Under the Radar Sophomore Stars for 2025

INTRODUCTION: There are a number of sophomores who played under the radar in 2022-23 but are ready for breakout seasons next year. Here's a look at five of them.   ALLISON EVEN: is a 5-9 combo guard who is a sophomore at Salpointe Catholic High School, The Lancers lost to Desert Vista in the AIA Championship Game, 66-48. SCHS won their first State Championship the year before. In 29 games, Allison averaged 8.9 points per game last season along with 4.9 rebounds per game. Over her freshman and sophomore seasons - a total of 49 games - she averaged 6.2 points and 3.7 rebounds. The Lancers finished the season 22-7 but were undefeated in their conference, Section 4A Kino. Allison finished second on the team in field goal percentage (44%) and led the team on three-point percentage (39%).   EVALUATION: Allison has developed into a more consistent shooter and leads her team in three-point percentage, hitting 39% of her shots. Through two years, she is averaging 6.2 points and 3.7 rebounds. She is both a hustler and playmaker and plays gritty defense. Even as a sophomore, Allison was selected as a team captain, showing strong leadership skills. With a deep team returning in 2023-24, the Lancers should make a deep run in the 2024 playoffs.   JAZIAH BILLEY - is a 5-9 sophomore point guard who plays for Dobson High School. Her team lost in the AIA playoffs to eventual State Champion Valley Vista. She averaged 7.2 points as a freshman and 6.8 points as a sophomore. By Max Preps, she was named Player of the Game against Gilbert in a February 28 game in the state semifinals in which she dropped in 13 points. Of the 13, 11 came in a crucial third quarter that opened up the game for Dobson. They advanced to the title game by winning 37-34. The Mustangs finished the season with an overall record of 23-9.   EVALUATION: Only a sophomore, Jaziah is already a clutch shooter. In the state semifinals earlier in the year, she scored 11 of her 13 points in the third quarter as Dobson defeated Gilbert, 37-34. She was named Player of the Game by Max Preps. She is also an outstanding playmaker and tenacious defender. With a deep team returning next fall, the Mustangs should be primed for a long run in the state playoffs.   TEAGAN MARTIN - Is a 5-8 sophomore shooting guard for Flagstaff High School. In 26 games this past season, she averaged 3.3 points and 1.7 rebounds. Earlier this year, Teagan had two three-pointers against Bradshaw Mountain, West Anchorage, and Poston Butte. She has played in 52 games over her freshman and sophomore seasons and averaged 3.3 points and 1.6 rebounds. The Eagles won the 4A State Tournament, defeating Pueblo in the Championship Game, 68-65. It was their first title in 31 years. In the Championship Game, Teagan hit a crucial three-pointer to help the Eagles win.   EVALUATION: Teagan is a sophomore shooting guard for the Flagstaff Eagles. She helped them win their first State Championship in 31 years, beating Pueblo in the title game, 68-65. Teagan has improved both her shooting and ball-handling skills and is a real threat from beyond the arc. She had three games during the season in which she connected on two long three-pointers. Her team defense has also improved significantly. With many players returning in 2023-24, the Eagles should make a significant run for another State Championship.   CAMILLE HIGGINBOTHAN - is a 5-10 sophomore power forward for Mesa High School. She finished third on the Lady Jackrabbits team in both blocks and assists. In 29 games this past season, she averaged 3.9 points per game and 3.7 rebounds. Playing in the 6A East Valley Region, Camille was selected for Honorable Mention within her region. One scout commented on her game: "Cam battles in the paint with the best of the best."   EVALUATION: Cam has improved her overall game each year of high school and, now approaching her junior season, should be ready for a breakout year. Her ball-handling, shooting, and team defense have vastly improved and she has become more of a leader for the Lady Jackrabbits. With many team members returning for 2023-24, Mesa could be the team to beat in next year's AIA playoffs.   HAYLEY FOSTER - is a 5-5 sophomore combination guard who plays for Leading Edge Academy. She is on the volleyball team for LEA as well. In 24 games this past season, she averaged 9.7 points, 3.0 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.4 steals. In two years of playing volleyball, Hayley has had over 100 kills while playing in 140 sets. In 2021, as a freshman, she won four different Player of the Game awards from Max Preps. She is also an outstanding defender and had eight steals last year in a game vs. Superior High School.   EVALUATION: Hayley has developed her offensive game set, both shooting, and ball-handling, and should be ready for a great junior year beginning in late summer. She is a tremendous defensive presence with lightning-quick hands which leads to steals and deflections. She had eight steals in one game last season. Hayley is also a very good player in transition. She is also an outstanding volleyball player, having over 100 kills in her first two years at LEA.

INTRODUCTION: There are a number of sophomores who played under the radar in 2022-23 but are ready for breakout seasons next year. Here's a look at five of them.