South Salem plays with discipline, toughness and togetherness, and it feels like Burlison is the leader who sets the tone for her team. This powerful wing-forward attacks quickly and decisively whenever she gets the ball, and it earns her plenty of free throws. She is engaged at all times on both ends and can disrupt opposing offenses with both heavy ball pressure and well-timed help rotations. She looks to score in transition first by running the floor harder than anyone else, but if the fast break gets slowed down, she is patient in the half court and looks comfortable operating anywhere on the court. Burlison is exactly the type of player that can elevate a roster from good to great.

South Salem 5-foot-9 senior Emma Burlison Emma Burlison 5'9" | SF South Salem | 2026 State OR scores at all levels and has an arsenal of moves to create looks around the rim. She has a strong frame and plays with a smart physicality. The forward crashes the offensive glass to earn putbacks. She works hard on both ends of the floor and sets the tone for her team with a high level of sportsmanship. Burlison was named to the Central Valley First Team as a junior and should hit over 1000 career points this season.

South Salem junior Emma Burlison Emma Burlison 5'9" | SF South Salem | 2026 State OR can get to the rim, hit from three, rebound, and play defense. The 5-foot-9 forward is excellent at facing up at the top of the key and driving the paint. She uses the step-through and euro-step effectively to navigate the opening and finish off the glass. Burlison averaged 12.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1 assist per game, helped the Lady Saxons defeat rival West Salem to win a share of the Central Valley Conference title, and earned herself an All-Conference First Team honor. The conference co-champion jumped to No. 39 in the Prep Girls Hoops Oregon class of 2026 rankings.

South Salem 5-foot-9 junior wing Emma Burlison Emma Burlison 5'9" | SF South Salem | 2026 State OR averaged 15.3 points per game at the Capitol City Classic. She was named Player of the Game against Western Christian and Central. Burlison is strong and she’s a hard worker on both ends of the court. She cleaned up on the offensive boards with several put-backs. She isn’t afraid of contact and uses her body well. Burlison has good footwork in the paint, makes athletic drives to the basket, and is a good finisher off the glass.

Emma Burlison Emma Burlison 5'9" | SF South Salem | 2026 State OR is now sitting at #55 in the latest rankings, up from her previous rank of #72. Burlison earned second team all-Central Valley Conference for her impressive sophomore campaign. She is a big, physical wing who can shoot, handle the ball, and see the floor incredibly well on both ends. With a few key pieces graduating, Burlison will have an even bigger role for South Salem as she heads into her junior season.