Day 1 6A Standouts at the State Tournament!
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I take a look at some of the best teams and players in day 1 of the Arkansas state tournament. Some of these players had big games and will be a big part in the winning teams continuing to chase…
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Continue ReadingI take a look at some of the best teams and players in day 1 of the Arkansas state tournament. Some of these players had big games and will be a big part in the winning teams continuing to chase the pursuit of a state championship. Some players had big games but just could not pull it out in the end.
Bates is an absolute monster on the boards, both offensively and defensively. In the first game of the tournament there was no one that could keep him off the glass. His positioning and athleticism make him a huge problem for the defense. There was hardly ever a missed shot that he isn’t going for. Bates has a very quick 2nd jump, making it hard for other big men to time for a block. His game offensively can be more of a facilitator role than most would imagine. Every time he touches the ball on the perimeter he is looking for teammates cutting. Has a really good looking shot that keeps the defense honest and keeps them from packing the paint.
Highlights
One word can define DeLoach… relentless. He plays a very physical and dominant style of basketball, constantly bullying his way into the restricted area where he is hard to stop. When he catches it a few feet outside the paint he is very good at squaring up to the basket and attacking with a “I can’t be stopped” mindset. His one hard dribble right and spin back to his left is his go to move right outside the paint. The energy he brings was motivating the entire Southwest roster in their first round game.
Cj Larry is about as good all around as you can get. The smoothness and control he played with down the stretch of Jonesboro’s round 1 game was impressive to watch. Controlling the offense only up 1 point with 50 seconds left, then went to attack and made a smothered layup with his left hand. Next play on defense he fights through a screen and strips the shooter as he’s going up with the shot for the tie. Truly the definition of a winning player. Larry is the player i am most excited to watch in round 2.
Chris Stacy
Chris Stacy
Stacy played a huge part in Jonesboro’s round 1 win. Coming out hot as can be in the 2nd half, he scored 8 of the teams first 10. The super athletic guard was able to get to his spots with his quickness and then find space to knock down some big time shots. He played as calm as could be in a game that was close the whole way through. He nailed the free throw with 10 seconds left to ice the game and send Jonesboro to the 2nd round. Look for Stacy to be a scoring spark the rest of the tournament.
Elijah Wilhelm Elijah Wilhelm 6’9″ | C Bentonville | 2025 State AR is a double double machine. The 6’9 forward is a beast in the paint and on the boards. With the ball he is patient, looking for kick outs to his teammates or taking what the defense is giving him when looking to score. He constantly adding to his double doubles by getting 4-5 assist with a few blocks. He is a big that has enough size to protect the paint but also enough athleticism to help defend screens too. Wilhelm should be making a big leap into his senior season. He is definitely someone who will move up the Arkansas rankings next year.