Girls: NY State ninth grader already turning heads
One of the more impressive young players that we were able to see in the month of September was someone who had already opened several eyes last year as an 8th grader.
6'0" guard Sonia Citron (The Ursuline School '21) was already a known commodity to those in the Section 1 region having been a major cog to the Koalas success last season, but now as still just a 9th grader she has expanded her game and is looking to break out and prove to be one of New York State's top young talents, having already picked up her first two Division 1 offers along the way.
Playing on a veteran laden Ursuline squad last season, Citron picked up valuable experience playing alongside the likes of Korina Guerra and Katie McLaughlin. That time playing with them was something Citron admits will help her going forward as she understands that this season she is expected to do a lot more, a role she is fulling embracing.
"They both helped me a lot in transitioning to the varsity, and they were really good leaders and really set the tone for how I should play this year because I know I kind of have to fill their shoes," Citron admitted.
What Citron brings to the table though is an incredible skill set that stood out at the Live at the House event during the September Live Period.
At 6'0" Citron is a floor general who is as good off the dribble as anyone that we saw in the deep and talented event held at House of Sports. Getting to the basket, Citron showed that she could use her combination of speed, size, and strength to finish against near anyone, and when she stepped out Citron also showed great range and the ability to connect from all over the court.
Citron herself says that while she thrived primarily on the ball for the Westchester Lady Bears and Hudson Valley Elite this summer on the AAU circuit, she can comfortably play the lead guard spot if that is what Ursuline head coach Beth Wooters needs, though she is willing to do anything for the team's ultimate success.
"Over the summer I have been working with my personal trainer and we have been working a lot on my ballhandling which because of my height I think gives me a big advantage," Citron explained. "I am comfortable playing anywhere though and willing to do whatever coach needs from me."
Seemingly mature beyond her years, Division 1 college coaches have also already caught on to the special talents that Citron has as both UMass and Fordham have already extended offers, with both coming before she started her freshmen year of high school.
That should say a lot about just how talented and special Citron is and can be. She has an incredible work ethic, and the desire to continue to constantly improve, something she knows is important to get to where she wants to be.
"It makes me happy," Citron said about the D1 offers. "It shows that the hard work is paying off but I know I have to keep working because I hope this is just the start."
The start of something special for sure as Citron looks every bit the part of New York's next future star, and one to certainly watch for over the months and years ahead.
Go to NYGHoops.com for more girl's articles.
