News and Notes 12-19-25

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We head into the Christmas break with plenty of basketball news going on in the Natural State. We have some recruiting news and several standouts who have had impressive weeks up to this point. Here are several players to watch who are making news this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2021920' first='DeRyeus' last='Fowlkes']-Point Guard-Sylvan Hills-6'1” 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2021920' first='DeRyeus' last='Fowlkes'] is a tough point guard who makes life difficult for opposing players on both ends of the floor. Fowlkes plays tough defense and forces turnovers with impressive consistency. Meanwhile, on the offensive end of the floor, he will attack the defense and get into paint with ease. Fowlkes knows how to finish with points while getting fouled. Earlier in the week, Fowlkes earned a scholarship offer from Dallas College North Lake.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2021901' first='Derrick' last='Hudson']-Power Forward-Fayetteville-6'8” 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Fayetteville forward is off to an excellent start to the season. Through the first nine games of the season, Hudson has averaged 20 points per game, 10 rebounds per game, two assists per game, and one block per game. Hudson is a worker on both ends of the floor for the Bulldogs. He is a player who has the ability to take over a game on both ends of the floor. Watch out for Hudson as the season progresses over the next few weeks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2373632' first='BJ' last='Knowlton']-Combo Guard-Jonesboro-6'3” 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Knowlton handles the ball as well as gets his teammates involved on the offensive end of the floor. Knowlton is a high-energy player who works on both ends of the floor. He can put up the points quickly. Earlier in the week, Knowlton earned a scholarship offer from Angelina College. He is a prospect to watch as the season progresses for the Hurricane. Jonesboro always has a talented team, and this season does not appear to be any different.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1893319' first='Vatan' last='Paydak']-Point Guard-Pulaski Academy-6'5” 2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1893319' first='Vatan' last='Paydak'] has impressive versatility. He has the ability to guard multiple positions on the floor for the Bruins. Paydak continues to build on what has been a strong start to the season for Pulaski Academy. Against Vilonia this week, Paydak struck for 21 points, four rebounds, and three blocks on the night. Paydak is a prospect to watch out for throughout the season for the Bruins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->