Kelly King Holiday Classic: Top Guards Pt. 1

<strong>2021 5-7 PG [player_tooltip player_id="148896" first="Isabel" last="Davenport"] – Lumpkin County<img class="alignright wp-image-186585 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/07/IMG_6525-150x150.jpg" alt="[player_tooltip player_id=" width="150" height="150" /></strong> Shots started dropping in the fourth quarter for the North Georgia-signee. It was a disjointed 42-27 win for Lumpkin County, but when the Indians needed their senior leader the most, she delivered.  Davenport hit four threes and finished with 14 points, 3 rebounds and 1 steal. I would have liked to see her get more offense heading toward the basket, but she stayed true to the offense and swung the ball around the perimeter until her or a teammate got an open three-pointer. <strong>2023 5-5 G [player_tooltip player_id="213347" first="Lexi" last="Pierce"] – Lumpkin County </strong> Usually known for her scrappy defense and table-setting on offense, [player_tooltip player_id="213347" first="Lexi" last="Pierce"] broke out for 36 points last week and put some more points on the board on Tuesday. Pierce hit two threes on her way to 10 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Pierce may not be able to replicate her 30-point explosion again, but she has improved her scoring touch and remains an extension of the coach when she’s on the floor. <strong><img class="wp-image-188035 size-thumbnail alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/07/IMG_6837-e1594665467649-150x150.jpg" alt="Averie" width="150" height="150" />2024 5-6 PG Averie Jones – Lumpkin County</strong> Lumpkin County won’t skip a beat once [player_tooltip player_id="148896" first="Isabel" last="Davenport"] graduates. Averie Jones has already proven herself to be able to lead the Indians in scoring and with a year playing alongside Davenport, will learn even more about how to lead a team. Jones played role of facilitator vs. Mill Creek, picking and choosing her spots wisely in the low scoring affair. She had 8 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. Jones is a dynamic player that is one of North Georgia’s best in the open floor. <strong>2024 5-8 SG Ellie Southards – Rabun County</strong> Ellie Southards turned heads with her versatility, scoring inside-and-out while playing lock-down defense. Southards has a strong frame that pairs nicely with her nose for the ball. She’s a tough rebounder and a skilled scorer equipped with a knockdown three-point shot and the ability to score with either hand up close. Southards is an aggressive defender that’s willing to accept challenges. Her 18 points and 11 rebounds were paramount in Rabun County’s 60-36 win over Cambridge. <strong>2024 5-7 PG Lucy Hood – Rabun County</strong> Lucy Hood’s IQ and athleticism have made her a game-changer from Day 1. Hood is a skilled ball handler that can slice up defenses and find open shooters. She can change speeds and craft her way to the hoop. Hood’s foot speed and knowledge of the game makes her a stingy perimeter defender that can make opponents uncomfortable. A tough competitor, she didn’t back down when Cambridge tried to get physical with her. Lucy tacked on 10 points (3 threes), 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Hood is good. <strong>2022 5-6 G Sophie Woodard – Rabun County</strong> She didn’t light up the box score, but Sophie Woodard made a lasting impression with her ball skills. Woodard is a sneaky good creator, able to manipulate the defense and draw a crowd before dishing off assists. She’s got good court awareness and has vision that makes her a valuable cog in Rabun County’s unselfish offense.