Sub-Regional Stars Shine When It Matters Most, Pt. 2

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Here is part 2 of my dive into a few teams in sub-regional play…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><em>A 78-65 win over Sardis sent Lawrence County marching into Regionals with confidence and it started with veteran leadership and balanced production.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Ben Newton</strong> (5'9/PG/'26/Lawrence County)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Ben delivered a composed and efficient performance, finishing with 18pts and 8asst as he orchestrated the offense like a seasoned conductor. His ability to control tempo, make timely reads, and settle his team in key moments continues to define Lawrence County's identity. He is averaging 10pts, 5 asst, and 4reb. Ben impacts the game in every column. But it is his leadership that separates him. He understands moments, manages runs, and plays with poise that only experience can bring. When the lights get brighter, Ben gets steadier.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Jackson Smith</strong> (6'5/F/'26/Lawrence County)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Jackson poured in 15pts and grabbed 8rebs, continuing his consistent production (18 PPG, 8 RPG on the season). He has a smooth and confident shooting stroke, and he stretches defenses and forces tough matchups. Defensively, he may be even more valuable. He guards multiple positions, competes with urgency, and brings a physical edge that fuels Lawrence County's two-way attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Jack Boyll</strong> (6'0/CG/'26/Lawrence County)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Jack chipped in 12pts, 4rebs, and 4-steals, igniting possessions with hustle plays that don't always show up in highlights. He is averaging 13pts and 2-steals on the year, and he plays with relentless effort. He dives on loose balls, takes charges, and sets the tone defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><em>East Limestone continued their push to Birmingham with a 50-30 win over Arab securing their spot in the Regionals.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Chris Fitts</strong> (6'3/F/'26/East Limestone)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Offensively, Chris finished strong at the rim and attacked gaps with confidence. Defensively, he was a rim-protecting presence, altering shots and protecting the paint. His physicality and timing made it difficult for Arab to establish any rhythm inside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2472342' first='Coleby' last='Davis']</strong> (6'3/SG/'27/East Limestone)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: colebydavis_0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Coleby knocked down big perimeter shots throughout the night, but his defensive effort may have been even more impactful. He applied pressure, rotated sharply, and competed on every possession. The threes on offense were timely, while his defense was relentless.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3070716' first='Charlie' last='Eslick']</strong> (6'5/PF/'26/East Limestone)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: c.eslick2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Charlie delivered a complete stat-line performance: 12pts, 9rebs, and 5asst. At 6'5, he brings skill and basketball IQ to the forward spot. He reads the floor well, makes plays out of the high post, and rebounds his area with strength. His instincts and versatility make him a matchup problem especially when he is making plays within the flow of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><em>Ramsay wasted no time making their intentions clear in a dominant 67-31 win over Lincoln showcasing depth, discipline, and playoff focus. The Rams are heading back to the big stage and they look hungry.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2313930' first='Marcellous' last='Hall']</strong> (6'2/CG/'26/Ramsay HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: marcelloushall1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @marcellous_hall</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Marcellous continues to be a threat from the perimeter, but his overall game has matured over the past few years, making him a more mature backcourt talent looking to lead his team back to Birmingham. The success of Ramsay will, in part, depend on the play of Marcellous, as he has experience on the Regional stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2194487' first='Deonte' last='Jiles']</strong> (6'2/CG/'28/Ramsay HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: etdjxo</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Deonte is the player who makes the Rams go. He is a smooth offensive threat who can score and be a playmaker off the bounce. He showcases true multi-level scoring prowess, knocking down perimeter shots, getting into the mid-range, and finishing in the lane and at the cup. The Rams will go as far as Deonte will take them, and the task at hand is a big one as they will play cross-town rival Wenonah at Jacksonville State in the Sweet 16 on Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->