Quiet and Impactful: Leaders to Watch This Season

These players have been absolutely central to their team's success over the past few years. They bring leadership, defense, shot-making, and the steady presence that allows others to thrive and succeed. Whether they've led from the front or served in the shadows, they have always produced or been prepared for the big moment. As we head into the upcoming season, these are players who will take over the spotlight or continue to be that quiet but critical part of their team's success. Here's a look at some of these under-the-radar but critical pieces heading into the upcoming season.    [player_tooltip player_id='514524' first='Ellieyana' last='Wallace'] may not be the loudest on the floor, but her presence speaks volumes. A quiet leader, she continues to stack recognition, with recent offers validating her impact. Wallace has operated in the shadows of teammates and even family, but she has always been prepared for the big moment. She has had big performances, but none like her State championship heroics. Wallace carried her team in the first half with multiple clutch three point shots - when the nerves were high and the game was in the balance. This season, Wallace steps into the spotlight with the expectations out in the open. There will be no radars and no shadows - just her teammates and twin sister, [player_tooltip player_id='514519' first='Carleyssia' last='Wallace']. That spells trouble- "double trouble" for any team that stands in there way.     [player_tooltip player_id='514545' first='Mariah' last='Young'] is the lone senior presence among a wave of 7–8 sophomores, Young is the steady voice and leader this young team will lean on. She can shoot it, defend multiple positions, and serve as an on-floor coach who makes sure the group stays composed in big moments. Young didn't always embrace this role, but it was inevitable. This season, Young is poised to put her team on her back and lead them with more confidence. This season will be a breakout season for the Senior guard and she could be the bus driver that leads this squad deep into the high school playoffs.     [player_tooltip player_id='400809' first='Esa' last='Brenneman'] is one of the most athletic and explosive players in the area. Brenneman's value comes from her dual ability to attack the rim and stretch defenses with capable three-point shooting. She is versatile enough to take on tough defenders or defend the opponent's toughest player, making her a threat on both ends of the floor. Brenneman is a player that teammates look up to for leadership and execution in critical moments.     [player_tooltip player_id='819896' first='Ashantii' last='Williams'] continues to blossom, showing more confidence and athleticism each time out. Over the summer, that quiet shell was cracked wide open. Williams already was known as athletic, a capable scorer, defender, and rebounder. The versatile forward played with a lot more confidence and tenacity this past travel season. Williams is capable of providing leadership with confidence and intention. She is poised for a breakout senior season.     [player_tooltip player_id='678167' first='Olivia' last='Gamble'] enters her Senior season with veteran-senior leadership. Gamble is a combo guard who can knock down the three or run the offense at the one. Her shooting range and game experience give her team a dependable option in pressure situations. Gamble has the ability to knock down the three and with confidence she can take her game to a new level. One of Gamble's strengths is her ball hawking defense. She has great instincts when it comes to stealing the ball- whether on the ball or in the gaps and passing lanes. She is quiet savvy on the defensive end and that is where her leadership will show the most.     [player_tooltip player_id='633532' first='Leila' last='Goll'] is the definition of a quiet but dangerous weapon. Goll has earned her reputation as a bona fide three-point shooter who can completely shift a game's momentum when she strings together makes. Goll is a floor-spacer and a steady contributor who gives Bolles a consistent scoring threat from deep. Goll is primed for a breakout season and could lead the District in three point shooting.     [player_tooltip player_id='798679' first='Kirsten' last='Gudmalin'] is perhaps the most athletic of this group of players. Gudmalin's speed and tenacity make her a nightmare for opposing guards. Her relentless energy on both ends of the court sets a tone that teammates can follow. Gudmalin is already a leader on the football field and those leadership qualities are in her veins. She will transfer those skills to the ball court. She is a problem in the transition game and can score when getting to the rim. Her strength is on the defensive end and she has the ability to turn the game on her defense and spark her team like leaders do.

These players have been absolutely central to their team's success over the past few years. They bring leadership, defense, shot-making, and the steady presence that allows others to thrive and succeed. Whether they've led from the front or served in the shadows, they have always produced or been prepared for the big moment. As we head into the upcoming season, these are players who will take over the spotlight or continue to be that quiet but critical part of their team's success. Here's a look at some of these under-the-radar but critical pieces heading into the upcoming season.