SPRINGFIELD — Dasia Pence, one of the area’s top returning players, is looking forward to a big junior season for Springfield Central.

A 5’7 2019 guard, Pence helped shoulder a large scoring load a year ago for Central, averaging 14.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. She shot 75 percent from the free throw line and led Central with 21 3-pointers.

Also a track standout, Pence says she likes to play in an uptempo game.

“I like to play quick,” she said. “I’m usually a really good supportive player with my teammates. I’m usually the energizer of the team. I’ve gotten better at shooting and driving and making plays for my team.”

Pence spent the offseason working out with her team and working on her game.

“I went to a few camps for shooting an offense work,” Pence said. “I played in a couple tournaments and that was just a lot of hard work and hustle. Learning how to get through the game. It was a lot of hard work.

“I’m working on a lot of ball handling and a lot of defensive stuff. A lot of drills to improve my game.”

Central is coming off a season in which they were 4-19 overall, but return several key varsity players, including Dasia Pence and could be poised to take a big step forward.

“This year I hope to score more as a junior,” Pence said. “Sometimes I know I need to be a better leader. Keep people up in their heads. Also I think my team is going to get better at (closing). We need to finish and play well.”

A fan of former UConn and current WNBA standout Maya Moore, Pence says she sees some of herself in the forward’s game.

“She has been my idol since I can remember … she just works hard and she gets the job done,” Pence said.