Central Section: Sophomore Stars

As the season winds down, we're turning the spotlight on the standout sophomores of the Central Section—players who have elevated their game in their second year and are proving to be rising stars. These athletes have shown tremendous growth, stepping up for their teams in crucial moments and laying the foundation for even bigger seasons ahead. With two more years to develop, these sophomores are ones to watch as they continue to refine their skills and make an even greater impact on the court.    Gregory, a dynamic point guard from Roosevelt, has truly showcased her versatility this season. Averaging over 22 points per game, she's excelled in multiple areas of the game, from grabbing key rebounds to forcing steals and distributing assists. Her ability to attack the basket off the dribble and dish out smart passes is impressive, while her finesse around the rim allows her to draw fouls and convert at the free-throw line. Coming off an already successful freshman year, it's exciting to watch her continue to develop and see what she accomplishes in the next couple of seasons.     Shaw has had several standout performances this season, with more than a few games where she scored over 20 points, showcasing her offensive abilities. However, she also excels in recognizing when to pass rather than take the shot herself, averaging over 5 assists per game. Not only does she shine on the offensive end with her floor vision, but she also makes a significant impact defensively, pulling in over 5 steals per game. Her all-around contributions and active presence on both ends of the floor have made her a key player this season. It's exciting to see a young player with the basketball IQ and vision she possesses at such an early stage in her career.     Statler, as her name suggests, is putting up impressive stats for Liberty in Bakersfield, CA. Standing at 5'8", this guard has elevated her scoring to an average of 15.5 points per game. She's been an all-around contributor, using her position to secure rebounds and force steals. Her scoring shines brightest inside the arc, where she racks up points from mid-range and in the paint. However, she's also not afraid to step beyond the three-point line, adding a solid number of threes to complement her scoring. Statler's ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively makes her a standout to watch in the years to come.     Rafiu, a multisport athlete with a deadly shot from beyond the arc, has proven herself as a major threat from long range this season. With 48 three-pointers made, she's shooting more from deep than inside the paint, and for good reason—she's hitting them consistently. Her sharp shooting has helped her average 12.2 points per game, making her a key contributor to her team's success. Rafiu's ability to stretch the defense with her range has certainly made her a standout this season.     Santos, another consistent scorer from long range, has been a standout leader for her team all season. Averaging anywhere from one to five three-pointers per game, her deep shooting has been a major offensive weapon. As a younger player, she's already shown the ability to lead in scoring, but what really sets her apart is her versatility—she's just as capable of scoring inside the arc as she is from beyond it. It's exciting to watch a young player like Santos develop her leadership and scoring skills, and we can't wait to see where her game goes in the future.

As the season winds down, we're turning the spotlight on the standout sophomores of the Central Section—players who have elevated their game in their second year and are proving to be rising stars. These athletes have shown tremendous growth, stepping up for their teams in crucial moments and laying the foundation for even bigger seasons ahead. With two more years to develop, these sophomores are ones to watch as they continue to refine their skills and make an even greater impact on the court.