Central Coast Section: Junior Standouts

The Central Coast Section is stacked with juniors who dominate the paint and power through defenders for tough buckets. These third-year standouts thrive on physicality, using their strength, size, and skill to control the lane on both ends of the court. Whether it's scoring through contact, securing second-chance points, or locking down the paint with their defensive presence, these players are the backbone of their teams and are proving to be some of the toughest matchups in the state.    Hinkle, a 6'1” forward, has been a dominant force all season, proving once again why she's been a key contributor since her underclassman days. Now with her first year as an upperclassman under her belt, she continues to be a game-changer for her team. Her size and strength make her a rebounding powerhouse, pulling down 13 boards per game and creating extra possessions on both ends of the floor. Defensively, she's a menace—using her long wingspan to disrupt passing lanes, rack up steals, and block shots with ease. Offensively, she's just as impactful, averaging just under 20 points per game. With one more high school season ahead of her, a strong offseason could elevate her game even further—making her an even bigger threat next year.     Lemoge, another standout post player in the Central Coast Section, played a crucial role in leading her team to a strong 23-8 record this season. In a year filled with hard-fought wins and close battles, her presence in the paint made all the difference. She consistently put up 20-plus point performances, showcasing an impressive field goal percentage—knocking down over half of her shots with efficiency. Her ability to read the floor sets her apart; she knows when to take high-percentage looks and when to dish it to teammates for an even better opportunity. A true force in the lane, Lemoge uses her height and skill to dominate inside, making her one of the most reliable scorers in the section.     Bhagat is a dynamic player who showcases all-around talent on multiple ends of the floor. She's a reliable scorer, knocking down shots from deep and finishing strong around the basket. Her ability to draw contact in the lane and convert at the free-throw line makes her even more dangerous. But what truly sets Bhagat apart is her floor vision—she knows when to take control and when to set up her teammates, making her a key playmaker. On the defensive end, she locks in and controls the pace of the game, showing her versatility in every aspect. It's exciting to watch a player who can elevate any part of her game when the moment calls for it.     Spencer had an outstanding year with Saint Francis, marking her first season as an upperclassman with a strong offensive presence. She delivered multiple standout performances, including a dominant 35-point game where she shot an impressive 62% from the field. What makes Spencer even more dangerous is her ability to pick her moments—she doesn't force shots but instead capitalizes on high-percentage opportunities. She's a serious threat beyond the arc, knocking down threes with confidence and efficiency, keeping defenders on high alert. With her balanced approach to scoring and smart shot selection, she's proving to be a key asset for her team.     Espinosa had a strong season, making her presence felt on both ends of the floor. She consistently put up double-digit scoring performances and showcased her rebounding ability with multiple double-doubles. Her aggressive defensive play disrupted opponents, forcing steals and making it difficult for teams to push the pace. While she can score when needed, she also has great court vision, finding her teammates for open looks. With her well-rounded skill set, Espinosa is a key contributor, and with an offseason focused on elevating her takeover ability, she could be an even bigger force next year.

The Central Coast Section is stacked with juniors who dominate the paint and power through defenders for tough buckets. These third-year standouts thrive on physicality, using their strength, size, and skill to control the lane on both ends of the court. Whether it's scoring through contact, securing second-chance points, or locking down the paint with their defensive presence, these players are the backbone of their teams and are proving to be some of the toughest matchups in the state.