you choose, just know that both complement each other and bring a dynamic skill set to the floor. Speed, power, precision, athleticism- you name it; these girls complement each other and will have USJ positioned to compete for the state title.   Ryleigh Miller and [player_tooltip player_id='822474' first='Valencia' last='Hailey'] (Pearl-Cohn)- Two girls who use their size to their advantage. These two have helped put the Nashville-Metro area back on the map by displaying their dominance on both ends of the floor. Playing with speed and power, these girls are attackers and finish around the rim. They can score from multiple spots on the floor, but also bring defense to the table, getting steals, blocking shots, and controlling the boards. The sky is the limit for these two, and they look to help propel PC towards punching their ticket to the Glass House.   These are just a few duos out there in the state that were recognized, but there are plenty more that are coming into fruition. With the season right around the corner, it will be interesting to see which other duos are formed. At the end of the day, teamwork matters and going after gold is the goal for all clubs. Get ready, as this season will be an exciting one!

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