7 Standout Players: Traditional Bank Holiday Classic Day 1
In a tournament setting, getting off to a great start can make all the difference for players. Having an awesome first game sets the tone for the rest of the tournament, as players can carry that momentum forward and parlay…
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Continue ReadingIn a tournament setting, getting off to a great start can make all the difference for players. Having an awesome first game sets the tone for the rest of the tournament, as players can carry that momentum forward and parlay it into strong performances for the rest of the tournament. Here are the players who got off to the hottest starts Friday.
Xaviara Smalley, Elizabethtown- There are all kinds of ways to score in basketball, but one of the easiest is simply grabbing an offensive rebound and putting the ball back up. That is an art that Smalley seems to have perfected. The freshman center was all over the offensive glass, coming up with 9 offensive boards as part of a 12 rebound night. She immediately converted many of these rebounds into buckets and foul shots, ending up with 19 points in a great game for the Panthers.
Amiya Jenkins, Anderson County- While some players stand out by dominating the game, others have an impact by simply doing everything well and making the most of everything they do. Jenkins did that latter on Friday, shooting well to score 18 points to go along with 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals. As these numbers indicate, she had an impact on almost every facet of the game, all without being particularly dominant in any one area.
Tyra Murphy, Conner- When there is a truly dominant physical presence inside, they can be impossible to stop. Murphy was certainly a dominant physical presence on Friday. The senior center ended up 23 points and 11 rebounds, seeming to demoralize the opposition, who could do nothing to slow her down. She also knocked down several jumpers and 5 of her 7 free throws, showing a range that makes her even more dangerous.
Shelby Calhoun, Christian Academy-Louisville- Some players make outstanding performances look routine, and Calhoun certainly fits into that category. The senior forward came down with 18 rebounds, which is somehow only 3 more than her season average. This incredible performance gave her team the edge, as it prevented Boyd County from getting any 2nd chances while giving CAL plenty on their end. She also added 19 points and 4 assists in an excellent offensive performance, showing she is a truly elite player, not just a one-trick pony.
Bailey Rucker, Boyd County- For all the strategizing that happens in basketball, sometimes things boil down to a player getting hot and not being able to miss. That was the case for Rucker on Friday. The junior guard made all six of her 3 pointers in the first half, managing to knock down a shot any time she had an inch of room. CAL refocused on denying her in the 2nd half, although she was able to get to the rim a few times before exiting with what appeared to be a knee injury. Nevertheless, her hot shooting certainly left its mark with 24 total points.
Aziah Campbell, Paul Laurence Dunbar- While playmakers are generally thought of as offensive players, being able to make plays on the defensive end can be just as impactful. Campbell exhibited this perfectly on Friday. The sophomore guard was all over the court for the Lady Bulldogs, ending up with 7 steals and 3 blocks. She created plenty of opportunities for Dunbar, and made life difficult for Webster County with her excellent defense.
Marissa Austin, Webster County- There are players who specialize in one area, then there are players who seem to do everything for their team. Marissa Austin is the latter. Austin did everything for the Lady Trojans on Friday, scoring 19 points, including four 3’s, to go along with 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals. These numbers don’t just look good on a stat sheet, they helped keep her team in the game by having an impact on a multitude of levels.