Junior Spotlight: Under The Radar "Bigs"

In the world of girls' basketball, where the spotlight often falls on the most hyped prospects, a group of emerging talents is poised to take center stage. They command the front court and have been diligently refining their skills and pushing their limits. With the 2023-2024 season fast approaching, these newly minted juniors are now on the cusp of stepping into bigger roles within their teams.   [player_tooltip player_id='333332' first='Caroline' last='Polloway'] | 6'2" | Red Bank Regional   Caroline's sensational summer with her Gemz EYBL squad is a primary reason why when the next rankings update is released, you can expect her the number next to her name to rise astronomically. She enters the new school year riding a tsunami wave of confidence after putting up solid numbers against some of the best teams on the Nike circuit! Her traditional back-to-the-basket game is quickly emerging into a lethal offensive weapon. She gets the job done on both ends as a furious shot-blockers and fierce rebounding presence and boasts impressive mobility for a player her size. 700 points, 700 rebounds and 150 blocks are all within reach for her career before her junior campaign is over.   [player_tooltip player_id='414351' first='Rainelle' last='Blocker'] | 5'9" | Clayton   The Tri-County Conference is often overlooked because it doesn't always have the biggest and baddest powerhouse teams and players across the state. However, a hooper as talented as Rainelle cannot be denied or overlooked! One of the toughest forwards in the entire conference, she commands and protects the paint with authority! She has very active hands, a ton of tenacity and is absolutely relentless on the glass. Her physicality and aggressive nature adds yet another layer to her on-court dominance, as she is totally fearless and backs down from nobody! If she keeps up the pace from last season, she may eclipse 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 200 steals before year three is over.   [player_tooltip player_id='583451' first='Skyy' last='Beeks'] | 5'11" | Lindenwold   One of the top rebounders in the Colonial Conference, Skyy's name is quite fitting because it's exactly what she does on the glass; she "skies" and soars to corral rebounds, sometimes over much taller players. Her two-way game has evolved wonderfully since freshman year and she's ready to bring the spotlight to Lindenwold this season. Strong hands, disciplined footwork and high efficiency in the post make her a handful even for the most skilled defenders. As this season progresses, Skyy may eclipse milestones of 650 points, 800 rebounds 150 steals and 100 blocks for her career.   [player_tooltip player_id='525309' first='Averie' last='Harding'] | 6'2" | Egg Harbor Township   Averie's summer was one for the books: a very successful aau season with the NJ Cardinals, invites to Hoops4MS (Third Team All-Tourney) and the prestigious John Lucas Top 160 Camp and multiple offers to play at the next level (FDU, RMU, etc.). It's safe to say that when our next rankings update is released, Averie may be the Class of 2025's greatest gainer! Her size causes problems for defenders far and wide, as she uses every bit of her 6'2" frame to be efficient and make an impact on both ends. More impressively, her ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots from deep makes her a bonafide PROBLEM! With an incredibly high ceiling, I have a feeling she has only scratched the surface of her potential and is poised for a huge junior year. 700 points and 450 rebounds are all within striking distance before the season is complete!   [player_tooltip player_id='583769' first='Debra' last='Hill'] | 6'1" | Pingry   When the late Rich Leary tells you to keep a close eye on a player, you do just that! The surge of improvement Debra has shown over the past 4 months has been astronomical! With her NJ Panthers team, she showed great poise, intensity and dominance as she traveled the country and played some of the toughest, fiercest teams on the grassroots circuit! Her athleticism cannot be denied and neither can her ability to soak up knowledge and apply it in live game situations instantaneously. She comes into her junior year riding a hot streak of confidence and success as she looks to take the Big Blues to new heights this winter! Returning as the team's leading rebounder and pick-pocketer, Debra "Do-It-All" Hill will look to add to her staggering totals and cross career marks of 600 points, 600 rebounds, 100 assists, 100 steals and 100 rebounds. Expect a breakout, ladies and gentlemen!

In the world of girls' basketball, where the spotlight often falls on the most hyped prospects, a group of emerging talents is poised to take center stage. They command the front court and have been diligently refining their skills and pushing their limits. With the 2023-2024 season fast approaching, these newly minted juniors are now on the cusp of stepping into bigger roles within their teams.