Prospect Watch: Sofara Rasas (2020)
Class of 2020 guard Sofara Rasas of St. Mary’s knew he had to step into some big shoes when he entered the Dragons’ starting lineup for the first time last season. He was following in the footsteps of older brother…
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Continue ReadingClass of 2020 guard Sofara Rasas of St. Mary’s knew he had to step into some big shoes when he entered the Dragons’ starting lineup for the first time last season.
He was following in the footsteps of older brother Yahuza Rasas, who was a four-year starter on some excellent St. Mary’s teams from 2014-18. Yahuza is now playing at Texas Southern. All Sofara did in his first year was come in and play a huge role in the Dragons advancing all the way to the Class 4 state championship game.
“Even though we played different positions, I learned a lot from his,” Sofara said. “For those two years, we played together, he was a great mentor to me. He helped to keep me grounded and when I was down he reminded me that he sees that I’m just as good as any of the other guys, so if I go out there and just be myself, everyone will see it too.”
What everyone did see was an excellent all-around player who can impact the way in a number of ways. As a junior, the 6’4″ Rasas averaged 16.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and nearly two steals a game while shooting 55 percent from the field. He is an excellent ball handler who excels in the slashing part of the game to the rim. His play has helped him garner interest from schools such as Illinois College.
As he enters his senior year, he will be the unquestioned leader of the Dragons after the graduation of do-it-all point guard, who is now a freshman at Saint Louis U. However, Rasas has had some experience as the lead player as Collins spent the first half of the season on the sidelines recovering from shoulder surgery. Rasas enjoyed some big performances during that stretch of games, including a 30-point performance against Quincy Notre Dame, 24 points against Gateway STEM and 27 points against Confluence Prep.
“Yuri’s injury did hit us hard, but I knew my team was going to look to me to step up and I feel like I handled it well,” he said. “I think that whole experience really displayed my maturity and how hard I prepare for things before they happen.”
With Rasas back along with a strong group of returning players, the Dragons are hoping for a return trip to the Final Four in Springfield.
“The state tournament was a great experience,” he said. “Right away, I knew I belonged in that atmosphere. I didn’t shy away from it at all. Honestly, I’m ready to do it again.”