By Elizabeth Contreras
Stepping onto the varsity floor as a freshman demands poise, discipline, and a willingness to grow at a pace faster than most peers. For Mustang High School’s newest varsity contributor, basketball has never felt rushed, but has always been a part of life. Sionna Williams, a 6-foot-1 power forward, is particularly valued for her strong defensive presence, coupled with physical advantages in size and strength.
“I started playing with my big sister when I was five years old,” she said. “My mom inspired me to play when she talked about how great of a ball player she was when she was younger.”
A strong start laid the groundwork for her character and her confidence on the court. Now, as an underclassman competing at the highest level in high school basketball, she brings a playing style that blends technical precision with speed and physical advantages.
“My style is fundamental at a fast pace,” Williams explained. “My arms and legs are long, so I do my best to use my length.”
That length has translated into versatility, and as a post player who can handle the ball and make smart decisions, she prides herself on areas not always expected from someone her size. What separates her game, Williams said, is her shot selection, ball handling ability and a high-level of maturity on the court.
As a rising talent, she’s redefining expectations for her position. Dominating both inside and outside the paint, her responsibilities demand awareness, timing, and discipline. That balance of interior strength and perimeter awareness allows her to contribute in multiple ways, making her role a force on offense and defense alike.
Her biggest strength, she shared, is her ability to understand the game beyond raw skill.
“My strengths are reading the defense and making a good offensive move to make the bucket or draw a foul, and sometimes both.”
With strong capability to read defensive rotations and keep defenders honest, she recognizes when to attack, when to pass, and how to position herself to create high-percentage openings.
As a freshman, that level of understanding has helped her stay composed under pressure. Having spent years playing against older, more experienced athletes, Williams admitted the real pressure comes from stepping into roles once held by those before her.
“My entire AAU experience, I’ve played up 1–2 years older than me,” she added. “So, the pressure is mainly me coming in filling the roles of the seniors from last year and making Coach Bass proud.”
When asked how she handles expectations, Williams said “I just play basketball.” Her mindset speaks to who she is as much as how she plays. Rather than getting caught up in nerves, labels, or the weight of being a freshman on varsity, she approaches the game with clarity and calm. Basketball isn’t something she overthinks; it’s something she trusts. More than anything, it reveals her deep connection to the sport and doing what she’s always done.
Williams doesn’t chase pressure, she embraces opportunity. Every game is a chance to prove that age is just a number, and greatness starts early.
