Southern Section: Freshman Standouts (Part 1)

To conclude the coverage of standout freshmen across each section, the Southern Section has proven to be so stacked with talent that we had to break it into two parts. The class of 2028 in this area is overflowing with scoring maniacs, showcasing their abilities from day one of their high school careers. From dynamic shooters to dominant defenders, these athletes are already making waves and leaving their mark. Enjoy part one of the two-part coverage highlighting the Southern Section's standout freshmen!    Scoring is no issue for Durrah, a 5'5" freshman point guard from Yermo, CA. She's wasted no time stepping up for her team, boasting an astounding 29.1 points per game average. You read that right—she's nearly hitting 30 points per game. Her jaw-dropping numbers are bolstered by multiple 30+ point games, with some performances even exceeding 40 points. How does she do it? Simple: relentless drives to the lane, fast-break transition buckets, and confidence from deep.   Durrah's offense starts with her defense, as she's averaging nearly 7 steals per game, turning turnovers into instant scoring opportunities. Her unmatched speed on the court, particularly in transition, combined with her ability to finish tough plays at the rim, makes her a nightmare for opponents. Add in her sharp shooting, and it's clear this freshman is setting the standard for standout performances.   While her team has only a few losses, they may represent the next area of growth for this young star. As she gains experience, we can expect her maturity and leadership to elevate, especially in close or high-pressure games. For now, Durrah is a dominant force and a perfect example of what it means to be a freshman standout.     Urteaga is a scoring powerhouse, already making waves with multiple games exceeding 40 points. Known for her sharpshooting, she possesses a cannon-like range and isn't shy about firing away from deep. With games where she's hit 7 or even 8 three-pointers, it's clear she's a threat from beyond the arc. While her high output comes from taking a dozen or more shots from long range, consistency will be the next key for this freshman standout. As she continues to develop her efficiency, expect Urteaga to convert those big numbers with fewer attempts, solidifying her reputation as a lethal scorer. Keep an eye on her as she refines her game in the coming months and throughout her high school career—her potential is undeniable.     Arenas, a tall and athletic guard, is holding her own against tough upperclassmen and standout underclassmen in the competitive Southern Section. Averaging over 20 points per game, she's proving to be a versatile threat, scoring from everywhere on the court. While she's not hesitant to fire from deep, her ability to attack the lane and draw contact consistently stands out, as evidenced by her frequent trips to the free-throw line. Her comfort at the stripe and in the paint highlights her dual-threat capability. In addition to her scoring prowess, Arenas contributes on the defensive end, securing rebounds and locking in key steals. Her determination to impact the game on both ends of the floor speaks volumes about her maturity and drive. It's impressive to see such a well-rounded performance from a freshman, and she's just getting started.     Griffin comes from a team that never faces an easy opponent, holding a state rank of #1 and a 23-1 record. Despite being a freshman, the 5'11" standout has stepped up in a big way to help her team maintain that dominance. Averaging 17.6 points per game, she's been a consistent offensive threat, especially from beyond the arc, regularly knocking down 2 to 3 deep shots per game. Her court vision is impressive, delivering over 4 assists per game, and she's making her mark on defense as well, averaging 3.2 steals per game.   What makes Griffin's performance even more remarkable is that she's doing all of this while playing alongside a team just as dominant as her. She's turning heads and making a name for herself as a freshman in a high-pressure environment. With the tough opponents ahead, we're excited to see how Griffin continues to rise to the challenge and progress throughout the season.     Dunn, a freshman from Canyon Country, is making a significant impact across the board this season. Averaging 17.4 points per game, 5.6 assists, and almost 4 steals per game through 24 games, her numbers are impressive for a freshman and reflect her well-rounded skill set. She's comfortable both inside and outside the arc, showcasing a consistent scoring ability, including hitting a few threes each game.   There have been several games where Dunn found herself at the free-throw line, proving her ability to drive to the basket and draw fouls. Additionally, she's been a key defensive contributor, leading the team in steals in multiple games. Her ability to share the ball with teammates and create scoring opportunities is a testament to her basketball IQ. Dunn is not only a great scorer but also a reliable teammate, helping her team convert assists into points. This freshman is proving to be a valuable asset to her team.

To conclude the coverage of standout freshmen across each section, the Southern Section has proven to be so stacked with talent that we had to break it into two parts. The class of 2028 in this area is overflowing with scoring maniacs, showcasing their abilities from day one of their high school careers. From dynamic shooters to dominant defenders, these athletes are already making waves and leaving their mark. Enjoy part one of the two-part coverage highlighting the Southern Section's standout freshmen!