Senior Spotlight: Shooting Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the new school year just around the corner, there's only one thing on my mind: HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS! And while I know it's a winter sport and still months away, it's hard not to look forward to the excitement that this season will bring. Anticipation is building for the following 2024's who are primed for more prominent roles on their respective teams and ready for their moment in the sun… or snow, because winter ;)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='414304' first='Zakiyyah' last='Lindsay'] | 5'9" | University</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alongside junior [player_tooltip player_id='414417' first='Paradise' last='Fisher'] in the back court, these two will pose a serious problem as a dynamic shooting duo. Zakiyyah is not only an offensive threat, but she also can rebound the heck out the ball and put on a defensive clinic. One of the most solid rebounding guards in all of Group 1 last season, Z tallied 138 rebounds in 27 games, good for just over 5 per contest. Season's end could see career totals of 400+ points, 400+ rebounds and 200 steals if she keeps up the intensity of her two-way game from her junior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='743847' first='Sophia' last='Wilber'] | 5'2" | Wildwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A player who can alternate between the 1 and the 2, Sophia's game at the guard spot is wildly versatile. Last year saw her role predominantly at the point: bringing the ball up, setting up the half court offense and finding open teammates. With the graduation of sharpshooters Imene Fathi and Maya Benichou, she could spend more time at the 2, especially having proved that she can not only facilitate but also flat-out shoot it! What she lacks in size and stature, she makes up for in grit and toughness; pulling down nearly 100 rebounds is testament to her fearless style of play. When it's all said and done, Sophia could see career totals of 400 points, 250 rebounds, 300 assists and 150 steals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='588094' first='Anna' last='O'Keefe'] | 5'6" | Lawrenceville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her role on this senior-loaded team is going to be vital for Lawrenceville's ultimate success this winter. It's well-noted that Anna is a 3-point specialist, whether it's spotting up, off the catch-and-shoot or stepping into her shot. This summer with her CJ Hawks travel squad, she added an almost automatic mid-range jumper &amp; craftiness around the rim to her arsenal, proving to be a multi-faceted stud on the hardwood. Averaging double-figures in high school and aau, it's always been a tough task holding Anna to single-digit scoring. Before her high school campaign wraps, she could very well eclipse 800 career points, 200 rebounds, 100 steals and 150 3-pointers made!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='743851' first='Kyra' last='Licari'] | 5'6" | New Providence</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New Providence has it's sights set on repeating as Group 2 State Champs and Kyra is primed and ready for the moment. With the departure of front court duo Meghan Lamanna and [player_tooltip player_id='325196' first='Grace' last='Kinum'], she is ready to embrace an even bigger role and help lead her team to basketball glory in March. She's quick to her spots and excellent avoiding defensive traps. A speed demon in the open court, she gets to the rim at will and electrifies in transition. Look for Kyra to light it up from the floor and target 200+ career points before the season's end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='588006' first='Alexa' last='Bracero'] | 5'5" | Hoboken</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alexa's emerging two-way game will be on full display as she suits up for her senior season with the Redwings. She's a 3-level scorer who embraces the biggest moments and is fearless letting her shot fly. A sniper from behind the arc, this season could see Alexa eclipse 100 made 3-pointers for her career. Defensively, she applies stifling ball pressure and uses quick hands and superb anticipatory skills to force turnovers and tally up steals. In fact, she may cross the century mark in career steals as well! Grab your popcorn because Alexa is sure to put on a show!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->