Saint James 2025-26 Season Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Coming off a 34–3 season that ended just shy of a championship — a hard-fought 58–52 overtime loss in the 3A State Title game — this group is back with unfinished business and one of the most talented young rosters in the state. It starts with leading scorer and playmaker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='981283' first='Natalie' last='Barton']</strong>, who sets the tone with her confidence and control. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207423' first='Morgan' last='Lilly']</strong> brings two-way toughness as a lead guard, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1165218' first='Kaitlin' last='Mitchell']</strong> adds scoring versatility as a natural three-level threat. Inside, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207426' first='Jordyn' last='McRae']</strong> anchors the paint with athleticism and rebounding power, and <strong>Lily Stanford</strong> stretches defenses as a knockdown perimeter shooter. With talent, balance, and experience, this team looks ready to make another deep postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["981283"],"_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-68ff95613178c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='981283' first='Natalie' last='Barton'] | 5'8” Combo Guard | Class of 2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>All-State | 18 PPG | 5.9 RPG | 5.1 APG | 3.6 SPG</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='981283' first='Natalie' last='Barton'] is a do-it-all combo guard who impacts the game in every area. A confident playmaker with a scorer's mentality, she can fill it up from all three levels and create for others with ease. Barton's strong frame and quick burst allow her to attack downhill and finish through contact, while her court vision and IQ make her a constant threat in transition or the half-court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, Barton sets the tone — active hands, sharp instincts, and a relentless motor that fuels her team's energy. Her ability to stuff the stat sheet night after night speaks to her all-around game and leadership presence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Simply put — [player_tooltip player_id='981283' first='Natalie' last='Barton'] is a gamer.</strong> A proven All-State performer and one of the most complete guards in the Class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1207423"],"_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-68ff95613181d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207423' first='Morgan' last='Lilly'] | 5'7” Lead Guard | Class of 2029</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>14.0 PPG | 4.3 RPG | 4.5 APG | 2.0 SPG | All-State</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1207423' first='Morgan' last='Lilly'] is a poised and dynamic lead guard who makes an impact on both ends of the floor. At 5'7”, she combines speed, vision, and scoring ability to control the game. Lilly can break down defenses with her handle, create for teammates with sharp passes, and score efficiently from all three levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, she's active and anticipatory, using her quickness to disrupt passing lanes and generate turnovers. Her leadership and basketball IQ make her a cornerstone for Saint James and a rising star in the Class of 2029.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207423' first='Morgan' last='Lilly'] is a complete guard</strong> — a two-way playmaker who elevates her team with every possession.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1165218"],"_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-68ff956131899"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1165218' first='Kaitlin' last='Mitchell'] | 5'10” Guard | Class of 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>13.7 PPG | 4.3 RPG | 2.4 SPG</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1165218' first='Kaitlin' last='Mitchell'] is a smooth, skilled guard who impacts the game on both ends of the floor. At 5'10”, she uses her length and athleticism to attack downhill, finish through contact, and score efficiently from all three levels. Mitchell's confidence with the ball and ability to create her own shot make her a tough cover for any defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, she brings intensity and anticipation — reading passing lanes, forcing turnovers, and turning them into easy transition points. Mitchell's blend of size, scoring ability, and defensive presence makes her one of the most complete young guards in her class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1165218' first='Kaitlin' last='Mitchell'] is a name to know in the Class of 2028</strong> — a poised, two-way threat who continues to elevate her game every time she steps on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1207426"],"_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-68ff956131910"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207426' first='Jordyn' last='McRae'] | 6'0” Forward | Class of 2029</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8.3 PPG | 7.5 RPG | 3.0 SPG</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1207426' first='Jordyn' last='McRae'] is a versatile forward who makes her presence felt on both ends of the floor. At 6'0”, she uses her length and athleticism to rebound at a high rate, protect the paint, and create scoring opportunities around the basket. McRae's hustle and instincts allow her to impact the game without needing the ball in her hands — diving for loose balls, contesting shots, and helping anchor the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively, she can finish inside with authority and shows flashes of developing touch on mid-range attempts. Her ability to read the floor and make quick decisions in transition makes her a threat in fast-paced systems.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207426' first='Jordyn' last='McRae'] is a do-it-all forward</strong> — a high-effort player whose rebounding, defense, and smart play make her a cornerstone for her team and a rising talent to watch in the Class of 2029.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Lily Stanford ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'7u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12125","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Saint James ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68ff956131a0b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Lily Stanford | 5'7” Guard | Junior</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4.3 PPG | 2.3 RPG | 1.2 SPG</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lily Stanford is an elite shooter whose shot is a weapon from anywhere on the floor. At 5'7”, she has a smooth, quick release that allows her to knock down jumpers from deep or pull up in rhythm off the dribble. Defenders have to respect her range, which in turn opens driving lanes for herself and teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stanford's accuracy and confidence make her a go-to option in catch-and-shoot situations, and she consistently finds ways to get open off screens or through smart off-ball movement. Even when defenses collapse, her ability to rise up and hit shots under pressure sets her apart.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Lily Stanford is a pure scoring threat from outside</strong> — a sharpshooter whose shot can change the game and keeps defenses on their heels every time she steps on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>With last season's heartbreak still fueling their fire, this group enters the new year focused, experienced, and hungry to finish what they started. The talent is undeniable, but it's the chemistry, composure, and collective drive that set them apart. Every practice, every possession, and every game is about taking the next step. If this group continues to grow together, another championship appearance isn't just possible — it's expected.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->