Top Stockrisers: CIF City Section Western League

The 2019-20 season has come and gone, and each year we see different players rise up and take on expanded roles for their respective teams. Sometimes freshmen are able to step in right away and make a big impact. Older players take on a bigger role. Here’s a few players I’ve seen this year from the CIF City Section Western League who look poised to continue their upward trajectory. <strong>1. Demonnie Lagway – Palisades 2022</strong> Lagway was the main difference maker in the Dolphins win over Mater Dei Catholic in the Southern Regional Semifinals. She was looking for her shot all game long and was very efficient. She can run the floor well in transition and finish at the rim. She can put the ball on the floor in the half court and make plays. Aggressive in paint and can draw contact. Good shooter from three-point range. <strong>2. Rylei Waugh – Westchester 2023</strong> Waugh is one of those players who was able to make an impact right away as a freshman. She’s a very good scorer and quick off the dribble. She can pull up and knock down the outside jumper or she can get herself all the way to the rim. She can finish with contact and get to the free-throw line. She’s also a solid point guard/playmaker and good defender. Bright future ahead. <strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id="49246" first="Aliyah" last="Pollard"] – LACES 2021</strong> One of Pollard’s main offensive skills as a guard is her ability to play in the post and take advantage of smaller guards. She is very talented offensively; she can handle the ball under pressure and run the offense as a point, but also create her shot on the wing like a two-guard. On the defensive end, she sticks with her opponent on the perimeter and at times can switch in the post. Big senior year ahead for her. <strong>4. Sherrise Chensam – Hamilton 2021</strong> Chensam’s main impact is on the defensive end of the floor. She’s a very long and mobile defender on the wing. On ball, she sticks with the player she’s guarding and moves her feet. Off-ball, she denies well. On the offensive end, she keeps herself moving; doesn’t remain stationary. Good three-point shooter. Runs the floor well on the break. <strong>5. Naariyah West – Westchester 2021</strong> West is a tough-nosed player who will take, and make, big shots down the stretch. Can get to where she wants to go on the court in one to two dribbles. She is a good ball-handler, especially when pressured. She can also act as a facilitator and create easy looks for her teammates. She came off the bench this season, but look for her to play a bigger role next year as a senior.