St. Laurence’s Aaliyah Flores doesn’t have much concern about playing on the varsity.
The freshman guard knew she had the skill level to compete on that level, but there’s a major make-or-break component that has helped boost her to early success.
“Really, it’s not that hard because of my team,” Flores said. “It’s a challenge, but I like challenges. My team’s support has made it so much easier than what I thought it would be.”
That success so far has been pretty considerable for surging St. Laurence (6-1). Flores, a starter, is averaging 12 points a game for first-year coach Claire Austin.
Flores scored four points and won the opening tip in Saturday’s 34-29 win over Lockport. She drew the assignment of guarding Lucy Hynes, holding the junior to just 11 points.
According to Flores, she has been playing basketball “since I could walk.” She advanced from recreation league in Orland Park to the Example Sports AAU club team in seventh grade. She also played for Prairie View Middle School.
Those experiences have paved the way for Flores’ success, but Austin also pointed out that more freshmen are entering high school ready to contribute as varsity players.
“I think they are getting developed younger,” she said. “They are getting into club programs earlier, so it’s definitely advancing them to a point where they are already at that level.
“You see that with Aaliyah. She’s making an impact immediately.”
What does the future look like for Flores?
She has her eyes on playing in college, with UConn on her wish list.
But there’s still a whole high school season ahead of her, and her ability to drive the baseline and hit a fadeaway jumper will play well into Austin’s plans.
“It feels good to know I can do that and my team is there with me,” Flores said. “Every time I score, they are cheering me on.”
Another fresh face: A few years ago, T.F. South coach Eric Bryce identified Asia Haynes as someone who might be able to help the Red Wolves right away on the varsity level.
At age 12, Haynes had just moved to the area when she began attending Bryce’s summer camp. She started with the middle school-aged kids, but it wasn’t long before she was going up against varsity players.
The 5-foot-7 guard hasn’t disappointed this season as a freshman, averaging 4.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.0 steals and 1.4 assists. She has also started three times for T.F. South (3-4, 0-1).
Along with Brie Hawthorne and Jordyn Clark, Haynes is one of three freshmen getting substantial playing time for the Red Wolves. Hawthorne is averaging 7.2 points, while Clark checks in at 1.5.
What has Haynes learned from the team’s upperclassmen?
“To always work hard and have a good attitude throughout the game,” she said. “And have a lot of energy.
“My personal goal is to become a better leader and point guard and know my teammates.”
Putting in the work: Don’t get the impression playing varsity as a freshman is easy.
It’s not, confirmed 5-10 freshman forward Evelyn Ingram, who fought hard for six rebounds Saturday for Lockport (3-3) against St. Laurence.
What’s the toughest part?
“I think it’s adjusting to how much stronger players might be than you,” Ingram said. “And you have to adjust to faster play.”
Sophie Hynes, Ingram’s fellow freshman teammate, said it’s crucial not to think of herself as a freshman on the court but instead “grow up and take responsibility.”
Minding her sister, Lucy, is important as well.
“She’s inspired me to persevere and be stronger,” Sophie said.
Gregg Voss is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
