AA: Region III Preview

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">TEAMS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bluefield, Mingo Central, Westside, Wyoming East , Independence, River View, Liberty Raleigh, Midland Trail, Summers County, James Monroe</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Preseason Player of the Year</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2690991' first='Konnor' last='Fox'] might seem like the obvious pick but then again there's several names that could seem obvious. I like Fox for this recognition because I believe he will have the most effect on each game they play this season as well as post season. He'll also be a huge part of their tournament run if they have a chance to win. There might be guys that post bigger numbers and I'm sure people will point that out to me, however, Fox can affect a game in so many ways with and without the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top College Prospects</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2303392' first='Jase' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='2306140' first='Devin' last='Maynard'], [player_tooltip player_id='2690991' first='Konnor' last='Fox'], [player_tooltip player_id='2243493' first='Braedy' last='Johnston'], [player_tooltip player_id='2303395' first='Payton' last='Bailes'], [player_tooltip player_id='2691014' first='Ryan' last='Mann'], [player_tooltip player_id='2691008' first='Kadyn' last='Hines'], [player_tooltip player_id='2303401' first='Ashton' last='Arthur']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">State Tournament Qualifier Prediction</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wyoming East</strong> returns a huge chunk of their tournament run squad last year including 6'9" big man [player_tooltip player_id='2690991' first='Konnor' last='Fox'] who was 15ppg last season along with the next three top scorers from last year that include sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='2444028' first='Broc' last='Johnson'], point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2444025' first='Talen' last='Muscari'] and senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='3142743' first='Braxton' last='Morgan']. Add in transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2243493' first='Braedy' last='Johnston'] who's came over from Shady Spring and you not only have an experienced team but an athletic and long lineup as well. A team with that much firepower and experience including a tournament run should not only be a favorite to clear the region but also an serious challenger to Wheeling Central for the AA title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Monroe</strong> shows enough that looking back on last year I think this is a semi-safe prediction. Between [player_tooltip player_id='2691008' first='Kadyn' last='Hines'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2691014' first='Ryan' last='Mann'] the JM squad should find themselves back in Charleston, a place they're more than familiar with in years past. Mann and Hines both averaged in double figures last year and will be a tremendous duo for opponents within a culture that expects to be in Charleston in March.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Darkhorse</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bluefield or Indy</strong> could be the obvious darkhorses of the region. Both return excellent players and athletic lineups, but the talent in this region is so stacked on nearly every roster even this category is up for grabs. Bluefield is looking to return to its dominance of the last few decades and Indy has athletes that can produce big numbers and are looking to get the program over the hump.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Regional Roundup</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2303392' first='Jase' last='Smith'] returns for his senior year after a devastating injury as a sophomore. Smith was one of the 2026 class's top prospects two years ago and could get back there if he stays healthy. Coaches raved about his performance in August at the BlueChips Nation Hoop Summit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2306140' first='Devin' last='Maynard'] of Mingo Central has put up big numbers routinely on the hardwood which has produced several basketball offers to play at the next level. Along with that Maynard is also an accomplished golfer and has now received multiple scholarships for golf as well. The 4.0gpa student will have several options going forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Monroe</strong> coach Kelly Mann was a two time all-tournament selection at the boys state tournament in 1992 and 1993 for the Peterstown Pirates who eventually consolidated to make James Monroe. Mann also starred for the Pirates in football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ranking the Region</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Wyoming East</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. James Monroe</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. Bluefield</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. Independence</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. Midland Trail</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. Westside</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. Mingo Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8. Liberty Raleigh</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9. Summers County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10. River View</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->