Rising Underclassmen Making Noise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For many underclassmen, the challenge is proving they can contribute consistently against older competition. Some may still be developing, but each has carved out a place on the floor and is earning recognition for their impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sophomores:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2973666' first='Chanse' last='Smith']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2382052' first='Kyree' last='Dumas'] </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2979221' first='Axl' last='Janske']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2948486' first='Kasyn' last='Brown']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2752775' first='Callen' last='Ellis']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The sophomore class is beginning to separate itself with players who bring energy and versatility. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2973666' first='Chanse' last='Smith'] (Sylvan Hills)</strong> has emerged as a downhill guard who thrives in transition. His quick first step and willingness to attack gaps keep defenses on edge, and his hustle ensures he's involved on both ends of the floor. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2382052' first='Kyree' last='Dumas'] (Van Buren)</strong> is already demonstrating advanced ability, utilizing footwork and confidence to generate offense while adjusting toand filling multiple roles as a defender and rebounder. He can rise into pull-ups or finish through contact, giving him a scoring package that projects well as he matures.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2979221' first='Axl' last='Janske'] (Lakeside-Hot Springs) </strong>provides value as a scoring guard. He may not always be the leading scorer, but he has the skillset to be that game in and game out. As his defense matches his offense, he'll shoot up the ladder past some classmates. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2948486' first='Kasyn' last='Brown']</strong> <strong>(Farmington)</strong> brings upside to the wing position, guarding multiple positions, and understanding that hard work is required to fill his role well in JV minutes. Rounding out the group, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2752775' first='Callen' last='Ellis'] (Nettelton) </strong>plays with poise and maturity. He understands spacing, moves well without the ball, and makes big-time shots in big-time moments. He will be a sophomore shooter to track over the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Juniors:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2883729' first='Jaydin' last='Jones']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2404604' first='Jackson' last='Walker']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2574681' first='Dallas' last='Durham']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2864631' first='Marcus' last='Anderson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3073392' first='LeShaun' last='Gochett']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The junior class is beginning to show leadership qualities and polish. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2883729' first='Jaydin' last='Jones']</strong> <strong>(Jonesboro)</strong> is a scrappy defender and developing playmaker at the point guard spot, capable of scoring through contact and creating shots for teammates. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2404604' first='Jackson' last='Walker']</strong> <strong>(Maumelle)</strong> plays the role of enforcer and anchor, balancing defending and rebounding while keeping the offense active with his second-chance opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2574681' first='Dallas' last='Durham']</strong> <strong>(Sloan-Hendrix)</strong> is a guard who defends with pride and effort, as well as being an on and off-ball playmaker. He defends with energy and provides secondary scoring as a slasher or spot-up threat. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2864631' first='Marcus' last='Anderson']</strong> <strong>(Gosnell)</strong> sets the tone with his speed and physicality, controlling the offense and using his athletic gifts with an explosive first step to get to the rim for points. His efforts on both ends make him a cornerstone piece. Finally, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3073392' first='LeShaun' last='Gochett']</strong> <strong>(Bentonville)</strong> is a steady point guard who values possessions. He protects the ball, manages tempo, and shows a strong grasp of game flow, making him a trusted decision-maker in the backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->