Leila was impressive finishing with 16 points against Village Christian In the first game for Higley. She’s a high level player on both sides of the ball. Very strong defender who can shut down the post. Showed the ability to steal the ball and take it the length of the court finishing the shot through contact. Can space the floor really well. A tremendous competitor who impacts at a very high level. O’Dowd helped lead the Higley Knights to a 3-1 record falling just short in the semi-finals.

O’Dowd is one of the most dangerous “quiet” 20-to-30 point scorers in the field. She doesn’t just score — she erupts. There’s a difference. She can stretch you from the perimeter, score off movement, put it on the deck, finish through contact, and knock down tough contested shots. She has that microwave gene where a six-point quarter can instantly turn into 14 before you blink. In a single-elimination environment, that kind of offensive ceiling is scary. If she catches rhythm early, watch out.

Leila is a real post but has the ability to play like a guard which makes her so tough to match up with. She stretches the floor with her ability to hit the three but she can put it on the floor when needed. Finishing at the basket strong and with ease makes most of her defender just clear out. She has a demanding presence in the paint and on the court. One of my favorite players to watch.

O’Dowd is a big time pickup for Higley when she transferred from Tucson Rincon. O’Dowd adds depth at the post position and plays at a high level. She can score from all three levels, rebound, defend, and protect the paint. I am particularly impressed with her ability to hit the three ball from long range which poses a match up nightmare for teams. O’Dowd is also big and strong to bully opposing defenses in the interior.

O’Dowd is a proven scorer and rebounder who adds immediate toughness to Higley’s frontcourt. Her instincts around the rim and physical play will be key as Higley looks to make a deeper playoff run this season.

The Tucson-area transfer adds immediate value to an already talented Higley roster. O’Dowd’s inside scoring and physicality in the paint will provide the Knights with much-needed depth and toughness on the interior.

O’Dowd was one of the more versatile scorers at the event. She did a lot of damage around the basket but also showed her ability to stretch the defense with her perimeter shooting. Leila is a terrific rebounder and outlets the ball exceptionally well.

O’Dowd put her mark on the summer with multiple 30+ point performances. Her confidence in her offensive game is continuously growing. Leila’s outside shot had opposing defenses not knowing how to guard her. A big upcoming junior season seems to be in the cards.

O’Dowd is a versatile three-level scorer with the ability to impact the game from all areas of the floor. She can knock down shots from beyond the arc, score in the mid-range, and finish at the rim with strength and finesse. She is a force inside as O’Dowd cleans the glass on both ends of the floor and blocks shots. I expect her transfer to Higley to make the Knights a dark horse contender to make a run at a state championship. Another big time sleeper prospect that will make a lot of noise this winter.

She’s a big-time floor spacer with a quick release from three and excels shooting it off the catch. Defenders had to stay tight on her, and she made them pay anytime she had space. Her ability to stretch the floor opened things up for her teammates and gave her team a consistent threat from deep.