On the Bubble – 1A Regional Tourney

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this article, we preview the upcoming regional tournament games across the state and spotlight the teams predicted to make an early departure. We'll also highlight key prospects who are the leaders, top players, and standout performers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mulberry Yellowjackets vs Kingston Yellowjackets</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My pick to win: Mulberry</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kingston enters the tournament with an 18-18 (.500) record and 11-3 in league games. Their biggest problem in my opinion is they're a very young team limited on upperclassmen. Mulberry is a solid squad looking for a win, coming into the game 22-8 (10-2) on the season. They can score the ball as a unit, notching 70+ points on several different occasions this season, making them my favorite to win the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2021907"],"_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-67be9c7947484"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Keeling aims to shoot his way into the next round of the regional tournament. He excels at hitting long-range shots and creating opportunities for his teammates to score. With quick, active hands and excellent awareness, he has a talent for timing steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Earle Bulldogs vs Timbo Tigers</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My pick to win: Earle</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Earle is a likely favorite by many expected to win the entire region. They are a tenacious team that plays with heart. Sitting at 18-3 overall, only losing 1 game in league play, they are coming in hot ready to roll to a victory. Timbo is a team that started the season off with a string of losses unfortunately, however, they managed to finish above .500 with a 19-17 record. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2102733"],"_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-67be9c7947504"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ta'Ron is a dynamic guard known for his upbeat ball handling, creating space with step-backs and aggressive pivots to release his shots. As an athletic small guard, he can get above the rim and showcases strength and toughness on the defensive end. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Concord Pirates vs Marked Tree Indians</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My pick to win: Marked Tree </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This will be a competitive match-up for the most part. The Pirates are 18-16 on the season, and they have struggled with consistency across the board. Nonetheless, they are not going to shy away from the battle to move on. The Indians currently sit at 22-6 (11-3) a talented team that won the 1A state title last season may face an upset if they're not ready, I believe they will pull this one out though.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2351649"],"_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-67be9c794755e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Landon is a dependable player, a glue guy, always hustling and doing the dirty work to get the job done right. He unselfishly shares the ball and earns trips inside the lane to score. Known for creating turnovers with his solid on-ball defense and being a pull-up shooter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lafayette County Cougars vs Mineral Springs Hornets</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My pick to win: Lafayette County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cougars can defend on the perimeter as well as inside the arc with speed and size. They are a team that dictates the flow and pace of the game on both sides of the ball. They have put together a 19-7 (10-4) season hoping to add one more to the win column. Mineral Springs has only been able to grab 7 total wins this season and has doubled that number in losses. I expect them to take a hard slide in this game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2021823"],"_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-67be9c79475b7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jackson is a versatile guard capable of scoring from both the outside and inside, even against defenders. With bounce and lift, he consistently knocks down shots. His ball-handling ability and agility allow him to craft his way to the rim. An offensive threat who excels with his speed and floor spacing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->