GHSA State Championships: Day 4 Standouts

<strong>GHSA State Championships: Day 4 Standouts</strong> <strong>2021 6-2 C [player_tooltip player_id="188316" first="Takia" last="Davis"] – Calhoun County – USC-Upstate</strong> A near triple-double completely changed the game as [player_tooltip player_id="188316" first="Takia" last="Davis"] recorded 9 points, 20 rebounds, 2 assists, 12 blocks and 3 steals. Davis’ length and ability to block shots without fouling held Clinch County to 14-65 (21%) shooting inside the arc. Davis needs to add some strength, but her upside with her defense is interesting as is her developing offensive game. <strong>2021 5-7 PG [player_tooltip player_id="118131" first="Zyhia" last="Johnson"] – Clinch County</strong> 27 points, 6 rebounds and 5 steals weren’t enough to clinch a state title, but [player_tooltip player_id="118131" first="Zyhia" last="Johnson"] did turn heads with her blazing speed. She pushes the ball well in transition and can stop on a dime for mid-range pull-ups. Johnson went 4-11 from three. More growth at the JUCO level could help her become a solid collegiate player. <strong>2021 6-2 W [player_tooltip player_id="148888" first="Lauren" last="Walker"] – Marietta – Michigan State</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="148888" first="Lauren" last="Walker"] stepped up for Marietta, especially when they struggled to score in the first half. In the first quarter alone, the Blue Devils shot 2-17 but Walker and the rest of the team warmed up afterwards. Walker finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks. She gobbled up 7 offensive rebounds and went 2-4 from three. She hit clutch free throws late to ice Marietta’s first title since 1951. Walker put the finishing touches on a strong senior season and has a great ceiling at the next level. <strong>2022 5-6 PG [player_tooltip player_id="196486" first="Chloe" last="Sterling"] – Marietta</strong> Facing multiple double teams through out the game, [player_tooltip player_id="196486" first="Chloe" last="Sterling"] still managed to positively impact the game even though her offense wasn’t at full tilt. She finished with 10 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals. Sterling is an exceptional passer and a microwave scorer. She’s crafty in the paint with scoop finishes and can create off the dribble with step back jumpers. She should be on MM-HM radars. <strong>2022 5-6 PG [player_tooltip player_id="118143" first="Bridget" last="Utberg"] – Woodstock</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="118143" first="Bridget" last="Utberg"] carried her team to the state title and had the Wolverines in striking distance until a 2-15 fourth quarter sunk the underdogs. Utberg had 26 points, 4 rebounds and 5 steals. She is so good at attacking the basket and using her body to shield the ball from shot blockers. She scores with either hand from tough angles and shot lights out from deep this season. Utberg is a true two-way player that can cause havoc on defense. High Major schools are starting to show interest.