Though her basketball career at Saguaro High School is over, senior Elle Baker still has a lot ahead of her. Baker signed her letter of intent to attend Brown University in November.

Baker led the Sabercats in both points and rebounds per game this season. The Sabercats finished their season 11-13 after losing to Shadow Mountain in the first round of the state tournament.

With her Saguaro career over, Baker had time to reflect on her high school years. “There’s no doubt in my mind that there’s a legacy left at Saguaro from me," she said. Baker expressed her gratitude towards the school, calling it one of her many homes.

While Baker has a lot of natural talent, she has had to rely on others as well to achieve her success. “She’s confident, but she is also very willing to look for help, and that’s a great combination” said Baker’s biology teacher Mr. Tafur. Baker credited Mr. Tafur as one of the teachers that she feels has pushed her in the classroom.

With Baker going to Brown to study pre-med, it’s clear that she has made her academics as much of a focus as her athletics. It’s this commitment that has helped Baker become such a leader on and off the court for her team.

Saguaro girls basketball coach Aria Ham noted Baker’s contribution that extends beyond basketball. “She helps us so much with the kids that may struggle academically," Ham said. Her leadership has been especially felt due to the youth of the girls roster, with six of the 13 players being sophomores or younger.

On the court, Baker’s dominance is easy to notice, averaging over 17 points per game, and just shy of 12 rebounds per game. Standing at 6-3, her height helped her assert her presence in the post. Ham referred to Baker as the teams “safety relief” or the one they turn to if they are off their game.

While a player like Baker is irreplaceable, Ham has hopes for some of her younger players to step up and try and fill in for Baker next season. Ham mentioned sophomore Katie Yeager as one that could help the team as Baker departs, Yeager is 5-10 and could play a similar role to Baker’s.

Though Baker dominates on the court now, it was as much of a process for her as many others. Ham, who coached Baker in the seventh grade, shared some of Baker’s first experiences in basketball, “she didn’t even know her left from her right foot” said Ham, “I had to explain to her, 'hey, you have to dribble'.”

Baker’s determination has manifested itself with a trip to Brown, the 14th-ranked college for academics according to usnews.com. “She’s a story I tell everyone in the program… she’s the epitome of what hard work will do for you,” said Ham.

For Baker, the nearly 2,600-mile trip to Providence, R.I.,  will be a big one, but one that should bring about new opportunities, and new memories. Baker has spent her whole life in the Phoenix area, but welcomes her new home, “I’m excited to spread my wings, and really see what else is out there.”