SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Senior Lauren Craig has developed into one of the best players in the area and has her team in the hunt for a chance to win a CIF Division I State title. The Troubadours host No. 8 Lincoln on Saturday at 5 p.m. and stand just three wins away from playing for the title.

“We are really confident but we do not want to get over confident,” said Craig. “We still want to play our own game, play hard and keep our composure.”

St. Francis is the No. 1 seed in the Division I bracket with a 26-5 record behind the play of Craig, who has posted 28 double-doubles this season while leading the team in scoring and rebounding. She has stepped up her game in every facet this season, becoming a dominant offensive and defensive player who can decide a game with her play.

“She has been the cornerstone of our success,” said Head Coach Vic Pitton. “With Kyra (Huffman), they have been doing this for the last three years together. She is a wonderful young lady and has a spirit now that she knows she can put a team on her back.”

But Craig has not become the player she is today overnight. She has had to work at it and pick herself up many times along the way. She got her first taste of the varsity during her freshmen season, earning a late season call up and playing in two games.

“I remember it was really overwhelming at first,” recalls Craig. “I had a great time and great experience. I am really glad I got pulled up.”

During her sophomore season, Craig showed the potential of becoming a dominant player for St. Francis. She scored 10.3 points per game and grabbed 11.4 rebounds, averaging a double-double while recording 11 such statistical games during the season. She was named all-league for the first time and it sparked her desire.

“I started feeling confident my sophomore year,” said Craig. “I was starting almost every game and got first-team all-league. It pushed me to work hard in the off season because I knew I could reach that potential.”

Craig continued to work on her game each season, showing improvement with her play and statistics. She averaged 12.9 points per game and 12.3 boards in her junior season as St. Francis lost in the second round of the section playoffs.  While improved, even last year she would often fall to the floor with contact. Both coach and student saw an area to focus on that could lead to big improvement.

“It was a conscious effort and I think I have gotten stronger,” said Craig of her effort to stay on her feet. “I also didn’t want to be constantly on the ground.”

After spending much of her time each game on the floor, Craig has stabilized her play by staying upright.

She worked with former WNBA standout Danielle Vilglione of the Sacramento Skills Academy in the offseason and Pitton credits her for helping Craig. Now she can finish plays more consistently and kick start others, resulting in the biggest jump in her play this season.

“I have seen marked improvement in her athletic ability and her basketball skill development,” said Pitton. “It is a tribute to how much time she has put in not only in our practices but in her own personal training.”

While her scoring is an important aspect of her impact, Pitton says her overall improvement across her game has been the most impactful.

“She scores a lot and is a big part of our offense but the biggest improvement is in her rebounding,” said Pitton. “She has gained strength in her hands, has the ability to rip the ball and bust out creating offense. She has also developed a three-point shot and has good range. She has developed into an all-around basketball player.”

During the season, she has eclipsed the 1000-point and rebound mark for her career, totals that indicate the success of her prep career. No St. Francis player has reached the milestones under Pitton.

With her per game averages up to 17.1 and 13.8, the improved play did not go unnoticed as Craig will officially be named the Delta League Player of the Year after the season. She will also be a candidate for Sacramento Bee Metro Player of the Year honors.

“She was the best player on the best team and with us going 14-0 it is a tribute to her,” said Pitton. “No one has had the impact on their team winning as much as Lauren. It is a well-deserved honor.”

Craig, who is as humble off the court as she can be intimidating on it, is proud of her development and honors.

“It was a great accomplishment,” said Craig. “I could not have done it without my teammates, my coaches and everyone that has supported me.”

On Saturday, Craig and the Troubadours will look to extend their season and keep their title dreams alive. With Craig leading the charge, anything is possible.