Middle Schoolers Shining in HS Playoffs

Middle school athletes are taking over the varsity stage in this year's state playoffs, proving that age doesn't define impact. Sixth, Seventh and eighth graders across the state are stepping into high-pressure moments with confidence, skill, and toughness beyond their years locking down older players, hitting big shots, and helping lead their teams deep into postseason runs. Here are a few STEPPING up BIG!    [player_tooltip player_id='1326837' first='Jaselle' last='“Gigi” Ortiz'] (Cover Photo) has been playing valuable minutes all season on varsity for Bell Creek Academy. As a 7th grader, she was the team's second-leading scorer, averaging 10.8 points per game, and she continued that production into the playoffs. She helped lead her team to the Class 2A regional quarterfinals, where they fell short in a close game.   Despite the loss, Ortiz earned the respect of opposing teams, who face-guarded her all game and made sure to track her at all times on the court. Her ability to shoot the ball at a high percentage forced teams throughout the playoffs to respect her game and game plan specifically for her.   We are excited to see how Ortiz's game will continue to grow, as she still has two more years before she is even considered a high schooler.     [player_tooltip player_id='1757132' first='Peyton' last='Phillips'] is a 6'5" 6th grader who is not clumsy and moves with elegance on the floor. She has a strong feel for the game and plays with a passion and love that show her future is as far as she wants to push it.   Even as a 6th grader, she has provided valuable minutes for her team in the playoffs, serving as a rim protector, rim runner, and rebounder. She averaged 10 rebounds per game this season, and recorded two playoff games with 12 rebounds—numbers that are impressive even for most high school players.   Phillips will look to see how far her team can go in the 1A state playoffs as she continues to gain valuable experience with her already impressive early skill set and strong work ethic. The sky is truly the limit for her.     [player_tooltip player_id='1688728' first='Bryse' last='Burkett'] has been a bucket all year. She not only leads her team in scoring at 25.8 PPG, but she is also ranked #10 in the state in scoring.   Her ability to play with pace and a level of control beyond her years stands out, along with her skill to finish with either hand around the rim and score off two feet from both her left and right sides. She also has a smooth jump shot that does not require much space; her shooting mechanics and forward landing create excellent rotation on the ball.   Her performance makes her team a favorite to compete for the 1A state championship. We are locked in to see how far she can take her team, as she has already scored 18, 28, and 34 points in the playoffs so far.     [player_tooltip player_id='1238942' first='London' last='Lowe'] is leading her team in points per game at 13.8, shooting 41% from the field, and leading in steals with 4.4 per game. Her two-way play has shown up in a big way for her team in the playoffs so far.   She may be an eighth grader, but she plays fearlessly. She has the ability to slash to the rim and finish with runners and floaters, and her quick release off the catch is impressive. Her ability to create offense from defense when her shot is not falling will always keep her on the floor and her team in contention for a 1A state championship run.     [player_tooltip player_id='1550029' first='Seve' last='Armstead'] is taking on major responsibility early as a seventh grader, developing into a true all-around point guard. Her ability to get her team's offense running while also knowing when to look for her own shot is impressive. This has helped her team earn a No. 1 seed in the 2A playoffs.   What makes this even more exciting is that she is doing this alongside another young teammate, [player_tooltip player_id='1550028' first='Sanaa' last='Stillman'], showing just how strong their future will be. Together, they are already producing winning seasons at such a young age.   Her maturity as a point guard stands out. She controls the game on both ends of the floor under the bright lights, which is must-see basketball. Watching her make on-time post entry passes, draw two defenders for easy drop-offs, push the ball early in transition, and use her pace without rushing offers just a glimpse of what is still to come.     [player_tooltip player_id='1550028' first='Sanaa' last='Stillman'], an eighth grader, is the second-leading scorer on her varsity team this season and a true two-way player who competes at a high level whether the ball is in her hands or not. She is averaging 9.4 points per game, along with 3.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game, showing her ability to impact the game in multiple ways.   Whether she is slashing to the rim, drawing fouls and being automatic at the free-throw line, or creating offense from her defense, Stillman consistently makes her presence felt. In the playoffs, she is averaging 2 steals per game, with many more off-ball forced turnovers that do not appear in the stat sheet.   Pairing her with another young standout, [player_tooltip player_id='1550029' first='Seve' last='Armstead'], gives her team a powerful middle school duo making an impact at the varsity level. This combination not only makes her team a favorite to reach the 2A state championship, but also positions them as contenders for many years to come

Middle school athletes are taking over the varsity stage in this year's state playoffs, proving that age doesn't define impact. Sixth, Seventh and eighth graders across the state are stepping into high-pressure moments with confidence, skill, and toughness beyond their years locking down older players, hitting big shots, and helping lead their teams deep into postseason runs. Here are a few STEPPING up BIG!