Small School Ballers (1A-2A All Conf./State Impact Prospects)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arkansas's small-school scene is loaded with talent, grit, and upside! These returners are ready to run it all the way back, some for their last run. From All-State selections to conference killers, here's a look at some of the top small school hoopers poised to make noise in 2025–26.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2790410"],"_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-68f1a5235da06"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6'4" wing with length, feel, and toughness Palermo's upside screams next-level potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ty is a long, fluid wing with positional versatility and a smooth paced game. Palermo's frame and feel make him a matchup problem in 1A, and his upside as a two-way contributor is undeniable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2994303"],"_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-68f1a5235dae5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A sharpshooter built to expand the floor, Bazzelle's game is smooth from long range, off the catch or dribble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bazzelle is a smooth scorer with a knockdown shot. Whether pulling up off the dribble or finishing through contact, he's got the tools to be one of the top guards in 2A. His on-court demeanor is hype but locked in, a good combo that leads to fiery plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2021902"],"_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-68f1a5235dba1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Landon is a vocal leader and tough shot maker from deep, he is the engine that makes England go.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A crafty shooter with a sharp IQ and a knack for making plays with the ball in his hands. Woods is a vocal leader and floor general who thrives in tight-game situations. He's hungry, looking to capture the 2A state title this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2411183"],"_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-68f1a5235dc57"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Explosive off the bounce and fearless. Smith brings top-notch intensity and energy every night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith's athleticism and slashing ability make him a threat every time he touches the ball. He's a downhill driver with bounce and control. He now shows a surefire confidence, more than ever, and you can expect his game to leap this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2994294"],"_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-68f1a5235dd09"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tough, versatile, and wired to compete. Church is the kind of glue guy who wins games. Arkansas' own "Emmanuel Hansel."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Church brings toughness and scoring punch to the perimeter. His ability to defend multiple spots and knock down shots makes him a key piece for Tuckerman's system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2767280"],"_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-68f1a5235dd9c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fearless and smart, Osborn's playmaking and IQ make him a must-watch down the stretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He is a scrappy and crafty player with a high motor. Quick off the bounce and confident from the field, he's the heartbeat of Sacred Heart's backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->