Eisenhower's Alyirah Lee exploded onto the scene as a sophomore last season. So, what will she do for an encore?
“Coming in from the eighth grade, we didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “We weren’t expecting to level up that quickly, but now it’s time to take it up a notch.”
Lee is the leading scorer, rebounder, and shot-blocker for the young Eagles squad led by new coach Alisha Jordan.
"She can handle what comes with being a leader," Jordan said. "We are all sophomores and she wants that role...she's good at it."
Lee has worked extensively on expanding her game, and has lofty goals for her future.
"My father and uncle are the ones who have developed me as a player," she said. "I'm a natural at driving to the basket, so we worked on my range over the off-season. I've improved and will be more comfortable shooting the three this year. I'm a fast learner on the court.
"Ultimately, my goal is to earn a scholarship and play in the WNBA, but God will put me where He wants me."
Off the court, Lee is a stellar student with an entrepreneurial spirt.
"I like to create things," she said. "I like to do small businesses where I can sell stuff like my arts and crafts. I like make accessories. My best sellers are my waist beds. I also like to make things out of Legos."
To wind down from school, hoops, and creating products, Lee can be found watching her favorite show Proud Family , and movies like Monsters Inc. and The Wiz.
"Before games, I love to listen to Summer Walker," she said. "Her music is flowy and makes me relax. I'm not really into gangsta rap. People say I can't sing, but I can sing."
There seems to be nothing this kid can't do.