Central Section: Junior Standouts

The Central Section juniors made their mark this season, stepping into their roles as upperclassmen and proving they can lead their teams with high-scoring performances. Many of these players dominated the scoreboard, showcasing their ability to put up big numbers night after night. Whether attacking the rim with confidence, knocking down deep shots, or controlling the tempo of the game, they demonstrated why they are some of the most exciting players to watch. Now, with their first season as upperclassmen behind them, they're heading into a crucial offseason—one that will shape their final high school campaign.    Johnson, a dominant 6'2" center for Orcutt Academy, has been a force in the Central Section, leading her team to a strong 22-5 record. She consistently secures the paint on both ends, averaging 23 points per game on over 45% shooting while ranking nationally in double-doubles. Her long wingspan and physical presence allow her to control the boards, block shots, and step into passing lanes, making her a nightmare for opponents. Whether it's putting up points, grabbing crucial rebounds, or shutting down drives, she's the go-to player her team relies on. With her size, skill, and ability to dominate the paint, there's no doubt she'll have plenty of scouts watching as she heads into a pivotal offseason before her senior year.     Williams, a junior point guard, makes her presence felt across multiple stat lines, consistently putting up points while facilitating for her teammates. She had numerous 20-point performances this season and maintained a solid 3.5 assists per game, showing her ability to both score and create opportunities. Despite standing at just 5'4", she fights for rebounds, tracking them down with determination and awareness. Her defensive instincts are just as sharp—she's a menace in passing lanes, picking up steals and forcing turnovers that shift momentum in her team's favor. A consistent and reliable leader, Williams played a key role in her team's 18-10 record, proving she's not only a top scorer but also a well-rounded, high-impact player heading into her senior year.     Rojas played a crucial role in her team's incredible 31-3 season, proving that success isn't just about high-scoring averages. While she posted a solid 13 points per game, her efficiency and ability to take smart, impactful shots made all the difference. Standing at 5'10", she uses her size effectively on both ends of the floor, pulling in rebounds, snagging steals, and shooting over defenders with ease—whether in the paint or from beyond the arc. Her polished free throw form and knack for drawing fouls add another layer to her offensive game. With a season like this, it's clear Rojas is the kind of player who does whatever her team needs to win, embodying the definition of a true team player.     Pace had a standout junior season, establishing herself as a 5'11" forward with the shooting touch of a guard. Averaging 17 points per game, she was a major offensive threat, with most of her scoring coming from beyond the arc. Her three-point shooting was not only high in volume but also impressively efficient. Despite her perimeter focus, she isn't afraid to take advantage of her height, confidently finishing over defenders in the lane and battling for rebounds alongside post players. Defensively, she has a knack for steals and always seems to be around the ball, showcasing her athleticism and awareness. It was a challenging season for her team, but with her skill set, leadership, and a final year ahead, she'll be looking to turn those tough matchups into wins.     Venegas, a standout multisport athlete, showcased her scoring prowess throughout her junior season, with multiple 30-point performances that kept her team competitive. As their go-to offensive threat, she takes on the pressure of carrying the scoring load, but that doesn't limit her impact elsewhere. Despite standing at just 5'5", she battles relentlessly for rebounds, averaging an impressive eight per game, and hustles on defense to disrupt plays along the perimeter. With her final high school season ahead, the next step will be refining her shot selection and efficiency to elevate her already impressive game.

The Central Section juniors made their mark this season, stepping into their roles as upperclassmen and proving they can lead their teams with high-scoring performances. Many of these players dominated the scoreboard, showcasing their ability to put up big numbers night after night. Whether attacking the rim with confidence, knocking down deep shots, or controlling the tempo of the game, they demonstrated why they are some of the most exciting players to watch. Now, with their first season as upperclassmen behind them, they're heading into a crucial offseason—one that will shape their final high school campaign.