Bayou Breakout: Louisiana Stars Ready to Shine This Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These standout athletes are poised for a breakout 2025–2026 season. Get to know the names you'll want to watch as the year unfolds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1321852"],"_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-69251d9b80414"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Amiya is a freshman guard with a mature, all-around scoring package that makes her one of the most exciting young prospects in Louisiana. She can score from all three levels, attacking downhill with toughness, absorbing contact at the rim, and confidently stepping into spot-up threes. Her fearlessness and determination give her a competitive edge that will translate immediately at the varsity level. As she becomes even more comfortable running the offense, her ability to create her own looks and generate scoring opportunities for teammates will make her a breakout freshman to watch in the 2025–2026 season.</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":"Sha'Nijah Cage","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12121","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Central","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"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-69251d9b804bf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">ShaNijah is an elite defensive force who takes tremendous pride in locking down opponents. She can guard multiple positions, switching seamlessly between the perimeter and the post. Her instincts allow her to jump passing lanes, pile up steals, and challenge shots at the rim. She brings the full defensive package—and that's exactly what will make her invaluable this upcoming season. ShaNijah's ability to erase opposing scorers will shift momentum in games and give Central a defensive anchor that opponents will struggle to overcome.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1313320"],"_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-69251e3a1ab10"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Alaina is one of the top perimeter defenders in Louisiana's 2028 class, and her disruptive style of play creates instant chaos for opposing offenses. She pressures ball-handlers from baseline to baseline, forcing turnovers and turning defense into fast-break points. Her combination of footwork, anticipation, and competitiveness will make her one of Covenant Christian's key catalysts in 2025–2026. Expect her defensive stops and transition scoring to swing the momentum in big games all season long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["946191"],"_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-69251e3a1ab9a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kennedi is a natural scorer who finds ways to put the ball in the basket regardless of the defensive pressure. Whether she's creating off the dribble, pulling up in traffic, or finishing contested drives, she always finds her rhythm. Her confidence as a shot-maker will make her one of Zachary's most dangerous offensive weapons this season. As she continues to refine her scoring efficiency, Kennedi is poised to become a go-to option in clutch moments throughout the 2025–2026 campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["909412"],"_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-69251e3a1ac17"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ava is the definition of a complete player—someone every coach wants on the floor. She impacts the game on both ends, scoring at will from inside and out, attacking downhill with force, and knocking down perimeter shots. Defensively, she can guard any position, switching from perimeter wings to post players with ease. With her versatility, maturity, and experience, Ava is positioned for a standout veteran season. She will be a stabilizing leader for Zachary and one of the state's most well-rounded players in 2025–2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["947756"],"_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-69251e3a1ac84"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kayla plays with a straightforward, attack-first mentality that wears defenses down. She constantly pressures opponents by driving at every angle, using her physicality to create scoring chances and draw contact. Defensively, she brings that same toughness, making her a two-way player who competes hard from tip-off to the final buzzer. Her relentless style will make her a tone-setter this season, providing energy and aggressiveness that her team can rely on in tight matchups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1001502"],"_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-69251e3a1aced"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gabrielle is one of Louisiana's best finishers around the basket, using her creativity and body control to score through and around defenders. Despite her smaller frame, she isn't afraid to challenge bigger players in the paint, using acrobatic layups, angles, and footwork to convert tough shots. Her ability to break down defenses and finish in traffic will be a critical scoring asset in 2025–2026. Expect her crafty playmaking to open up the floor and energize her team's offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["489563"],"_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-69251e3a1ad5a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rhian is a dominant interior presence whose strength and size make her extremely difficult to guard in the post. She clears space with ease, finishing through defenders as if they aren't even there. On the glass, she attacks rebounds with power and strong hands, limiting opponents' second-chance opportunities while creating extra possessions for her team. In the 2025–2026 season, her physicality and control of the paint will make her one of the most impactful bigs in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->