Prospect Spotlight: Sophia Jungling (2020)
Aplington-Parkersburg had a really solid season this past year that culminated in an appearance in the 2A State Tournament. One of the players that provided a spark was Sophia Jungling. The 5’5 point guard was a spark all season long for them. While she isn’t big in statue, she makes up for it with toughness and her motor. Jungling led her team in scoring this past season and Aplington-Parkersburg is shaping up to be even better next season with a young roster. One thing is for sure, Jungling is going to be the leader behind that success.
“I was very pleased with the season this year,” Jungling said. “I was expecting big things this year based on all the time put in in the offseason. This summer our coach really hammered us with fundamentals and working on becoming better shooters and better individuals because then it would make a stronger team. So this summer I put a lot of time in individually to make sure I was at my best when the season came around. I am very pleased with how I performed and that I was able to contribute to our success. Whether that was getting them fired up on the defensive end or shooting well. Because everyone always has an off night of shooting, but no one should have an off night on defense. That just comes from effort and hustle, two things you can control.”
She’s an ultra quick guard who can handle the ball with both hands and under pressure. Jungling is a force on defense as she grabbed 117 steals this past season. She reads the passing lanes really well and plays physical allowing her to poke the ball away. Her motor on the court is something that will attract a lot of schools to her as she goes at 100% all of the time. Her ability on both ends of the floor allow her to stand out from the crowd at both ends of the floor. Jungling is a good passer with great floor vision with the ball. She can knife through the defense with ease and either score or dish it off.
Jungling is also a high level track athlete where she is receiving Division I interest. After originally not being on sure which sport she wanted to pursue at the next level, she tells me that basketball is something that she wants to keep open. This past season opened up her eyes to seeing how much she enjoyed playing basketball. With this being the case, Jungling should immediately start to receive a little interest from those small schools in state that are looking for a tough guard in their next class.
“Before this basketball season I was planning on running after high school,” Jungling said. “I mean that seemed like the obvious choice, based on my performances so far. Then during and after this basketball season I realized how much I love the game, and it’s hard to imagine a future without it.”
She is looking for a school that fits her well. Jungling isn’t caught up on level, but wants to find a school where she feels at home. A lot of factors will be taken into consideration for a school such as financial aid, fit, opportunity to compete, among other things. But if there is one thing that rings true, Jungling will excel no matter where she ends up.
Featured picture courtesy of VossMedia.