Juniors Ready to Break Out

Preseason scrimmages are in full swing, fall sports are over with and teams should be at full strength with the season starting in 12 days. Last week, we took a look at some Seniors who are primed for big seasons. Now, let's take a look at some Junior ladies who are ready to make a bigger impact. <strong>Harley Paynter, Boyd County - </strong>How can a top 5 player in the class be a breakout candidate? Well after being the Robin to Savannah Wheeler's Batman for the last couple of years, Paynter becomes the go-to scorer for Boyd County. The sharpshooter is already committed to Morehead State and with her college choice out of the way, Harley can focus on raising her scoring numbers to fill the void left behind with the graduation of Wheeler. <strong style="font-size: 1rem;">Sarah Hicks, Notre Dame Academy - </strong><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Hicks sat out the last season after a transfer but should be ready to step in and be a big piece to the puzzle for Pandas this season. Coming off a big AAU season for Kentucky Storm Elite, Hicks possesses a high basketball IQ and will have a chance to carve out her role on a team looking to make a splash in the 9th region this season.</span> <strong>Sidney Thomas, Holy Cross - </strong>After averaging nearly 12 points and 7 rebounds as a Sophomore, Thomas continues on an upward trajectory. She has the size you can't teach and an improving skill level that should result in more points and rebounds per game this year. Sidney should average a double-double this season and be a defensive force in the middle for the Holy Cross defense. <strong>Sydney Raque, CAL - </strong>After modest stats as a Sophomore, Sydney could see a big uptick in her production if she gets more aggressive on the offensive end. Raque is a good shooter from deep, making 36% from three last year. She failed to get to the free throw line very often and only shot 48% from the line when she did get there. An improvement in offensive efficiency should translate to a big Junior season. <strong>Laci Reinhart, Dixie Heights - </strong>Another player looking to make some big strides after a good AAU season, Reinhart is going to be one of the main pieces for a Dixie team that graduated 7 Seniors. Laci will definitely see more shots come her way after having to make the most of her limited opportunities last year.