Noble Classic Team Preview – St. Francis

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Francis basketball is gearing up for a promising season with a roster rich in talent and potential, featuring multiple upperclassmen poised to lead the team. With standout players like [player_tooltip player_id='1225689' first='Nigel' last='Walls'] and a solid supporting cast, St. Francis aims to make a significant impact in their league and beyond.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1225689"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6720e50b0a2f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Standing at an impressive 6'10", Walls is St. Francis' most notable prospect. Ranked 62nd nationally by ESPN and 3rd in the state at his position, Walls brings a commanding presence to the court, both defensively and offensively. His towering height and athleticism make him a formidable shot-blocker and rebounder, </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2555197"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6720e50b0a373"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2555197' first='John' last='Laboy II'] is a standout 6'5" point guard for St. Francis with an exceptional basketball IQ. His sharp court vision and decision-making allow him to control the game's pace, setting up teammates effectively. Laboy's strong frame gives him the ability to play physically on both offense and defense. He can drive through defenders to finish at the rim and also defend multiple positions with strength. This unique blend of intelligence and physicality makes Laboy a pivotal leader for St. Francis this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1359644"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6720e50b0a3ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hodge is another strong forward for St. Francis, contributing with his scoring and rebounding abilities. Though not nationally ranked, Hodge's versatility and energy on the court will be pivotal for the team's success, providing balance to Walls' dominance in the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2559062"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6720e50b0a43a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Harvey's height and reach add yet another layer of defensive strength for St. Francis. His rebounding and shot-altering ability make him a key defensive figure, complementing Walls to make St. Francis a challenging team inside the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2557764"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6720e50b0a49a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As a junior, Ducksworth is a rising talent, bringing youthful energy and versatility to the backcourt. His ability to handle the ball and create plays will be essential for St. Francis in the coming season, especially as he gains more experience on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2556782"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6720e50b0a4e4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith Jr. offers additional support in the forward position, leveraging his 6'5" frame for rebounds and defensive plays. His development will be crucial as St. Francis builds toward the future with a focus on maintaining strong defensive capabilities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Outlook for the Season</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Francis boasts a balanced roster with towering forwards and a mix of experienced guards, making them a well-rounded team to contend with. With Walls leading the charge and a host of players ready to step up, St. Francis is expected to have a competitive season. Their strength lies in the paint, with defensive powerhouses that can control the boards and protect the rim. The team's combination of experience and youth sets the stage for an exciting season, as they look to dominate defensively and capitalize on offensive opportunities.<br><br><strong>St. Francis will face Allen on November 16th at the Noble Classic.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->