NEA Invitational Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These were the standouts of the regional tournament, the competitors who changed momentum, carried their teams, and proved they're built for more than just regular‑season basketball. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR &amp; @VortexSportsArkansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2975607' first='Jalen' last='Elrod'] - Elrod made his mark as one of the most aggressive downhill threats in the gym. He consistently beat defenders off the bounce, attacked gaps with purpose, and finished through contact like a veteran. His ability to get into the paint, even when defenses loaded up, created momentum‑shifting plays all weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2965910' first='Daniel' last='Couch'] - Daniel operated with poise in the middle of the floor, showing soft touch on short jumpers, quick reads on kick‑outs, and the ability to finish. His natural attributes, size, feel, and fluidity for his position allowed him to impact the game without forcing anything. When teams tried to clog the lane or disrupt rhythm, Couch's presence at the nail and elbow settled possessions and created quality looks for his group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2986168' first='Max' last='Manchester'] - Max scored when needed, facilitated when the offense stalled, and defended with purpose. His ability to shift roles possession‑to‑possession made him one of the most dependable pieces on the floor. He impacted the game and elevated the group with his guard versatility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2847858' first='Cooper' last='Davis'] - The confidence, pace, and shot‑making he showed this weekend were miles ahead of where he was last season. He played with a sharper handle, better reads, and a much more assertive scoring mentality. Whether it was knocking down rhythm jumpers, attacking closeouts, or creating space off the bounce, Davis gave his team real scoring punch in key stretches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2994294' first='Zeke' last='Church'] - Church was the definition of a glue guy all weekend, the player who fills gaps, wins effort plays, and hustles relentlessly. He rebounded in traffic, defended multiple spots, sprinted the floor, and made every hustle play that shifts momentum. His well‑rounded skill set showed up, finishing around the rim, keeping plays alive, and making smart, simple reads.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2277280' first='Kaden' last='Williams'] - Williams gave his team a dependable interior anchor all tournament long. He established a deep position, finished through contact, and controlled the paint with a physical, no‑nonsense approach. His ability to seal, score on the block, and create second‑chance opportunities forced defenses to adjust.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->