SYCAMORE – A year ago, Sycamore’s sophomore Bailey Gilbert was able to sit back and learn.

Getting the rare opportunity to play on the varsity level as a freshman, Gilbert had the chance to watch and compete with Lake Kwaza, a Daily Chronicle first team all-area point guard, and follow the rest of the Spartans’ seniors. Gilbert had the chance to guard the quick, intense Kwaza in practice, getting to know what she needed to do to get better on defense.

This year, on a team that features just one senior and starts two freshmen, Gilbert is the team’s leading scorer, the Spartans’ go-to player, and someone who is expected to be one of the team’s leaders.