Semifinal Sparks: Standouts in Class 5A

The Class 5A semifinal match-ups featured a number of players who delivered solid performances and helped their teams reach the 5A Finals. Several prospects stepped forward with productive outings on the state semifinal stage. Through scoring, rebounding, play making, and defensive effort, these players provided key moments and steady production for their teams. The following prospects stood out in the Class 5A semifinals.    [player_tooltip player_id='751628' first='Chamiah' last='Francis'] returned to the big stage after missing last year's playoff run and made the most of her time on the floor. Despite foul trouble limiting her minutes, she was extremely effective when she was on the floor. Francis finished with 11 points and 7 rebounds while shooting 4-5 from the field, adding two blocks and providing strong interior defense. She scored efficiently in the paint and used her size and activity around the rim to create problems for the defense.     [player_tooltip player_id='741323' first='Nylah' last='Brooks'] delivered one of the most complete performances of the semifinal round - 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and three three-pointers. Brooks ran the point, controlled the tempo, dished the rock, set up teammates, while handling point and played strong defense throughout the game. When two of her team's top players (Francis and Clardy) were on the bench in foul trouble and the game was on the line Brooks provided leadership and delivered one of the the most clutch performances of the day.     [player_tooltip player_id='1229156' first='Shaw' last='Summer'] showed strong flashes of her overall potential despite the loss. The sophomore finished with 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks, using her length to impact the game inside. Her versatility, rebounding , and shot-blocking ability stood out, and she consistently battled in then paint. As she continues to add strength and physicality, her long frame and instincts project plenty of promise in the years ahead.     [player_tooltip player_id='1237196' first='Kalyn' last='Thomas'] continued her impressive sophomore campaign with a standout performance on the State's stage. She finished with 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, knocking down 3 three-pointers and helping push the tempo in transition. Her speed and burst in the open floor were evident, and her perimeter shooting made a major difference in the game. Thomas also "clutch" down the stretch - hitting a key three in the fourth quarter that helped shift the momentum for good. Defensively, she played well on the ball and made it difficult all game long for the opponent.     [player_tooltip player_id='470397' first='Sariyah' last='Sabb'] provided a strong perimeter presence and helped lead the offensive flow for Blanche Ely. She finished with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks (from guard position), while connecting on two three-pointers. Sabb served as one of the primary outside threats and made several timely plays early in the game. Her speed and tenacity on the court stood out and she played with a competitive edge all game long.     [player_tooltip player_id='1122373' first='Ashlynn' last='Day']'s stat line doesn't fully capture her overall impact on the game. She finished with 11 points and 8 rebounds, while also contributing 2 assists. Her explosive first step allowed her to get downhill quickly and attack the basket, often forcing defenders into difficult situations and drawing fouls. She attempted 9 free throws and was the main reason Booker T Washington was in foul trouble all game.     [player_tooltip player_id='1242772' first='Maiyah' last='Standifer'] delivered a strong physical performance inside, finishing with 9 points and 12 rebounds while adding 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. She battled consistently in the paint, absorbing contact and controlling space around the rim. Her physicality and rebounding gave her team a strong interior presence throughout the semifinal match up. Standifer was a ball of energy and created multiple possessions for her team. Her most telling stat was her 9 offensive rebounds.     [player_tooltip player_id='1215720' first='Alyssa' last='Marino'] led Gateway offensively with 16 points, adding 4 assists and 3 rebounds while knocking down two three-pointers. She made several tough plays attacking the basket, including a tough reverse layup in transition. Marinom played with competitiveness on both ends of the floor. Her toughness, defensive pressure, and scoring ability stood out throughout the game.

The Class 5A semifinal match-ups featured a number of players who delivered solid performances and helped their teams reach the 5A Finals. Several prospects stepped forward with productive outings on the state semifinal stage. Through scoring, rebounding, play making, and defensive effort, these players provided key moments and steady production for their teams. The following prospects stood out in the Class 5A semifinals.