Surprise January Players – 6A Gems

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><mark>Want to see the full article? Use code <strong>Ziter50 </strong>for half off your first billing.</mark></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A few players this month have stepped up more than they have in the first half of the season, and we take a look at a few of them here today.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1568557"],"_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":1661026,"_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-696b1649ad37e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Maya has steadily grown into a reliable interior presence for American Fork and is beginning to emerge as one of the Cavemen's primary scoring options. Her ability to finish around the rim and establish position inside has added a new dimension to their offense. With her upside and the amount of development still ahead of her, she has the tools to continue expanding her role and could evolve into a key piece for both her high school and club programs moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1092156"],"_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":1660886,"_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-696b1649ad3f2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Halle deserves far more attention than she's currently getting and has quietly been one of the most underrated players based on recent performances. She made a strong statement this week with a big scoring outing against Lone Peak, showing she can rise to the level of elite competition. She brings constant energy, finds open gaps in the defense, crashes the glass, and is capable of guarding multiple positions. With the growth she's shown over the past few games, how Skyridge continues to utilize her could be a key storyline to watch moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["849040"],"_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-696b1649ad439"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With the loss of a key piece in Lone Peak's rotation, Lave has responded by elevating her role and delivering when it matters. She's come on strong over the past few games, including a 15-point performance against American Fork, showing she can shoulder offensive responsibility. Just as impactful is her defensive presence — she's capable of locking down nearly any matchup she's given. If Lone Peak is going to remain a legitimate contender despite being overlooked by some, Lave's two-way production could be one of the defining reasons why.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1661111"],"_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":1661278,"_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-696b1649ad487"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In Weber's upset win over Syracuse on Friday, Jade poured in 26 points, marking her highest scoring output of the season. While that performance stands out, her growth has been steady all year, as she's continued to expand her role within the rotation. Typically the third option behind [player_tooltip player_id='866693' first='Rylee' last='Jugler'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1250746' first='Bradey' last='Schiffman'], Jade is trending toward becoming a larger impact piece. She brings athleticism and pace, consistently pushing tempo, attacking gaps, and creating opportunities for teammates while keeping pressure on the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["861992"],"_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-696b1649ad4c7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Westlake has been surging, winning its last three games in contests that were far more competitive than the final scores suggest. Ella has been a key piece during this stretch, anchoring Westlake's tight defensive pressure while bringing a fearless offensive mindset that consistently stresses opposing defenses. Against Mountain Ridge, she delivered her best scoring performance of the season, pouring in 26 points. While double-digit outings aren't new for her, this game saw her operating at another level, knocking down threes and scoring efficiently with no defensive answer in sight. If she sustains this level of impact, it significantly strengthens Westlake's outlook as the season moves forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->