Arizona 5A – Top Returning Blocks-Per-Game Leaders: Part 2

With the high school basketball season approaching, we need to take a look back at some of the standout performers of the 2020-2021 school year in the 5A Division in Arizona. This division is full of talent at multiple different levels. It has been fun looking back at the stats from last season to compare them against the 2021-2022 season that is close upon us. Below are just a few of the top returning blocks-per-game leaders from last year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="208047" first="Reilly" last="Clark"] - Junior - SG - Catalina Foothills HS - 1.2 BPG</strong> Clark made the top of our part two list that is breaking down the top returning blocks-per-game leaders of last season. With <strong>1.2 BPG</strong>, Reilly was able to help her team protect the rim down low as a five-foot-ten shooting guard. Having 12 blocks total on the year as an underclassman while playing a position that is not always set up to get any big-time blocks is an impressive feat for this youngster. She also doesn’t lack any ability to get the ball in the basket, averaging 20.4 PPG. The 2021-2022 basketball season looks bright for #24. <strong>Katherine Ducharme - Senior - C - Arcadia HS - 1.2 BPG </strong> Katherine stood out above the rest last season with an impressive 21 blocks over an 18-game season for the Arcadia Titans. Standing at six feet tall, Ducharme is a tough competitor for her team down low averaging 11.9 rebounds per game and <strong>1.2 blocks per game. </strong>With 143 points for the year, she continues to help her team on the block. Coming into her final season for the Titans, she needs to lay it all out on the line. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="208245" first="Mackenzie" last="Dunham"] - Junior - PF - Sunrise Mountain HS - 1.2 BPG </strong> As a sophomore last season, Mackenzie was able to secure <strong>1.2 BPG</strong> along with 21 rebounds helping the Sunrise Mountain Mustangs to a very successful 10-1 conference season and 16-5 overall record. Holding the MaxPreps AZ 45th rank, Dunham averages 5.9 points per game and battles down low for the 9.3 rebounds per game that she grabs. With two varsity seasons already under her belt, expect for her to come out of the gates ready to play this 2021-2022 high school basketball season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="138096" first="Kaitlyn" last="Elsholz"] - Junior - G - Cactus Shadows HS - 1.2 BPG </strong> Another returning player in the 5A averaging <strong>1.2 blocks per game </strong>is incoming junior, [player_tooltip player_id="138096" first="Kaitlyn" last="Elsholz"]. As a five-foot-ten combo guard, Elsholz is a no-let-up type of player. Helping lead the charge on a 10-0 conference season, Kaitlyn averaged 9.0 PPG and 4.8 rebounds per game for the Cactus Shadows Falcons as an underclassman. This type of performance coming from a sophomore that is playing against girls that have been in the game longer is something to recognize and not take for granted. Solid basketball player with a lot more potential still on the rise. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="263398" first="Tami" last="Balogun"] - Sophomore - C/F - Agua Fria HS - 1.1 BPG </strong> As a freshman last season for the Agua Fria Owls, Tami was a valuable team member that Coach Polvino will be happy to have around over the next few years. She is a confident forward that knows the game of basketball. With her stats all exceeding the national averages, Balogun is a top player to watch in her class and the 5A as a whole. Averaging <strong>1.1 BPG</strong> and a total of 18 blocks on the season is something to be proud of when up on varsity as a freshman. She will continue to be an asset for her team year after year. <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>HONORABLE MENTION</strong></span></p> <strong>Isabella Barrett - Junior - C/F - Verrado HS - 1.1 BPG / 20 SEASON</strong> <strong>Angelique Palacio - Senior - G - Desert View HS - 1.1 BPG / 10 SEAON</strong>