First Look at the Field from Big Miller Team Camp

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The undefeated trio of Jonesboro, Conway, and Nettleton (who were featured in the last article) continued to dominate at 6‑0, but they weren't the only ones making noise. Maumelle, Bentonville, and Benton all showed competitiveness and reminded everyone why they're in the mix. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR &amp; @VortexSportsArkansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jonesboro</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jonesboro looked sharp behind their deep senior leadership and a solid core of juniors. A program that always seems to elevate in March is already showing strong form in June. Their experience and defense stood out across multiple games. [player_tooltip player_id='2382014' first='Lleyton' last='Weaver'] was knocking down shots, facilitating in half‑court actions, and keeping the offense organized. His ability to shift between scoring and playmaking gave Jonesboro a steady rhythm. [player_tooltip player_id='2916032' first='Kingston' last='Rottinghaus'] fit in seamlessly. He played inside‑out, ran the floor hard, and gave them a reliable hand in transition. His ability to finish, stretch the floor, and complement their guards adds balance. The supporting cast of [player_tooltip player_id='2883729' first='Jaydin' last='Jones'], Sidney Smith, MJ Marshall, and [player_tooltip player_id='2820904' first='Jaylen' last='Heard'] executed Jonesboro's defensive scheme well while making timely plays on the offensive end. Jaydin attacked the basket with force and made life difficult for opposing guards, while Sidney and MJ knocked down shots from deep and kept the ball moving to maintain space. [player_tooltip player_id='2820904' first='Jaylen' last='Heard'] added an athletic spark as a rebounder, defender, and slasher, highlighted by a steal and breakaway dunk that energized the group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Conway</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conway was led by senior guard KJ Johnson, who continues to be a Swiss‑army‑knife with his skillset. He was aggressive and quick off the bounce, getting through contact at the rim and using his first step to create clean looks off the dribble. Defensively, he set the tone with toughness and communication, keeping the group organized on both ends. Zae Patrick and Montae Williams handled key guard duties, keeping the pace steady and taking what the defense gave them. Both were playmakers with the ball although in different ways the impact was similar, they contributed to scoring when needed and helped maintain flow in Conway's half‑court actions. [player_tooltip player_id='2293763' first='Deion' last='Sasser'] provided valuable minutes with his size, craft, and willingness to make plays for others.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Maumelle</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The four-guard setup of Maumelle looked like a problem when shots were falling. With [player_tooltip player_id='2441317' first='Ethan' last='Polite'] now paired alongside Kam Alexander, [player_tooltip player_id='2473795' first='Kennon' last='Johnson'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2397934' first='Ashton' last='Shelton'], they roll out four senior guards who can all handle the core responsibilities you want from a backcourt: pass, shoot, and defend. When those four are clicking on the same page, the pace, spacing, and decision‑making become tough for opponents to keep up with. Polite's move into this group gives them a bigger guard who can see over pressure and create advantages multiple ways. [player_tooltip player_id='2397938' first='Kamryn' last='Alexander'] brings the downhill burst and scoring spark, while [player_tooltip player_id='2473795' first='Kennon' last='Johnson'] provides 3pt shooting and [player_tooltip player_id='2397934' first='Ashton' last='Shelton'] provide steady ball‑handling and defense, all with the ability to keep the offense flowing. Add in [player_tooltip player_id='2404604' first='Jackson' last='Walker'], who plays more like a small forward but can slide between the 3–5 spots, and you get even more versatility. He gives them hustle, rebounding, and matchup flexibility. [player_tooltip player_id='2812182' first='Amari' last='Green'], still young with size and a growing skillset, adds long‑term upside to the rotation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Benton</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The ESPN‑ranked duo of Anthony Spratt Jr. and [player_tooltip player_id='2422333' first='Brian' last='Cal Jr.'] is learning how to lead their group to wins through high‑level offensive production. Both are true bucket‑hunters who play with a killer mindset, always looking to put the ball in the basket and control the game's tempo. Spratt's outside shot‑making continued to be elite with the fluid, repeatable mechanics paired with shifty creation moves like step backs and sidestep threes. He also attacked downhill and finished over defenders, showing the full scoring package including a nasty windmill on the break. Cal Jr. thrived at getting defenders on his hip and playing through contact. His body control, handle, and ability to manipulate angles made tough to cover. They've added another strong 2028 guard in [player_tooltip player_id='2724319' first='Daron' last='Hicks'], who brings defensive pressure, energy, and the ability to play effectively off the ball. His presence gives the duo another guard who can defend, run, and complement their scoring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bentonville</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Led by 2027 standouts Demarion Lee, [player_tooltip player_id='2205704' first='Kyan' last='Franklin'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2376830' first='Truman' last='Wheeler'], the Bentonville Tigers fought hard in every game. This group played connected, disciplined basketball and competed possession to possession. Demarion Lee continued to look like one of the most complete guards in the class playing poised, paced, and able to impact the game as a 3-level scorer and smart defender. His ability to control tempo and make reads kept Bentonville organized. [player_tooltip player_id='2205704' first='Kyan' last='Franklin'] brought length and guard play, contributing as a slasher and playmaker. He played with energy on both ends and gave them a reliable presence in the gaps. [player_tooltip player_id='2376830' first='Truman' last='Wheeler'] added steady production with willingness to do the little things. He filled lanes, was a very vocal leader on defense, and made timely plays that helped keep Bentonville competitive throughout camp.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->