AZ’s Future Frontcourt: 2028 Centers are Ready to Dominate

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The center position is developing in girls' basketball in Arizona. Arizona's Class of 2028 is living proof. My top five up-and-coming centers feature a versatile combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ that's already making noise on the varsity level. From rim protection and double-double threats to defensive anchors still carving out their offensive individuality, these five players are laying the foundation for Arizona's future in the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each player brings something different to the floor: elite timing, rebounding intuitions, emerging footwork, or vocal leadership. But one thing they all share? They're just getting started. As we look ahead to the 2025–2026 season, keep your eyes on these rising players who ready to step into bigger roles, and their growth could shape the high school landscape for years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["797280"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687b207e8a6d7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Avery is quickly establishing herself as one of the elite well rounded young centers in the state of Arizona girls basketball. Her impact on both ends of the floor is a must see. Avery isn't your traditional post she is a do it all big. She brings defensive intensity, dominating on the rebounding department, and she is a playmaker. She average a near double-double and she's more than just size she's a high IQ and high motor competitor. She is consistent around the rim with great hands, solid footwork, poised and patient. Do not be surprised if Avery becomes one of the top 2028 names in the state of Arizona.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["797281"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687b2cf374bf0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Valley Vista High School has long been one of the key staple programs in Arizona girls basketball as they had produce throughout the years top prospects. Emma's contributions go beyond the stat line. As a freshman she navigated the physicality and speed of varsity play and she held her ground in the paint and brought tremendous energy, effort, and toughness to every matchup she have faced. Her footwork is improving, and she's working on staying vertical defensively and she shows flashes of touch around the rim. Emma will be a key piece in the programs success this upcoming season and she will be a key focus on the offensive and defensive side of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1181921"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687b31c80fe06"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tatum is ready for breakout sophomore season. Her mobility and defensive reads will set her apart from other centers. Tatum is quick on her feet, she contest shots she disrupts the passing lanes averaging 2.0 steals per game last season. Last season she averaged 6.8 points per game look for that to increase and look for her rebounding from 5.9 rebounds per game to increase. Keep an eye on Tatum because her hard work ethic will pay off this upcoming season and beyond. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1141265"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687b31c80fe5f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last season Gwen average 1.7 blocks a game. Her size isn't the only key factor in her play but her feel for positioning and willingness to do the dirty work is a key component. I believe this upcoming season she will average a double-double and her sophomore campaign will be a successful one. Yuma Catholic has a rising star and if Gwen stay locked in she will be on the watch list this season and beyond in the state of Arizona girls basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["917119"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687b31c80fea9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Abuk stat line as a freshman wasn't appealing but don't let that fool you because her presence, her tenacity and her skill will have her to improve this season. I believe her rebounding and her points will have her to come close to averaging a double-double and what stands out about her is her energy and how coachable she is. Her growth in the game will be talked about and about time she hit her senior year she will be a force to reckon with in the state of Arizona girls basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->