2024 West Texas Players to Know (Pt.1)

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1487547"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Ultra-crafty point guard, [player_tooltip player_id='1487547' first='K.J.' last='Thomas'] exhibits explosiveness that makes him a lethal scoring option whenever he has the ball. His elite stepback move is incredibly tough to defend due to the space he creates and the quickness in his pull-up shooting motion. Thomas utilizes his lead foot to establish a strong base to maintains balance while rising up for the shot. Thomas moves with the ball at a faster speed than most, showcasing well-controlled and shifty pacing skills that keeps defenses off balance, thanks to his ability to stop-and-go. K.J.'s spectacular summer play propelled him as one of the biggest stock risers in the state, attracting attention from numerous Division 1 programs. [player_tooltip player_id='1487547' first='K.J.' last='Thomas'] currently holds offers and tons of interest from institutions like Louisiana Tech University, Longwood University, and Texas Au0026amp;M Corpus Christi University, among many others. Not only is K.J. one of the most underrated point guards in the state, but he's also the most promising prospect in West Texas.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64de606e6f639"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1157375"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"6'4” shooting guard, Brady Watson is a good athlete with strength to match. His solid speed and acceleration allow him to excel in a high-tempo setting. Watson is a three-level scorer, showcasing good footwork on the perimeter and a quick burst in his first step. When driving downhill, Watson leaves his feet with great body control as he maneuvers and finishes through the air. Watson also displays multiple ways of completing plays inside, including reverses, up-and-unders, and windmill layups. As a jumpshooter, Brady Watson puts up points with his smooth release from mid-range to three-point range, whether shooting off the catch, a stepback dribble, or a stop-on-a-dime pull-up. On the defensive side of the ball, Watson proves to be a shot-blocking guard with good discipline, combined with active hands, terrific timing, and anticipation to meet the shot at its peak.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64de606e6f45c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='2134162' first='Aiden' last='Allen'] ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Childress","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"BYC Elite ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='2134162' first='Aiden' last='Allen'] has returned to Childress High School after a breakout Junior season where he earned All-State honors. Allen is a very well-rounded point guard that possesses a great feel for the game, allowing him to play with instincts and basketball IQ. Allen can carry the scoring load or be a go-to playmaker for his team. His intelligence is evident in his on-court decision-making as he reads defenses well enough to know when to shoot a jumper, drive to the basket, or set up a teammate. As a three-level scoring lefty, he scorches the nets with a smooth shooting stroke, great touch, excellent range, and a knack for drilling shots from all over the court. He's even willing to take a three-pointer the moment he crosses halfcourt if the defense doesn't step up. [player_tooltip player_id='2134162' first='Aiden' last='Allen'] remains unfazed by defenders contesting him, displaying poise while maintaining focus on his mechanics. Good shifty footwork and ball-handling, freezes defenders or gets them off-balance with his hesi, cross-jabs, misdirections, and behind-the-back dribbles while changing directions. Defensively, Allen's a ball hawk with great anticipation and active hands, putting relentless pressure on passing lanes and swiftly jumping into throws.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64de606e6f534"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='2134165' first='Jailyn' last='Sledge']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'7u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77245","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Amarillo Tascosa","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"BYC Elite","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='2134165' first='Jailyn' last='Sledge'] is a mobile wing-forward with ideal athleticism for the collegiate level. He dispalys exceptional versatility, with ball skills on the perimeter coupled with a long stride, giving him a major advantage when driving to the basket. Sledge's exceptional footwork down low allows him to shift his defender, often creating the space to rise up for the shot. Sledge excels at pro-hopping and playing off two feet. At 6-foot-7, he shows an effortless shooting release that extends to college range. He consistently throws down slam dunks in various situations, whether in space or congested lanes, often finishing with authority using two hands. Defensively, [player_tooltip player_id='2134165' first='Jailyn' last='Sledge'] frequently racks up deflections, steals, tipped shots, and blocks, making his presence and length a nightmare for opponents to deal with, whether he's defending on the perimeter or protecting the rim.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64de606e6f5ef"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='2134167' first='Kelson' last='Jones']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'7u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77243","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Canyon","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='2134167' first='Kelson' last='Jones'] is a reliable defensive anchor who teammates can rely on to step over and help or contest. Standing at 6-foot-7, he's an impactful shot blocker with a knack for swatting shots at their peak, often keeping them in bounds for his teammates to recover. Jones aggressively pursues rebounds, particularly on the offensive glass, where his efforts lead to game-changing second-chance opportunities, including dynamic putback dunks. Jones's timing on the boards extends possessions, and he excels at converting second-chance opportunities. Solid footwork under the basket, powerful drop step, and understanding of how to use pivots score, especially in congested lanes or against double-teams. [player_tooltip player_id='2134167' first='Kelson' last='Jones'] has a post presence that you can't help but notice as he ensures his impact is felt on both ends of the court.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64de606e6f67d"} /-->