Southern Section: Sophomore Stars

The Southern Section is packed with talent and fierce competition, and this year's group of sophomore stars proved they're ready to dominate. These rising standouts not only showcased advanced skill sets but also demonstrated the composure and confidence of upperclassmen. Whether it was lighting up the scoreboard with consistent shooting, making key defensive stops, or controlling the tempo with their court vision and playmaking, these young athletes were driving forces behind their teams' success. With two seasons still ahead of them, their impressive performances this year are just the beginning of what's to come.    Martin's 6-foot frame and versatile skill set make her a matchup nightmare. With the shooting range of a guard and the physicality of a forward, she's nearly impossible to contain. Defenders are left guessing — do you guard her with speed to contest her outside shot, or with height to challenge her in the paint? Either way, Martin finds a way to exploit the mismatch. Averaging 19.4 points per game, she's a reliable scoring threat, whether she's pulling up from deep or powering through the lane. On top of that, she's crashing the boards with authority, securing key rebounds for her Camarillo squad. A true multi-way player, Martin makes her presence felt in every corner of the court.     Davis-Kent is making major waves in her sophomore season, establishing herself as one of the top post players in the state. A multisport athlete with a commanding 6'2” frame, she's nationally ranked in the top 40 in three categories—proving her dominance in scoring, rebounding, and double-doubles. Averaging just under 20 points and a massive 16.3 rebounds per game, she's a relentless force in the paint. Her defensive presence is just as impactful, using her length and athleticism to disrupt offenses by intercepting passes, picking pockets, and swatting shots around the rim. With a rare combination of size, skill, and court awareness, Davis-Kent is quickly building a reputation as a powerhouse player with limitless potential.     Valle capped off her final year as an underclassman with a standout season, averaging 19.3 points and 3.3 steals per game. Despite standing at just 5'2”, she plays with a tenacity and skillset that makes her a force against taller, longer opponents. Her quickness and court awareness make her a defensive disruptor, picking off passes and turning them into fastbreak points. Offensively, she's a floor general with impressive range, confidently knocking down shots from beyond the arc while also using her speed to attack the rim. Valle's combination of scoring prowess, defensive hustle, and sharp instincts make her a player to watch as she enters her final two seasons.     Aubry's sophomore season was nothing short of spectacular. She brings a rare blend of finesse and power, handling the ball with the confidence of a dominant guard while using her height and strength to muscle through defenders like a seasoned post player. Her aggressive drives to the basket are a nightmare for opposing defenses, as she bulldozes her way into the lane with sheer force. On top of her impressive 21.1 points per game, she consistently created opportunities for her teammates, dishing out a solid number of assists each outing. With two more seasons ahead, her dynamic offensive skill set and growing presence in the paint will make her an even bigger threat moving forward.     Cardona may be a smaller point guard, but her game is anything but. Averaging 19.8 points per game, she's made a name for herself with her lethal shooting from beyond the arc. She racked up multiple games this season with five or more threes, consistently lighting it up from deep. Her smooth, confident release and quick trigger make her a nightmare for defenses, especially since she can drain it from anywhere on the floor. However, it's not just her range that makes her dangerous—she's versatile, capable of driving inside. With two seasons still ahead, Cardona's dynamic scoring ability and fearless style make her a rising star to keep an eye on.

The Southern Section is packed with talent and fierce competition, and this year's group of sophomore stars proved they're ready to dominate. These rising standouts not only showcased advanced skill sets but also demonstrated the composure and confidence of upperclassmen. Whether it was lighting up the scoreboard with consistent shooting, making key defensive stops, or controlling the tempo with their court vision and playmaking, these young athletes were driving forces behind their teams' success. With two seasons still ahead of them, their impressive performances this year are just the beginning of what's to come.