2028s Showing New Layers in Their Game

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This spring, several prospects have expanded their roles, sharpened their decision‑making, and added pieces to their games that weren't there a season ago. These are the early movers showing real change in their game. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR &amp; @VortexSportsArkansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ashton Turner - Emerging from a rotation role into a reliable guard who's showing nice growth in his scoring package, Ashton has made an impact early. He's adding new ways to create, finishing with more confidence, and looking far more comfortable as a consistent option in the backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2973666' first='Chanse' last='Smith'] - Smith is playing with a new level of assertiveness, stepping into a bigger leadership role and scoring at a high clip to open the spring. His aggression, pace, and willingness to take ownership of possessions stand out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2751789' first='Max' last='McCutchen'] - McCutchen is showing much better decision‑making and a noticeable boost in confidence as a playmaker. He's reading the floor cleaner, picking his spots, and playing with a steadier rhythm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2751094' first='Max' last='Scott'] - Showing better rebounding mechanics and moving with more mobility, Max's two‑way game is trending up with more promising defensive instincts and a growing offensive presence, as a hustle man. He's starting to impact both ends with more consistency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2820934' first='Jace' last='Gatlin'] - Gatlin has sharpened his passing and taken a clear step forward as a team concept defender. He's making quicker reads, rotating with purpose, and showing a better understanding of how to impact possessions without the ball and on the other end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2724319' first='Daron' last='Hicks'] - Hicks is playing with boosted confidence, especially as a scorer. He's attacking more freely, finishing through mistakes, and showing signs of a guard who's learning to trust his game and his teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->