Game Breakers

Brandon Tinnon February 3, 2022 @ 11:48 AM

As the regular season starts to come to the end, the best part of the basketball season is about to begin. Tournament time is just around the corner. Private school district tournament kicks off next week, leaving the public school tournament to kick off the following week. Either way, this year, tournament time will surely be one to remember. Across the state, young ladies have been working hard to help propel their schools. Fighting tooth and nail to secure the win, girls across Tennessee have risen to the challenge. We have a ton of girls who have increased their stock this past season, hopefully creating a buzz that will lead them towards furthering their playing career. In all, as we approach district tournaments across the state, here are few names you need to remember as tournament time approaches. The names below are some young ladies who have been quietly working in the shadows and are ready to have a breakout postseason. You may know their names, but at the same time they are primed and ready to bust out when the ball tips off for district play. Here are a few standouts who will be big factors in their team’s success moving forward. [player_tooltip player_id="245228" first="Carleigh" last="Wilson"] (5’10/CG/ Oakland)- This young lady is one of the most selfless ball players in the state. Plays the game with a chip on her shoulder, but trusts the process. Very detail oriented and stays in the gym to work on her craft. A multi-level scorer who can handle the rock. Slash to the rim, knock down 3s, hit the mid-range, you name it, it’s all a part of her arsenal. Defensively, she’s great at on ball defending and contributes on the boards as well. Kelsey Pike(5’9/ SG/ Oneida)- Sharpshooter who joined the 1000pt club this year. Kelsey is up to doing whatever it takes to win. She is a 3pt queen, dialing it from downtown frequently. She’s a scoring sniper who can score on all 3 levels. Her offensive game has helped propel her team, who is looking to make some noise during tournament time. Has a high basketball IQ and is always looking to make the right play or the right rotation on both ends of the floor. [player_tooltip player_id="276706" first="McKenzie" last="Cochran"] (5’8/PG/ Page)- Grinder. Hard nose player who can see the floor well. She is a scoring PG who can facilitate with the best of them. She anticipates well, knows when to attack gaps or shoot the ball from deep. She creates havoc on the defensive end by getting hands on the ball. McKenzie is a hustler who will play a major role in her teams success as tournament time approaches. [player_tooltip player_id="245352" first="Imari" last="Berry"] (5’10/ CG/ Clarksville)- One of the next best hoopers to come out of the 931, Imari is a tremendous talent. She knows how to use her length, taking advantage of mismatches and miscommunication opportunities. She is an inside out player, who can score on all 3 levels. She’s long, creating tough passing lanes and turnover opportunities. She has foot speed to where she can accelerate quickly to either defend or attack. It doesn’t matter if it’s an offensive or a defensive possession, Imari will have some type of effect on that possession. [player_tooltip player_id="285354" first="Madison" last="Hart"] (5’10/SF/ Gibson Co.)- She’s just a pure hooper. After surpassing her mom’s record of 1,763 pts, she continues to grind away as she helps her Lady Pioneers win ball games. Madison can score the rock obviously, but can do it in multiple ways. She’s a threat from anywhere on the court inside or outside of the arc. She’s had an impressive high school career this far and is looking to add more to her resume. Scoring close to 20pts a game, she doesn’t force the issue, but lets the game come to her. She knows when to strike and when to let someone else get an opportunity. An exceptional talent who will be a Miss Tennessee nominee for her perspective class. [player_tooltip player_id="245225" first="Alindsey" last="Long"] (5’6/CG/Arlington)- Hard working and competitive hooper who is up for a challenge. She plays the game of basketball with a lot of grit, doing the little things to contribute to her team’s success. Active on defense, locking down the opposition. Can shoot the ball from all 3 levels, very exceptional from the mid-range, unleashing a quick first step into her shot. Great kid who is determined to help her team make some noise during the post season.