The SHS Player-a-Day concludes with junior guard Maddie Morgan.

For Sandpoint junior guard Maddie Morgan, the next shot is always going in.

Have a hard time getting open looks? Take the next shot. Have a slow start to the quarter? Take the next shot. Start the game in a slump? It’s all good. That next three is going in.

More often than not, Morgan’s persistence to keep shooting has paid off this season. Thanks to her persistence, she was responsible for so many electrifying, game-changing shots.

As the season progressed, Morgan’s late-game heroics became a pattern. It all started with Morgan’s 15-point effort against Moscow on Jan. 11, in which her pair of third-quarter threes gave Sandpoint the momentum, while her fifth three sealed the deal. In the next game against St. Maries, Morgan scored all 11 of her points in the second half of a close overtime loss. She followed that up by scoring eight of her 11 points in the third quarter as Sandpoint tried rallying at Lakeland. Finally in the rematch at home, Morgan’s eight fourth quarter points were the offensive catalyst Sandpoint needed in order to win.

Talk about a flair for the dramatic.

Morgan’s confidence as a shooter is simultaneously a unique quality of hers, yet also incredibly contagious. Her enthusiasm and effort lifts up her teammates, giving her potential to be more than just a leading scorer next season.

Game of note: Jan. 12 vs. Moscow

In Will Love’s words: “If the gym is open, you can expect Maddie to be there to work on her game. Maddie is known for her outside shot, but she has worked hard this season to improve as a defensive player. Her hard work is paying off.”