Shari Needham

School: Tustin High

Sport: Basketball

Position: Forward

Class: Senior

Without point guard Wanda Sequeira, the Sea View League’s most valuable player last season who is playing at the University of San Francisco, the Tillers have struggled at times getting the ball to their big guns, Christine Garner and Needham. Early in the season, Tustin Coach Rick Falk even tried each of the 6-foot forwards at the point. But sophomore Kristin Kirkwood has grown into a solid point guard and Needham’s hard work inside is paying off. “The last five games in league, Shari’s done really well,” Falk said. “Especially since everyone decided they had to double-team Christine. She’s (Needham) made teams pay for that.” Tuesday, Needham had 23 points and 15 rebounds in Tustin’s 55-45 victory over University, which moved the Tillers into a tie for first place. Needham, who also had 24 points and 11 rebounds in a 70-30 victory over Saddleback, is averaging 22 points in her past six games. She is averaging 5.5 offensive rebounds a game this season.

Other top performers:

Shannon James, who averaged 18.3 points in three games, helping Rancho Alamitos remain undefeated in Garden Grove League play.

Christine Tyler, who scored two goals in each of two Edison soccer victories--2-1 over Marina and 2-0 over Fountain Valley.

Clare Walker, who had 20 points and 11 rebounds for Huntington Beach in a 55-44 victory over Fountain Valley and 17 points and 12 rebounds in a 70-33 victory over Santa Ana.