Top Dogs Collide: Huntsville and Bartlett Battle for Supremacy

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a battle between two powerhouse programs, the Bartlett Panthers took down rival Huntsville 58-55 on the Huntsville Crimson Panther home court. The highly anticipated showdown between the top-ranked teams lived up to the hype.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bartlett was led by star forward [player_tooltip player_id='2147208' first='R'Chaun' last='King'], who finished with a game-high 23 points. King took over down the stretch, scoring 8 points in the 4th quarter. Guard [player_tooltip player_id='1236529' first='Christian' last='Alston'] provided a spark with 16 points of his own.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Huntsville received strong efforts from [player_tooltip player_id='1392153' first='Caleb' last='Harrison'] (17 points) and [player_tooltip player_id='1600006' first='JD' last='Gossett'] (16 points) but couldn't make enough plays late. The crowd was on edge down the wire as the lead changed hands multiple times. Ultimately, Bartlett was able to do just enough to hand Huntsville their second loss of the season in dramatic fashion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the statement road win, Bartlett makes its case for the #1 ranking in Tennessee. The Panthers improved to 15-1 and have now beaten three Top 25 teams. Meanwhile, Huntsville suffers its first defeat but won't relinquish the top spot in Alabama just yet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This instant classic lived up to its immense pre-game hype. [player_tooltip player_id='2147208' first='R'Chaun' last='King'] cemented himself as a clutch performer on the big stage for Bartlett. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1392153"],"_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":"At 6'10”, [player_tooltip player_id='1392153' first='Caleb' last='Harrison'] is an impactful two-way player who leverages his size and length to dominate in the paint. In the post, the senior utilizes excellent footwork and touch to score effectively. He has also expanded his range to become a perimeter threat out to 18 feet. On the glass, Harrison is a tenacious rebounder, using his athleticism to aggressively pursue missed shots. He averages nearly a double-double.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eDefensively, Harrison is a towering rim protector who deters and blocks countless shots. His instincts and timing make him an eraser in the paint. Harrison also moves his feet well when pulled away from the basket. While not the focal point of the offense, he contributes as a passer, evidencing good court vision for a big man and finding cutters when the defense collapses.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eWith his blend of size, skillset, and feel for the game, Harrison remains a matchup headache for opponents. He can overpower smaller players in the post while also stretching the floor with his shooting. Harrison's prowess on both ends of the court makes him an essential two-way contributor for the Hornets down the stretch. His continued impact will be integral to the team's playoff success and championship hopes. In [player_tooltip player_id='1392153' first='Caleb' last='Harrison'], Huntsville has one of the most dominant big men in the state primed to take over games in the season's final stages.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1600006"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1600006' first='JD' last='Gossett'] utilized his versatile scoring skillset and size to impact the game on both ends of the floor. The junior guard was able to create his own shot with crafty ball handling and change of pace. Gossett shook free from defenders and hit pull-up jumpers off the dribble. He finished creatively at the rim, using excellent body control to convert tough layups through contact.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eGossett was assertive attacking the basket and earned frequent trips to the free throw line as a result. He shot his free throws with confidence, converting clutch attempts late. At 6'5u0022, Gossett used his size advantage well, shooting over smaller defenders from mid-range.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eDefensively, Gossett was locked in, using his length and lateral quickness to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots. He provided key deflections and steals to stop opponent runs. Gossett also contributed in other areas, dishing 5 assists with his quality court vision and passing ability.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eOverall, Gossett displayed the versatile skillset of a future star. His scoring prowess, shot creation, court vision, and defensive impact make him a dynamic threat on both ends. As Gossett continues to expand his game, he has all the tools to develop into an elite high school guard.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eWith his two-way play and poised demeanor, [player_tooltip player_id='1600006' first='JD' last='Gossett'] is clearly a foundational piece for Huntsville moving forward. His ability to take over games while making his teammates better will be essential to the Panthers success. Gossett has emerged as one of the top rising juniors in the state.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1600007"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1600007' first='Josh' last='Bowman']'s size and athleticism allow him to control the paint on both ends of the floor. The 6'9u0022 junior uses his strength to carve out deep post position and score through contact down low. Bowman leverages his frame well to clear space for rebounds, evidenced by his double-digit rebounding average. He is an asset on the offensive glass, relentlessly pursuing missed shots.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eDefensively, Bowman is a shot blocking force, using his length and timing to alter numerous attempts. He deters drives to the rim and provides much needed rim protection. Bowman is also light on his feet, able to defend away from the hoop and contain dribble penetration.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eWhile still polishing his back to the basket moves, Bowman contributes with his passing, finding cutters when the defense swarms. He also stretches the floor with an emerging mid-range jump shot. At the charity stripe, Bowman is dependable in clutch situations, evidenced by his game-sealing free throws.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eWith continued development, [player_tooltip player_id='1600007' first='Josh' last='Bowman'] has the potential to be an absolute force. He possesses the physical tools and motor to impact games on both ends. As his skills progress, Bowman will establish himself as one of the premier big men prospects in his class. For now, his rebounding tenacity and paint presence make him an essential contributor during Huntsville's playoff run.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1236529"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1236529' first='Christian' last='Alston'] showcased his multifaceted skillset last night, scoring 16 points to lead Bartlett over rival Huntsville. The junior guard was able to generate offense from all three levels of the court.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAlston possesses excellent quickness and ball handling ability to penetrate into the lane with ease. He finishes creatively around the rim through contact. From mid-range, Alston pulls up smoothly off the dribble and knocks down shots from 15-18 feet consistently. On the perimeter, he maintains great mechanics on his jumper, keeping defenders honest.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eDefensively, Alston utilizes his lateral foot speed and active hands to disrupt the opposition. He is capable of guarding multiple positions, seamlessly switching from the point guard to small forward. Alston frequently came up with timely steals and deflections by anticipating passes in the lane.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eOverall, [player_tooltip player_id='1236529' first='Christian' last='Alston'] is the prototypical modern guard who can score and defend at a high level. His quickness, shot making ability, and defensive prowess make him an impact player on both ends of the court. As he continues to expand his game, Alston has the potential to develop into one of the most dynamic guards in the state.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["2147208"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='2147208' first='R'Chaun' last='King'] showcased his versatile skillset on both ends of the floor in Bartlett's statement win over Huntsville. The 6-foot-6 senior forward dictated the action offensively with his scoring and playmaking. He was able to generate offense from all over the court.rnrnIn the post, King used his size and footwork to score with his back to the basket. He also stepped out and knocked down smooth mid-range jumpers, forcing defenders to close out hard and opening up driving lanes. King's court vision and unselfishness stood out as he made the extra pass to find open teammates when the defense collapsed.rnrnAt the free throw line, King was clutch, knocking down key shots late to seal the victory. Defensively, he used his length and mobility to guard every position. King held his own switching onto smaller guards on the perimeter and protected the rim with emphatic blocks on the interior.rnrnOverall, [player_tooltip player_id='2147208' first='R'Chaun' last='King'] is the prototypical modern forward who impacts the game on both ends. His versatile scoring ability, playmaking skills, and defensive versatility make him a matchup nightmare. As King continues to expand and refine his game, he has the potential to develop into an elite prospect in his class.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b87a5b139c8"} /-->