Class of 2023: Standouts Headed To The State Finals – Part Two

Let’s now cover the next players that are ranked in this class and participating in the AHSAA State Finals.  Go to TicketMaster, purchase your ticket, and get down to the newly renovated BJCC Legacy Arena.  We have five returning state champs, and we have two schools Pisgah and Hazel Green both going for their fifth consecutive title. Talking about history-making events this week, you will want to be a part of these memories.  Next up in our Class of 2023 standouts participating in this week’s finals are: No. 20 [player_tooltip player_id="319725" first="Nyla" last="Grace Collier"] | 5-9 SG | Hazel Green.  This is Nyla’s first year playing for Coach Tim Miller and his Hazel Green Lady Trojans and you can’t tell, she is so fluent in this offense as if she has been there since day one of her high school career.  Nyla can shoot even if a defender is on her, then once she gets started, the defense can be in for a long day.  Her team will begin their quest for a 5th consecutive state title on Wednesday at 12noon against Park Crossings. No 22 [player_tooltip player_id="324027" first="Laci" last="Gogan"] | 5-8 SG | Pelham.  There is not a shot this kid doesn’t like two feet out from the college line to a floater. Laci can score in bunches if not picked up once on the offensive side of the court. Pelham has made history by this being the first time this program has played in the State Finals, and they start off on Wednesday against Oxford at 9a. No 26 [player_tooltip player_id="324035" first="Layla" last="Etchison"] | 5-6 SG | Hoover. Another member of this loaded team that’s defending their state title.  Layla transferred into this program from Georgia last year, and in the state championship game was given the task of defending the team’s top scorer, and did a great job.  She is also a good shooter and is a vital part of their defense.  Layla and her team will play on. Thursday, March 3rd at 12noon against Davidson. Number 42 [player_tooltip player_id="330694" first="Kendall" last="Lacoste"] | 5-7 PF | University Charter.  Kendall is an effective shooter, whether it’s long-range or the pull-up jumper.  She sees the floor well, which is evident in her ability to get the ball to that open teammate.  Kendall is also a strong defender. You can catch Kendall in action on Monday, Feb. 28th at 12noon against Marion County. Number 43. [player_tooltip player_id="330695" first="Tayla" last="Murph"] | 5-4 PG | Loachapoka.  Tayla was very instrumental in getting her team to the final four. She is that coach on the floor, facilitating the ball movement on their offense. She is also a lock-down defender. Her Loachapoka team will have the first game of the tournament starting at 9a against Skyline. Number 49. Ann Towry | 5-7 CG | Vestavia Hills. This is one of the guards, on the multi-talented Vestavia Hills Lady Rebel team this year. Anna is a shooter that is not afraid of contact and once at the free throw you can count it; like in the regional final game going 5 for 5 from the free-throw line. Vestavia Hills will play Auburn on Thursday at 9am. Number 74 [player_tooltip player_id="373860" first="Kiara" last="Howard"] | 5-3 PG | Vigor.  This player is the engine in this Vigor train that has made its way to the AHSAA State Finals. Kiara is very active on defense and can shoot the ball every well; earlier this year she had 6 threes against Williams. Kiara and her Vigor team will take the court on Tuesday at 6p to play Deshler. So, I hope you have taken some good notes, so now it is time to purchase your ticket to come to BJCC Legacy Arena for some good basketball.  "Let’s get ready to rumble"