Jaliena Sanchez (nicknamed “Jay”), from Springfield, Massachusetts, is a standout guard who starred at Springfield Central High School and went on to a multi-year Division I college career.

High School Career (Springfield Central)

A 5' 5", 5' 6", 5'-8" guard (listings vary slightly), Sanchez was a dominant force for the Central Golden Eagles girls basketball team. She was a two-time state champion and four-time Western Massachusetts champion. In her senior season (2018–19), she earned Player of the Year and the prestigious Vi Goodnow Award (recognizing the top girls basketball player in Western Mass). She scored over 1,100 career points in high school, with strong assist and steal numbers, and was known for her speed, decision-making, and floor leadership.

College Career

Sanchez began her college career at UMass Lowell (America East Conference):

• Freshman (2019–20): Started 30 of 31 games, averaged 9.2 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. Named to the America East All-Rookie Team and All-Defensive Team.

• Later seasons at UML included solid production as a starter (averaging around 8–9 points and strong assist numbers), though she missed most of one season due to a torn Achilles injury.

• She transferred to UMBC (also America East), where she continued as a key contributor and starter through the 2024–25 season, averaging roughly 8–9 points per game while logging heavy minutes. She reached the 1,000-point career milestone during her time at UMBC.

She originally committed to Weber State before changing plans and joining UMass Lowell. Career college averages (across UML and UMBC) were approximately 8.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game over more than 130 games.

Personal / Background

Daughter of Lien Baker and Jesus Sanchez; she has three siblings (Josiah, Janaiya, and Jesus), all of whom played sports collegiately. She majored in business management, enjoys music and drawing, and has cited winning a state championship as her greatest sports moment. Her favorite NBA team is the Houston Rockets and her favorite player is Chris Paul.

In summary, Jaliena Sanchez is one of the more accomplished recent products of Springfield Central’s strong girls basketball tradition—a multi-time Western Mass and state champion who earned top individual honors in high school and carved out a solid multi-year Division I career as a high-minute, playmaking guard.