Who’s got next? 8 centers set to make big leap nationally in 2023-24 high school girls basketball season
The high school basketball calendar is in offseason mode, so we're looking ahead by looking at which non-seniors flashed previous unseen excellence or out-performed their role in 2022-23.
SBLive is taking a position-by-position look at the players set to make the biggest jump into a featured role — or an even bigger leap in terms of their national profile.
First we hit the girls point guards, shooting guards, small forwards and power forwards, and now it’s time for the protectors of the paint.
Here are eight girls centers set to make a big jump into the national spotlight in the 2023-24 season:
Sarah Bartholomew, Lone Peak (Utah)
Bartholomew put up 7.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game for Lone Peak, which finished No. 10 in the SBLive Power 25 national rankings following an appearance in the State Champions Invitational. Since finishing the season, the 6-foot-3 junior has picked up offers from Fresno State, George Washington, Richmond and more.
Jhai Johnson, Oakland Tech (California)
A 6-foot-3 freshman who can dunk, Johnson averaged 6.8 points and 3.8 rebounds, and she led the Division 1 state champions with 1.2 blocks per game. Along with freshman power forward Terri’A Russell, the Bulldogs boast one of the top young frontcourts in the state.
Brynn McGaughy, Colfax (Washington)
Photo by Tommy Wolf
McGaughy emerged this season as one of the top players in Washington, averaging 21.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game for the undefeated state champions, and her national profile will only rise from here. The 6-foot-3 sophomore is blowing up on the recruiting trail, picking up offers this month from Florida, Michigan, Oregon State, Texas A&M and UCLA.
Angelina Pelayo, Sacred Heart (Kentucky)
Pelayo helped the Valkyries bring home a state title this season, averaging 11.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-3 junior has added offers from UNC-Wilmington, LaSalle and Southern Indiana since the season ended, and that list will likely continue growing over the summer and her senior year.
Jayda Porter, Rock Bridge (Missouri)
Photo by Sophia Scheller
Jayda, the youngest sister of current NBA player Michael Porter Jr., made it clear this season she’ll be a player to watch over the next few years. One of the 6-foot-4 freshman’s highlights came in the form of a buzzer-beater to defeat rival Hickman.
Kira Reynolds, South Bend Washington (Indiana)
Reynolds did it all this season for one of the top teams in Indiana, posting 16.1 points, 12.0 rebounds and 5.8 blocks per game. The 6-foot-4 sophomore poised to keep producing at an even higher level, and her national stock should soar.
Arianna Roberson, San Antonio Clark (Texas)
Photo by Tom Dendy
A candidate for 6A player of the year in Texas, Roberson went off for 24 points and 15 rebounds in the 6A championship game to lead San Antonio Clark to its first state title. The 6-foot-4 junior has the potential to go from All-State to All-American next season as a senior.
Taylor Sofilkanich, St. John Vianney (New Jersey)
The 6-foot-4 post was a consistent scoring threat and force on the boards for the nationally-ranked Lancers. Averaged 4.0 points and 4.1 rebounds per game as a freshman this season playing alongside Zoe Brooks, the SBLive National Player of the Year.
