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State Tournament Elite Eight Athletes

State Tournament Elite Eight Athletes
Victor Scott
Victor Scott March 9, 2025 @ 04:41 PM
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In this article:

Cedric Jones Jr.
Cedric Jones Jr. 6'1" | PG | 2025
AR
Rylen Brown
Rylen Brown 6'6" | PF/C | 2027
AR
Jaeir Hardwell
Jaeir Hardwell 6'0" | PG | 2026
AR
Antonio “TJ” Whitney Jr.
Antonio “TJ” Whitney Jr. 6'3" | CG/SF | 2026
AR
JJ Andrews
JJ Andrews 6'5" | SG | 2026
AR
Xavier Brown
Xavier Brown 5'10" | PG | 2025
AR
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the State Tournament unfolds, the competition intensifies, and impact prospects emerge. Get a look at this excerpt as we dive into the standout moments and key contributions from these talented athletes in the Elite Eight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2021880"],"_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-67c79b0ac70fa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='2021880' first='JJ' last='Andrews'] scored an astounding 41 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, blocked three shots, and added an assist. Possibly the most complete player in the state, Andrews is a durable wing with incredible agility and control. He is a master shot creator who consistently hits tough shots and easily finishes above the rim. His high IQ and freakish athleticism shine on defense, with high-flying chase-down blocks and relentless ball-handler coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2044905"],"_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-67c79b0ac722d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Whitney finished with 20 points, five boards, two steals, and a block. TJ is a solid two-way wing, showcasing the ability to score inside and out. A reliable spot-up shooter, he can work through contact for scoring opportunities. His agility in the dunker position makes him a threat to finish around the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2494126"],"_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-67ce0af8ef57d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior Cedric Jones scored 15 points, grabbed two rebounds, dished out three assists, and nabbed a steal in Maumelle's 86-75 win over Hot Springs. A speedy guard, Jones excels at creating shots beyond the arc and inside with his ball-handling skills and has a keen eye for distributing the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2475029"],"_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-67ce0af8ef5eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2475029' first='Rylen' last='Brown'] scored 18 points in Cedar Ridge's 91-67 win over Fordyce. Brown has been battling in the lane for boards, showcasing footwork and post moves, and hitting shots from the outside. His ability to score in the low post, rebound strongly, and see the floor well in transition are key pieces of his evolving game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2021853"],"_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-67ce0af8ef657"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2021853' first='Xavier' last='Brown'] scored a game-high 23 points in Fayetteville's 61-56 loss to Jonesboro. Brown excels as a guard, managing the ball, anticipating teammates for precise passes, and outmaneuvering defenders with his skilled, speedy dribbling. His reliable jumper from mid to long-range makes him a versatile scoring threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2434062"],"_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-67ce0af8ef6b9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2434062' first='Jaeir' last='Hardwell'] finished with 22 points, four rebounds, and five steals in Hot Springs' 86-75 loss to Maumelle. Hardwell scores with his quick first step, beating defenders off the dribble and heating up to knock down shots from all three levels. He's an active defender, always looking to create turnovers in the passing lanes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

As the State Tournament unfolds, the competition intensifies, and impact prospects emerge. Get a look at this excerpt as we dive into the standout moments and key contributions from these talented athletes in the Elite Eight.

Arkansas
JJ Andrews

JJ Andrews

AR
SG
HEIGHT 6'5"
POS SG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
JJ
Andrews SG
Class
2026
Height
6'5"
HS
Little Rock Christian Academy
|
AR
State Tournament Elite Eight Athletes
Junior combo guard JJ Andrews scored an astounding 41 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, blocked three shots, and added...
Written by Victor Scott
Arkansas
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

JJ Andrews

State: Arkansas
School: Little Rock Christian Academy
Club: Brad Beal Elite
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Antonio “TJ” Whitney Jr.

Antonio “TJ” Whitney Jr.

AR
CG/SF
HEIGHT 6'3"
POS CG/SF
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Antonio
“TJ” Whitney Jr. CG/SF
Class
2026
Height
6'3"
HS
Nettleton
|
AR
State Tournament Elite Eight Athletes
Whitney finished with 20 points, five boards, two steals, and a block. TJ is a solid two-way wing,...
Written by Victor Scott
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Antonio “TJ” Whitney Jr.

Instagram Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Nettleton
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Angelina
Cedric Jones Jr.

Cedric Jones Jr.

AR
PG
HEIGHT 6'1"
POS PG
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Cedric
Jones Jr. PG
Class
2025
Height
6'1"
HS
Maumelle
|
AR
State Tournament Elite Eight Athletes
Senior Cedric Jones scored 15 points, grabbed two rebounds, dished out three assists, and nabbed a steal in...
Written by Victor Scott
Angelina
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Cedric Jones Jr.

Instagram Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Maumelle
Club: Max Level Elite (Tyrese Maxey
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Rylen Brown

Rylen Brown

AR
PF/C
HEIGHT 6'6"
POS PF/C
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Rylen
Brown PF/C
Class
2027
Height
6'6"
HS
Cedar Ridge
|
AR
State Tournament Elite Eight Athletes
Rylen Brown scored 18 points in Cedar Ridge’s 91-67 win over Fordyce. Brown has been battling in the...
Written by Victor Scott
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Rylen Brown

Instagram Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Cedar Ridge
Club: AR Hawks
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Xavier Brown

Xavier Brown

AR
PG
HEIGHT 5'10"
POS PG
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Xavier
Brown PG
Class
2025
Height
5'10"
HS
Fayetteville
|
AR
State Tournament Elite Eight Athletes
Senior Xavier Brown scored a game-high 23 points in Fayetteville’s 61-56 loss to Jonesboro. Brown excels as a...
Written by Victor Scott
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Xavier Brown

State: Arkansas
School: Fayetteville
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jaeir Hardwell

Jaeir Hardwell

AR
PG
HEIGHT 6'0"
POS PG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Jaeir
Hardwell PG
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
HS
Hot Springs
|
AR
State Tournament Elite Eight Athletes
Junior Jaeir Hardwell finished with 22 points, four rebounds, and five steals in Hot Springs’ 86-75 loss to...
Written by Victor Scott
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Jaeir Hardwell

State: Arkansas
School: Hot Springs
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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Rankings

155 Players Ranked

  • 1
    JJ Andrews

    JJ Andrews

    Little Rock Christian Academy

    Arkansas
  • 2
    Camarion Bead

    Camarion Bead

    Bryant

  • 3
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    Jordan Harris

    Maumelle

  • 4
    RJ Young

    RJ Young

    Bryant

  • 5
    LaDaryl Robinson JR

    LaDaryl Robinson JR

    Marion

View Full Rankings

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