UIL Playoffs: State Semifinal Battle Between Wheatley/La Marque

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Going into this state semifinals matchup against Wheatley High School, Malcolm McNairis is La Marque High School's leading scorer this season. Throughout this playoff matchup, he brought a much-needed energy that La Marque High School used to power through the victory. Offensively, Malcolm was very aggressive in his downhill ability, coming up with crucial drives down the stretch. The leading scorer, averaging 14.1 points per game according to MaxPreps, Malcolm's ability on the court will be key in the championship game against Carter High School.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2556260"],"_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":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69b352ba02f3d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2556260' first='Collier' last='Coleman']'s relentless hustle revitalized Wheatley High School in their game against La Marque High School. He sank a crucial three-pointer during the run that reignited their momentum. When he spotted open gaps within the opposing defense, he seized the opportunity to attack and score. In the fourth quarter, he made a significant steal and followed it up with a powerful poster dunk, giving Wheatley High School a crucial play to swing the momentum in the 4th quarter. Additionally, Collier made several big defensive plays, deflecting passes in the passing lanes and contributing to Wheatley's defensive success on the perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2558862"],"_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":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69b352ba02fa2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Derrick Edison is a guard for La Marque High School that made significant plays early in the game. These plays resulted in a substantial lead against Wheatley High School throughout the majority of the game. In this early lead, Derrick focused on creating his own shot by converting a couple of jumpers and actively participating in transition. Additionally, he was a primary ball handler who assisted in finding open teammates in various offensive situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2556368"],"_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":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69b352ba02fe9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2556368' first='Joshua' last='Minix'] was a key contributor to La Marque High School's win over Wheatley High School. He effectively managed the floor, creating easy transition points and making plays within the half-court to execute plays seamlessly. Offensively with the ball in his hands, he displayed the ability to pass the ball effectively which turned into assists. As the leading assist leader for the team, he certainly showed that he is unselfish within Le Marque High School's offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2555880"],"_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":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69b352ba0302c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2555880' first='Brandon' last='Harris'] was a standout defender for La Marque High School that showcased his physicality and discipline in the paint against Wheatley High School. Despite his aggressive play, he managed to avoid foul trouble throughout the game. His defensive ability was evident as he secured numerous rebounds, which were instrumental in preventing Wheatley High School from getting second chance opportunities. Offensively, Brandon utilized his strength and agility to score points by driving to the basket and slash effectively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2556295"],"_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":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69b352ba0306a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2556295' first='Peter' last='Dorsey'] is a standout interior scorer for Wheatley High School that played a crucial role in narrowing the lead against La Marque High School in the second half. Throughout previous games, I've observed Peter's exceptional skills around the basket and this matchup against La Marque High School was no exception. He displayed a soft touch, making it difficult for defenders to stop him at times. These play finishes often resulted in him drawing contact, leading to several trips to the free throw line. Despite the challenges, he maintained a good free throw and field goal percentage which gradually reduced the lead La Marque High School had. Additionally, Peter was actively involved in rebounding the basketball on the defensive end, contributing to his team's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Malcolm McNair","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77248","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"La Marque High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69b352ba03104"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Going into this state semifinals matchup against Wheatley High School, Malcolm McNair is La Marque High School's leading scorer this season. Throughout this playoff matchup, he brought a much-needed energy that La Marque High School used to power through the victory. Offensively, Malcolm was very aggressive in his downhill ability, coming up with crucial drives down the stretch. The leading scorer, averaging 14.1 points per game according to MaxPreps, Malcolm's ability on the court will be key in the championship game against Carter High School.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->