Bigger Roles, Bigger Expectations: Players Ready to Step Up

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">As the upcoming high school season approaches, every program has players who will be asked to shoulder greater responsibility and become difference-makers on both ends of the floor. For some, that means taking over as a primary scorer or facilitator. For others, it means setting the tone defensively, providing senior leadership, or impacting winning in multiple areas of the game. The players featured in this article have an opportunity to be much more than contributors—they will be counted on to play significant roles for their respective programs. With increased opportunity comes increased expectations, and these are several players I believe are positioned to make their presence felt in a major way this season...<br> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":3737006,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9244327738e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="text-gray-700 has-medium-font-size">Brandon has an opportunity to be an important piece for Carver because of the versatility he brings to the backcourt. He can impact the game defensively, knock down perimeter shots, and brings a strong basketball IQ to the floor. His ability to understand situations and make winning plays should become even more valuable as he steps into his senior season. However, one of his biggest responsibilities may come from his leadership. With experience comes expectations, and he will be counted on to provide a steady presence for his teammates while setting the tone with his approach on both ends of the floor. His combination of defense, shooting, IQ, and senior leadership gives him several avenues to influence winning, making him a player Carver can lean on throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":3737007,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a92443277442"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="text-gray-700 has-medium-font-size">Lonnie enters his senior season with an opportunity to turn last year's varsity experience into a breakout campaign. He brings value on both ends of the floor as a tough defender and offensive threat, but his leadership could ultimately become one of his most important contributions. He has already experienced the speed and physicality of varsity basketball, and that experience should allow him to play with increased confidence and command this season. Defensively, he can set the tone with his ability to pressure opposing guards, while offensively he has the tools to provide production from the backcourt. East Limestone will be looking for Lonnie to take another step forward, and the combination of experience, two-way ability, and leadership has him positioned for a potentially big senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2726884"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a924432774bc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="text-gray-700 has-medium-font-size">Jordan has the tools to become a significant offensive weapon for Chelsea this season. At 6'4”, he brings positional size to the perimeter along with a scoring mentality and the ability to put points on the board from multiple levels. He possesses a strong first step that allows him to attack defenders and create paint touches, but he is not solely focused on getting his own offense. He is also a capable passer who can make plays for teammates when the defense shifts additional attention his way. Confidence will be important because he has the offensive arsenal to take on increased scoring responsibility. As a senior, he will also be expected to provide leadership and a steady presence when games become difficult. With his size, multi-level scoring ability, playmaking flashes, and attacking mentality, Jordan has an opportunity to become one of Chelsea's primary offensive options.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2729463"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9244327752b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="text-gray-700 has-medium-font-size">Colt enters the season with an opportunity to take on a major role in Midfield's backcourt. He put together an impressive summer in which he reportedly averaged nearly 27 points per game, earned invitations to multiple Division I camps, and generated interest from college coaches. Now the challenge is translating that momentum into his high school season. Colt projects as Midfield's primary ball-handler and brings legitimate scoring firepower to the position. He is a high-level perimeter shooter with a smooth stroke and the ability to knock down shots both off the catch and off the bounce. His athleticism has also taken another step, as he is now playing above the rim and adding explosive finishes to his offensive arsenal. What makes Colt especially intriguing is that his impact is not limited to scoring. He competes defensively, embraces leadership responsibilities, and pushes both himself and his teammates to improve. With the ball expected to be in his hands frequently, he will have an opportunity to score, facilitate, lead, and establish himself as one of the driving forces behind Midfield's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2514018"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a92443277593"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="text-gray-700 has-medium-font-size">Keith brings speed, athleticism, and toughness to Saraland's backcourt and has the ability to make his presence felt on both ends of the floor. Defensively, his quickness allows him to be disruptive at the point of attack, pressure ball-handlers, and help generate stops. Offensively, he is an aggressive slasher who looks to attack gaps and get downhill toward the basket. His ability to create pressure with his athleticism gives him opportunities to make things happen even when he does not have a play specifically called for him. Trey also brings an important intangible with his willingness to be vocal and provide leadership on the floor. Once his football season concludes and he makes the transition back to basketball, his athleticism, defensive energy, downhill attack, and leadership should give Saraland another impactful weapon in the backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":3737008,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a924432775ef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="text-gray-700 has-medium-font-size">Jamell brings a different dimension to the floor with his athleticism and ability to inject energy into the game. At 6'2”, he plays with an extra gear that allows him to make athletic plays and impact possessions on both ends of the floor. Injuries have interrupted some of his opportunities in the past, making his ability to stay healthy an important factor entering the upcoming season. If he can remain on the floor consistently, Jamell has an opportunity to become an important piece for Wiregrass. His athleticism can translate into defensive versatility, activity on the glass, transition production, and hustle plays that create additional possessions. He does not necessarily need a high volume of touches to influence the outcome of a game. A healthy Jamell gives Wiregrass an athletic, energetic piece capable of providing an impact on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->