Baker is another player whose impact isn’t reflected in the stat sheet alone because of how much talent she has around her. That’s not to say her stats aren’t impressive too though. She consistently fights on both ends of the court and is a very mobile post player. She has good shot blocking instincts and rebounds strong. Baker also has some strong post moves she can turn to on the offensive end of the floor and what makes her an even tougher defensive assignment is her ability to elevate over defense to get shots off. She can also step out to knock down jumpers. I believe she is poised to have a very big senior year as she looks to lead Ryle back to the state tournament (the last time they won the regional tournament was 2020).

5 things she brings to the court: Strong finisher on both sides of the rim, great decision maker, rebounder, consistent mid-range game, and excellent footwork.

Known Offers: 20+ D1 offers (Kent State, Appalachian State, Wright State, Delaware, UNC Wilmington, Bowling Green State, Cleveland State, Wofford, Furman, Youngstown State, Southern Indiana, Fairfield, NKU, Miami (OH), Xavier, ETSU, Akron, Toledo, EKU, Marshall)

2022-23 Team: Ryle (24-9); Lost by 6 in 9^th Region Championship vs Cooper

2022-23 Individual Stats: 11 PPG // 6.9 RPG // 55% FG (166/302) // 0% 3FG (0/2) // 68.1% FT (32/47)

I mentioned above that Pelayo was a post player that doesn’t nearly get the recognition she deserves and I feel that exact same way about Ryle’s Sarah Baker Sarah Baker 6'2" | C Ryle | 2024 State KY . Baker has had a lot of talent surrounding her throughout her high school career and yet, she has remained an extremely valuable part of her team no matter who she’s playing with. She works so hard on the court. Defensively, she can move her feet to stay in front of whoever she’s guarding and then she can use her length to alter any shot. As an offensive player, she can finish with both hands and on both sides of the rim, but she also really extends the defense with her ability to elevate over defenders to knock down shots. Baker is a strong rebounder and passer as well. She averaged 11 PPG and 6.9 RPG while shooting 55% from the field. Baker is another player that is poised to have a big summer.

Baker has a really solid skillset. She moves her feet well and can really make a lot happen defensively. She was coming up with blocks and steals down low. Baker can either post up or step out to drive or knock down shots. She makes good moves around the basket and she finishes on both sides of the rim. Baker’s constantly making the extra pass to her teammates and she did a great job on the boards. She was going after rebounds strong, grabbing them as they came off of the rim rather than waiting for them to come to her.

Baker is always so solid. She has so many moves around the basket that she uses well in games. She can score after posting with her back to the basket or facing the rim. When she faces the rim, she does it with a purpose and sees what’s there before making her move. Baker finishes with both hands and she is so good at constantly moving to get herself in the best possible position. While she does a great job around the basket, she’s a tough defensive assignment with her ability to step out and knock down shots as well. I love the control that she plays with also. If help defense steps over, Baker recognizes that and can throw some great passes to her teammates. She is strong defensively as well. Baker is poised to have a really strong junior year with her Ryle squad.

One of the biggest X factors in the state, Sarah could help get Ryle all the way to a state title this year if she starts to reach her potential as a player. Baker can score the ball at the rim and can knock down open threes. If she continues to improve at taking contact and finishing, Sarah should be a double double every night this season.