Vernon Hills point guard Emma Jocson isn’t going to be intimidated on the court. It doesn’t matter to the 5-foot-2 sophomore that she’s shorter than many opponents and is the Cougars’ youngest starter. “I definitely use my speed and change of pace to help me with my size,” Jocson said. “Most of the girls I go against, I know I can beat them with a move off the dribble. “I play with aggressiveness and confidence.” Jocson’s mindset is one reason she has become a top scorer for Vernon Hills (15-9, 5-2), which has moved into second place behind Highland Park in the Central Suburban League North Division and is on track to win 20 games for the second time in three seasons. Jocson is averaging 9.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.3 steals but scored 22 points against Barrington, 19 points against Warren and 15 points against Niles West, Naperville Central and Rockford Guilford. She scored 20 points during the Cougars’ 54-44 nonconference loss to Wauconda on Tuesday. “She has more assists than turnovers, which is huge for someone who has the ball in her hands as much as she does,” Vernon Hills coach Paul Brettner said. “She keeps growing as a player, from pass-first guard to this year knowing when to get her shot off. She really adjusted this year.” Jocson, who joins three juniors and a senior in the starting lineup, is getting the job done at both ends of the court. “Defensively, Emma is a load and a hawk,” Brettner said. “She stays in front of her kid, wreaking havoc. “I don’t have to tell her to do much. She even instructs the team and makes amazing decisions. She knows who needs the ball in their hands. She’s really grown into a strong point guard.” Vernon Hills’ Emma Jocson (15) drives against Highland Park during a Central Suburban North game in Vernon Hills on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (Rob Dicker / News-Sun) Jocson also started as a freshman last season, when she learned the ropes of varsity basketball as the Cougars went 10-22. She understood what she had to do to prepare for this season. “I knew I had to play a big role after starting last year,” Jocson said. “I needed to step up and be a leader on the court by controlling the pace of the game and by encouraging my teammates on the court and off the court. I knew I had to step up and bring more energy. “I also had to improve my midrange shots. With my height, I can’t make it all the way to the rim all the time. I had to notice where the help was coming from and pass to an open teammate.” Vernon Hills senior small forward Jori Ellen said Jocson’s maturity has been important for the Cougars. “What makes Emma such a key player for us is her leadership and poise,” Ellen said. “Although she’s the only sophomore on the team, she is always encouraging others and helping out our team. Emma also has a lot of poise when she’s playing, which helps all of us play better.” Junior power forward Emily Ochieng said Jocson’s work ethic is important too. “Emma is a team player who we can count on to give 100% at every game and practice,” Ochieng said. “Despite being the youngest, she leads by example, and we look up to her as a leader. Her ‘next play’ mentality on the court plays a vital role in the team’s success.” Vernon Hills’ Emma Jocson (15) takes the ball to the basket past Highland Park’s Kourtnie Halperin during a Central Suburban North game in Vernon Hills on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (Rob Dicker / News-Sun) Jocson, who also plays flag football and runs relays in track, pointed to the Cougars’ recent win against Resurrection, which beat them in a Class 3A regional championship game last season, as a sign of progress. She thinks the team is trending in the right direction. “It feels really good that we’re having a good season,” Jocson said. “I’m really excited. Next year, I get to play with the players I know from the lower levels and am excited to play with them. I can’t wait for the future.” Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.