Vote now: Which center will have the biggest breakout high school girls basketball season in 2023-24?

We want to hear from you: Which center is poised for the biggest breakout season in 2023-24?

In a series called "Who's Up Next?" SBLive is taking a position-by-position look at which high school basketball players are poised for a breakout 2023-24 season.

We began on the boys side with point guards, shooting guards, small forward, power forwards and centers, and will hit each position as we highlight some of the nation's standout hoopers on the verge of taking their game to new levels.

We did the same on the girls side, covering point guardsshooting guardssmall forwards and power forwards set for a breakout year. Now we're giving you, the reader, the chance to vote for which center will make the biggest leap next season.

Voting for the top center will conclude Saturday, June 17 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. Descriptions of each player are below the poll. 

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)

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)

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. There’s not much room to grow in terms of production for the 6-foot-4 sophomore, but her national stock should soar if she puts up similar numbers as a junior.

Arianna Roberson, San Antonio Clark (Texas)

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.

Jayda Porter feature photo by Nate Latsch


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