Preseason Watch List 5A West + South

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How do these complementary players amplify their team's primary pieces and help assemble a complete roster built for the stretch run? Get your eyes on them early, as they will be benefactors late. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR &amp; @VortexSportsArkansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2569312' first='Christian' last='Boyce']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Impact trait: Two-way consistency</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boyce stabilizes the backcourt so his team's lead creators can attack without worry. His dependable shooting and on-ball defense limit second‑guessing from coaches, allowing primary scorers to hunt mismatches and close possessions with confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2394289' first='Hudson' last='Loughridge']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Impact trait: Glue Guy skillset</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Loughridge smooths the team's rhythm, helping settle the team into efficient possessions. By effecting pace and limiting his turnovers, he allows his star scorers to pick their spots rather than forcing offense under duress.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2391994' first='Lawson' last='Adams']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Impact trait: Reliable inside-outside forward</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adams stretches coverage and absorbs attention with movement, opening lanes and kick-out opportunities for his team's other playmakers. His ability to score in multiple ways prevents opponents from loading up on the primary option.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2391695' first='Carson' last='Curd']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Impact trait: Floor control and vision</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Curd handles the ball well, especially in transition, creating easy outlet chances and points that relieve pressure on outside shooters. His work lets guards play more aggressively, knowing the floor is spread and under control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DJ Trotter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Impact trait: Versatile athleticism</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Trotter buys his guys space by moving into space without the ball, cutting hard, and closing tight windows with drive options. His athletic ability relieves late-game burden from other team options and keeps the energy high with his upbeat play and versatile fit on the wing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2820934' first='Jace' last='Gatlin']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Impact trait: Scoring and decision-making</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gatlin's spark plug play and spacing creates downhill lanes for ball-handlers and clearer passing lanes for primary playmakers. His offensive reads and 3-level shot making turn attention away from teammates and improve overall shot quality for the entire team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2724319' first='Daron' last='Hicks']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Impact trait: Defensive disruptor</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hick's pressure creates transition counters and forces opponents into uncomfortable looks, which benefits his team's scorers by converting defensive stops into easier, quicker scoring chances for the primary contributors. He can guard the best guard and forward alike, a creative two-way player with a strong motor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2393224' first='Anthony' last='Thomas']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Impact trait: Motor and matchup toughness</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas sets the physical tone so his team's skill pieces can operate without taking on extra contact. His rebound battles and hard closeouts free up perimeter creators to attack in more favorable matchups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2794988' first='Herman' last='Gill']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Impact trait: Playmaking wing</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gill supplements the offense by making reads in secondary actions, relieving primary playmakers of constant initiator duties. He can get his shot off the dribble and create for teammates in pressured moments, showing his speed with the ball. His ability to find cutters and kick to shooters enhances ball movement and keeps defenses honest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2979221' first='Axl' last='Janske']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Impact trait: Transition scoring and athleticism</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Janske turns defensive stops into fastbreak scoring opportunities for his team's floor runners, shortening possessions and forcing opponents to guard in space. His shooting touch makes life easier for creators who thrive in early offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sahir Gant</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Impact trait: Size &amp; Veteran leadership skills</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gant steadies late-game lineups and absorbs pressure moments so younger stars can play freely. His calm execution in crunch time preserves the team's structure and allows everyone to perform within the game plan. His size creates mismatches for teams through his ability to handle and make plays as well as defend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->