MLK Showcase: Jefferson/Jesuit Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last Monday, as we celebrated Martin Luther King's legacy we were treated to an intriguing PIL/Metro League match-up in that of the Jefferson Democrats and the Jesuit Crusaders. Coaches Andre Lawrence and Jason Lowery are two former college basketball players (OIT and Pomona-Pitzer respectively) whom years later decided to give back to their respective alma maters in the gift that keeps on giving - coaching. In an exciting battle between two clubs from two different communities and sides of town, we were treated to a game that had lots of eclectic talent and representation. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='211119' first='Avery' last='Edwards'] 2023 5'9” SG Jesuit HS - the sharpshooter had yet another outstanding performance as she connected on 4-9 from deep for a total of 14 points to go with 8 rebounds. She is an exceptional piece for Jesuit as a marksman with range but also plays within the defensive scheme sharply as a determined defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='255257' first='Kendra' last='Hicks'] 2024 6'0” PF Jesuit HS - Hicks certainly understood her role Monday, as she not only took up space in the paint but was a formidable force inside. She had a double double - putting forth a 14 point, 12 rebound effort. Mean rebound machine who also doubles as an interior scorer and gritty defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='917825' first='Leila' last='Nunez'] 2025 6'1” PF Jefferson HS - the hybrid forward showed signs of intrigue throughout the game despite nursing an injured finger. She had a 6 point, 5 rebound effort - however, it wasn't her stats that impressed - it was her potential. Nunez had several impressive shows of athletic ability stretching and maneuvering to the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='502343' first='Abrianna' last='Lawrence'] 2025 5'8” SG Jefferson HS - the steadfast guard had a stellar 11 point, 5 rebound performance in [player_tooltip player_id='502348' first='Charisma' last='Johnson']'s absence (injury). Lawrence is truly a coach's daughter, as she leads by example with her spirited and fearless demeanor offensively, as her favorite means of scoring is taking to the cup and finishing strong.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='158544' first='Emma' last='Sixta'] 2023 5'10” SG Jesuit HS - Sixta wasn't the star of the show, but she found ways to contribute all over - which showed in the box score. She punched in 6 point, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals as an intelligent guard who knows when it is her time to score but also uses that ability flawlessly to execute as a facilitator on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->