Spreading The Love: Who’s Been Piling on Assists This Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Happy Valentine's Day! To celebrate the holiday with never-ending love, it's time to unpack the assist leaders in the box state. Not only do these hoopers enjoy passing the rock, but these ladies provide an undeniable energy that propels their teams to victory. Unselfishness goes a long way in this sport, and the proof is in the pudding with the players on this list. Let's talk about it! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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":"Mia Castro ","_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":"5'6u0022","_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":"Evangel Christian Academy","_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-6990dd2c82d13"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mia Castro has prioritized unselfishness since the start of her high school career in 2023. Leading the state in assists (6.4 APG) while finding cracks in the defense to operate around, Castro has found her groove with no signs of slowing down. Placing 9th in the NATION in steals (9 SPG), she's going full throttle this year on both ends of the ball. The 5'6 combo guard is lightning quick off the triple-threat, so much so that defenses have nightmares guarding the near 16 PPG scorer. Castro has put herself on the map, and it's safe to say she's shown nothing but love to her coaches, teammates, and fans throughout the whole season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["657244"],"_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-6990ea5fe61a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='657244' first='Kya' last='Piel'] has been the focal point for Merino, making decisions on a dime and oozing confidence while distributing the ball. Piel has come up with 14.1 PPG while knocking down 48% from the field with ice in her veins. Creating a dynamic flow within the Merino offense, Piel averages 6 APG, sparking an energy that can't be coached. The #18-ranked guard in her class has done an exceptional job this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1120336"],"_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-6990ea5fe61f4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1120336' first='Jade' last='Kuntz'] is one of the most slept-on guards in the box state, and her unselfishness propels her to be the best player on the floor at all times. Kuntz's all-around versatility makes her a crucial contributor and a fierce competitor. Tallying 16 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 5.8 APG, AND 4.4 SPG, Kuntz has established herself as Lone Star's go-to option. For opposing coaches, Kuntz is the center of the gameplan, which speaks volumes to her productivity. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["901205"],"_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-6990ea5fe623d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='901205' first='Ireland' last='Kassatly'] is a shifty 5'5 PG who changes pace faster than Lewis Hamilton shifts gears in a NASCAR. Kassatly's unpredictability makes her such a tough challenge for defenders to keep up with. Averaging 5.6 APG, 9.3 PPG, 3.3 SPG, and nearly 4 RPG, Kassatly brings a little bit of everything to the table for a thriving 18-2 Standley Lake squad. Not to mention, she's only a freshman, so the sky is the limit with Kassatly's improvement and growth. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1206670"],"_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-6990ea5fe6285"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1206670' first='Cobi' last='Mackey'] is still finding innovative ways to turn up the heat on the hardwood, despite her minutes taking a slight drop from 27.3 MPG to 23.8 MPG. Contributing 16.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.4 APG, 3.3 SPG, and 2.3 BPG to the 14-3 Longhorns, Mackey has exuded confidence all year long. The 5'6 sophomore loves seeing her teammates succeed just as much as she does, and never lets her foot off the gas. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->