AARION MCDONALD (Brookside Christian G, Jr.)
Even in defeat, the Washington verbal commit McDonald proved an incredible competitor. McDonald posted 38 points and 16 rebounds in Brookside Christian’s 74-62 loss to Sacramento-Bradshaw Christian in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV championship Saturday at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento.
She’s not just a double-double, but a triple-double machine, and drives to the basket as if she’s 6-foot-5, not 5-6.
AQUIRA DECOSTA (St. Mary’s F, Fr.)
It would be easy for DeCosta, though 6-2 and the No. 2-rated freshman in the nation, to feel nervous in the limelight of an NBA venue. Especially, with a nagging knee problem. No, DeCosta was superb, posting 24 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks as St. Mary’s hammered Sacramento-McClatchy 78-55 in the Div. I final Saturday.
RAZIYA POTTER (Kimball F, Fr.)
Potter certainly doesn’t look like a freshman, as the forward, around 6-1, is key to the 30-1 Jaguars’ interior offense and defense. Kimball needs Potter — who fouled out of the Jaguars’ 68-31 Div. II championship loss to Modesto Christian — to stay on the floor for the NorCal playoffs. Potter and sophomore Donwanae Anthony are both worth consideration for this spot.
KAT TUDOR (St. Mary’s G, Jr.)
Tudor, who’s received recruiting attention from across the Pac-12, has recovered from a slow start (for her) to become phenomenal from beyond the 3-point line. She’s shot 55 percent (12 from 22) from 3 in the playoffs and 45 percent across the season, and utilizes her long wingspan to help deflect passes and create havoc in the Rams’ press. While she’s known for 3-point shooting, she’s also improved at finishing at the basket in transition.
RA’KYRA GABRIEL (Brookside Christian F, Sr.)
Another fantastic season for Gabriel, a four-year varsity player for the Knights, should not be understated. She averages 11 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. She and fellow senior Ariana Vaughn have done a great job meshing with and playing unselfish basketball with McDonald, who has the ball most of the time. Not in a selfish way, but she is the force behind that offense.
Gabriel, whose Knights host a NorCal game Wednesday against Napa-Justin-Siena, has amassed 1,324 points, 930 rebounds and 299 blocks in her career. It’s a shame she probably won’t be able to reach the 1,000-rebound milestone, but 930 is an incredible number as is.
MI’COLE CAYTON (St. Mary’s G, Jr.)
On a ferocious team, Cayton might be the most intense Ram of all. The junior guard averages 12 points, three rebounds, and three steals, and her presence in the open court and driving to the basket is undeniable.
She’s got a gnarly — though perhaps mostly in pain, as she’s active — elbow injury, yet played some solid minutes against McClatchy Saturday, even scoring four points through what appeared to be some agony.
MORE NAMES TO WATCH
Ariana Vaughn, Brookside Christian
Donwanae Anthony, Kimball
Elisabeth Alexander, Weston Ranch
Zahria Hendrix, Lincoln
Carly Tillema, Ripon Christian
Naje Murray, St. Mary’s
Precious Younger, Bear Creek
Olivia Vezaldenos, East Union
Sierra Smith, St. Mary’s