Many student athletes can only dream of being the best high school basketball player in their class, but for Sophomore, Aquira DeCosta, that dream is her reality. Ranked by ESPN as being the top player in the Class of 2018, DeCosta has shown scouts all over the nation that she is head and shoulders above her competition. “It’s truly a blessing to be number one, but I still remain humble and focus on my team, my skills, and getting better.” Explained the 6’2”, 16 year old.

When DeCosta began playing basketball at the age of 10, she was far from where it is now, saying, “ Back when I first started, I was always the tallest person on my team. I was naturally a post, but I had other abilities.” She continued, “It was hard for me to get out of the post and move towards the perimeter, but now I’m working on my whole game and improving as a perimeter shooter and attacker.” After years of working to develop her game, DeCosta’s effort finally paid off and the college offers began to pile in. With offers from UCONN, Duke, Kentucky, and many more, DeCosta has a tough decision to make when choosing where she wants to play college basketball. “ I want to major in business, so I’m looking for a place that has a great business school.” She explained.

Only a Sophomore, DeCosta has plenty of time to make her choice and it wouldn’t be surprising to see her get offers by even more schools in the coming years.  “I want to commit probably during the middle or towards the end of my Junior year.” DeCosta stated.

DeCosta’s sudden emergence on to the national spectrum reached its peak last year, during a year when she was selected to play for the 2015 USA Basketball U16 National Team.

“It was a great experience. I got to meet a lot of great players and great coaches. When we traveled to another country, it was great to meet new people and have new experiences.” Said the Forward from St. Mary’s High School(Stockton, CA). Playing with the USA team helped DeCosta distinguish herself as one of the top prospects in the nation, but it has been her dominance with St. Mary’s High School that has vaulted her to the top of her class. After a 2014 season that featured a 34-1 record, along with a CIF championship, DeCosta came back determined to prove that she was no fluke. After starting off her Sophomore season winning the first 28 games, DeCosta and St. Mary’s seemed primed to win another CIF title, but was unfortunately defeated in the CIF State championship game. Now, with her Sophomore season behind her, DeCosta is already preparing for next season: “I’m a gym rat. I just stay in the gym all day.”

With the high school season in the rear view, DeCosta now has the chance to show scouts what she’s made of with her AAU team, Cal Sparks. There is no doubt that playing with Cal Sparks has elevated DeCosta’s game throughout her basketball career, as she says, “Almost everyday during summer, we are working on our game individually. Then, after that, we work more as a team and try to bond with each other, sink into what we’re doing.”

As Aquira DeCosta nears her Junior year and the recruiting process begins to heat up, the nation’s number one Sophomore is ready to cement her status as one of the elite players in high school basketball. She is definitely a player to keep an eye on in the Class of 2018. Playing in California, Aquira DeCosta is definitely, "The Best in the West".