Senior Spotlight: “Bigs”

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the new school year just around the corner, there's only one thing on my mind: HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS! And while I know it's a winter sport and still months away, it's hard not to look forward to the excitement that this season will bring. Anticipation is building for the following hoopers at the Power Forward/Center positions who are primed for more prominent roles on their respective teams and ready for their moment in the sun… or snow, because winter 😉</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='488644' first='Sinaia' last='Hills'] | 5'11" | Wildwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've seen glimpses of greatness in the past with Sinaia's game but 2024 may just bring out an entirely different animal! She possesses the strength and overall physicality to play bully ball in the post against just about anybody. Her ferocity on the glass and disciplined footwork around the rim has been significant for a Wildwood program who is usually undersized and heavily relies on guard play. Sinaia's confidence has grown exponentially since Freshman year and now she's ready to shine bright like a diamond! This season could see the stud Center eclipse both 600 points and rebounds for her career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='488675' first='Jamaiya' last='Rogers'] | 5'8" | Bound Brook</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Listed as a Center, Jamaiya's game is highly versatile. She can stretch the floor and efficiently knock down shots from just about anywhere. Her ability to run the floor with the quickness of guard and post-up with the confidence of a "big" has paid dividends the past three years with the Crusaders. After a rebuilding year, Jamaiya steps into a new role as one of this team's senior leaders and hopes to carry her team deep into March. With her grit, determination and overall efficiency, she is on pace to tally over 600 points and 400 rebounds in career totals!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='488689' first='Mackenzie' last='Anderson'] | 6'2" | Rutgers Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Being constantly surrounded by elite talent, you can't help but to learn from your peers and grow your game. This is exactly what Mackenzie has done over the course of her playing career with the Argonauts. She is a part of one of NJ's most dynamic senior classes that includes [player_tooltip player_id='408702' first='Chloe' last='Escanillas'], [player_tooltip player_id='325201' first='Mikayla' last='Blakes'], [player_tooltip player_id='325188' first='Zahra' last='Alexander'] and [player_tooltip player_id='789225' first='Gabby' last='Langrin']. With intimidating size, she protects the rim and forces defenders to think twice before entering her space. She is sure to see an increase in playing time this season and will look to convert entry passes and command the post. She looks to eclipse 200 points and another 200 rebounds for her career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='744985' first='Abby' last='Boyle'] | 5'11" | Rumson-Fair Haven</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Abby proved tough to handle for defenders in and around the paint last season. She goes into her senior season with full confidence and so much more to prove! A menace on the glass, she pulled down 6 rebounds per contest, going up against taller and bigger players in the post. She brought a ton of physicality and toughness to the court and did a great job drawing contact and getting to the charity stripe. As a senior, Abby will look to impose her will even more and surpass 300 points and 400 rebounds for her career. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='488767' first='Ava' last='Vogdes'] | 6'0" | Wildwood Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ava's game is wickedly versatile as she can play and successfully defend multiple positions. As the Crusaders designated Center, Ava is tough and fearless and doesn't get easily moved off her base. She typically achieves what I call "quiet double-doubles" and is a flat-out workhorse on the court. With excellent court awareness, position and court vision, she is the beneficiary of many post-entry passes, but also does a great job passing out of the post and finding teammates along the perimeter. This do-it-all stud looks to eclipse career totals of 500 points, 600 rebounds and 100 assists before it's all said and done.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->