Freshman Standouts From Week 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We had a full slate of games this week that gave us an early glimpse of who is ready to contribute at the varsity level. Several freshmen stepped into the spotlight, earned their minutes, and made the most of them with efficient and impactful performances. Here are some of the first-year players who caught our attention:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1235913"],"_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-6922660b37f17"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sam was called upon to the varsity stage and contributed to the overall outcome of the game. She's already put up 30 points in just two games for a Ridgeline squad that already has established contributors, proving she's not just fitting in — she's elevating the lineup. Her poise, scoring touch, and willingness to take big shots show she's ready to be one of the players who will buoy Ridgeline this season, even as a newcomer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1377930"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1415930,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-69227330acf1a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Taking on the role of a contributor and doing so on a team that already has a strong veteran lineup shows just how much she brings to the floor. Sara pulled in 15 rebounds this week for Maple and averaged 7 points per game, showing she can impact the game on both ends. Her instincts around the rim and ability to establish position make her a reliable interior presence. Her emergence as a role player and key piece will be vital for Maple as the season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1293054"],"_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-6922660b3813e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stepping up as a freshman for Bear River, she put up numbers well beyond what her limited varsity experience would suggest. She's a natural athlete who plays with high intensity, showing instincts and confidence that translate immediately at the varsity level. Her ability to stay composed under pressure and compete physically bodes well for her role as the season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1327059"],"_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-6922660b38039"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Having freshmen earn varsity minutes is valuable at any level — but earning minutes <em>and</em> producing is what sets a player apart. On a deep and experienced Ridgeline roster, Sianna made the most of her opportunity, stepping onto the floor and showing she can contribute when called on. If this trend continues, watch for her growth and confidence to accelerate as the season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1246445"],"_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-69227330ad09f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coming into her freshman season at Provo, she made her presence felt in every stat category. Averaging 6 points per game while also adding steals, assists, and rebounds, she showed that she's more than just a scorer—she's a utility player who fills whatever role is needed. As an off-the-bench option, she brings energy, versatility, and reliability, closing stat gaps for the players she rotates in for. If she continues on this trajectory, her role will only grow as the season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Impactful Freshmen</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lilliana Solomona || Roy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maelys Njike || Skyline</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mary Langi || Highland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Haven Acra || Highland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brinley Sorensen || Lehi</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->