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Cincinnati Christian sophomore Sarah Carroll has grown into quite the enforcer — on and off the court.

Carroll, the second oldest of five children, leads Butler County in points (19.8 per game) and rebounds (14.2 per game). The 5-foot-10 sophomore also has registered 12 straight double-doubles to start the season.

The double and triple-teams continue well after she steps off the hardwood. Carroll also has her hands full at home, where she often babysits her three younger siblings: Joey, 11; Julia, 8; and Jacob, 6.

Tending to three siblings — much like jostling in the paint — isn't always a glamorous gig. But Carroll considers babysitting to be a labor of love.

"I just love being at home with my family and my cousins," said Carroll, 16. "I don't babysit (for money). I usually don't have a choice."

Carroll has helped lead CCS (7-5, 4-3 Miami Valley Conference) to the brink of its first winning season in five years.

As a freshman, she averaged a double-double (13.7 ppg, 11.8 rpg) and earned first-team MVC honors. After a summer of top-notch AAU competition, Carroll has taken her game to the next level.

"She's more mature on the court, and much stronger," CCS coach Ken Bashford said. "She's really aggressive, not afraid to push people around. But what really gives her an edge is her quickness ... She's also shooting better."

Carroll's formula for success is a combination of natural ability and "coachability," Bashford said.

"She's the most coachable player I've ever coached," Bashford said. "And I've been doing this for 30 years."

Playing mostly against other Division IV schools, Carroll has at times been unstoppable. Earlier this month, she scored a school record 35 points against Clark Montessori.

Carroll also is a star volleyball player, earning team MVP honors her freshman and sophomore seasons. But she said basketball remains her first love.

"I like the contact," Carroll said. "But I'm starting to like volleyball more and more."

It may be early in her career, but Carroll said she already has a college of choice.

"I want to play basketball at Liberty (University)," Carroll said. "It's a small Division I school ... My mom, aunts, uncles have all gone there. And my (older) sister is going there next year."

For a week in March, basketball will be the last thing on her mind as she and a troop of CCS students travel to the Dominican Republic on a mission trip.

"We're going to help build a church, and work with the local kids there," Carroll said.