Quiet Grind, Loud Results

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Several Arkansas prospects kept a low profile this summer, but don't mistake silence for not working. While some may have chased headlines, these players were locked in, grinding through early mornings, late-night reps, and crazy gym sessions. These are my takeaways from their off-season progress. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR &amp; @VortexSportsArkansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Skilled Guards</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2732998' first='Chandler' last='Randle']</strong><br>Worked on his handle and expanded his shot-making ability. Focused on pace, pick-and-roll reads, and becoming more vocal as a lead guard.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1437332' first='Kolby' last='Bell']</strong><br>Took strides in his pull-up game and off-ball movement. Worked on balance and body control to become a more efficient playmaker and scorer.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2751007' first='Ty' last='Wright']</strong><br>Sharpened up some of his footwork and finishing angles. Spent the summer improving his ability to create separation and make plays under pressure.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Shooters</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2389941' first='Kellen' last='Cash']</strong><br>Spent the summer showcasing his jumper and adding counters off the bounce. Improved his confidence and assertiveness as an inside scorer.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2839757' first='Landon' last='Woods']</strong><br>Locked in on shot mechanics. Live movement shooting reps and improved his passing vision and accuracy in traffic.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2791515' first='Dillon' last='Dettmering']</strong><br>Focused on quick-trigger confidence and catch-and-shoot efficiency. Worked on release speed and shooting off screens.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2047688' first='JC' last='Jones']</strong><br>Worked on his footwork and shot form consistency. Became more assertive as a spot-up threat and added strength to absorb contact.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><strong>Two-Way Scorers &amp; Playmakers</strong></strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Ja'Corrian Love</strong><br>Improved his vision and decision-making in transition. Focused on live-dribble reads and manipulating defenders with pace.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2389965' first='Koa' last='Rockwell']</strong><br>Took reps as a primary initiator. Worked on change-of-direction, lateral movement, and passing angles to elevate his creation ability.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2574681' first='Dallas' last='Durham']</strong><br>Emphasized ball security and poise. Grew as a connector piece who can handle the offensive assignments and make timely reads.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2373595' first='Jacob' last='Gaines']</strong><br>Developed his mid-range and downhill attack. Improved lateral quickness and defensive anticipation to become a more complete threat.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Kameron "KD" Hicks</strong><br>Balanced scoring and playmaking with defensive intensity. Focused on shot selection, help-side reads, and on-ball pressure. Helping others find their spot is his specialty; he makes others' jobs on the court easier.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Three-Level Offensive </strong>Wings</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2776476' first='Kendrick' last='Carr']</strong><br>Polished his shot creation and finishing package. Focused on reading defenses and becoming more efficient across all three levels. Shows small signs of improved defensive focus and effort.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2475029' first='Rylen' last='Brown']</strong><br>Worked on post footwork and face-up game. Added strength and conditioning to improve rebounding and rim protection. Looks slimmer and a step quicker with the ball in open space.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Injured</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2373586' first='Brandon' last='Wright']</strong><br>Though recovering, he's stayed engaged mentally and is expected to return with renewed energy and hunger. His comeback could be one of the season's most compelling for the Little Rock Central Tigers who are full of young talent.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->