Prospect Spotlight: Ashley Sofilkanich – St. John Vianney ’23
There was no debate that St. John Vianney was the consensus best team in New Jersey during the 2021 season. The Lady Lancers ran the table, going a perfect 14-0, including wins over powerhouse programs like Paul VI, Saddle River…
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Continue ReadingThere was no debate that St. John Vianney was the consensus best team in New Jersey during the 2021 season.
The Lady Lancers ran the table, going a perfect 14-0, including wins over powerhouse programs like Paul VI, Saddle River Day, Manasquan, and Trenton Catholic to name a few.
It was SJV v the field in many respects, and this program is a well-oiled machine, a balanced roster from top-to-bottom, with some fantastic names playing.
While Madison St. Rose Madison St. Rose 5'10" | PG St. John Vianney | 2022 State #65 Nation NJ has been the player of note on this team, the Lady Lancers have a few players coming up behind the soon-to-be senior that are going to reach superstar level quickly.
One of those players is forward Ashley Sofilkanich, one of three impact forwards in this program and a probable starter for the 2021-22 season if SJV goes with two forwards in the starting lineup.
Regardless of the lineup construction, Sofilkanich will see the floor much more often and be a major factor. Let’s take a closer look at the tape to see just what makes her a force to be reckoned with come next fall.
The biggest thing to start is her size. Standing at 6-3, Sofilkanich has grown into her tall stature and she moves really well on the floor, especially her lateral movement.
She’s not the prototypical center who plays their game exclusively in the lane. Sofilkanich can play out on the perimeter, guard at the wing and has the same characteristics as a guard on defense.
On offense, she seems to be everywhere at once. The lane is where she makes most of her living, but not all. She’s an excellent screen and pick-and-roll player, using her long wingspan to catch passes out of the reach of opponents.
That’s a massive plus for her as her teammates can throw a lob into the lane, a higher pass, and she’ll be there to catch it and clean up at the rim.
Her dribble drive ability is impressive and it shows the work Sofilkanich has put in. We’re seeing the fruits of her labor when it comes to the improvements she’s made over the past two years in high school.
Let’s not forget about her shot-blocking ability, which is scary. One clip showed her swatting away a shot like it was a crumpled up piece of paper in front of a trash can.
Teams in the Shore Conference are already having nightmares about having to match up with Sofilkanich.
Once the 2021-22 high school season rolls around, she’s going to be let loose and is going to be an absolute stud on one of the best programs, if not the best program, in the state.