Day 1 Standouts at Play 4 Kay Shootout (Brandon, FL)
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A great tournament for a even better cause took place this weekend in and around Tampa, FL. Here is a quote directly from the Kay Yow website: “It’s a simple idea — take a game in your schedule and use…
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Continue ReadingA great tournament for a even better cause took place this weekend in and around Tampa, FL. Here is a quote directly from the Kay Yow website: “It’s a simple idea — take a game in your schedule and use it to fundraise for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. The vision of Play4Kay came directly from Coach Kay Yow. Through Play4Kay, she saw a way to bring communities together and honor cancer warriors in the fight against ALL cancers affecting women. As Play4Kay evolved, the mechanisms for fundraising have expanded and so have the initiatives. Schools nationwide are finding ways to “Play4Kay” on and off the basketball court.”
Mariana Valenzuela Mariana Valenzuela 6'2" | PF Montverde Academy | 2021 State FL – Montverde – 2021 Florida State Commit
The FSU commit used a huge fourth quarter to prevent a comeback against one of the better teams in the state. She led her team in scoring with 17 points on 6 of 9 from the field (2 for 2 from deep), and she also added 5 boards and 3 steals. Mariana is such a smooth operator that has everything you would want in a player: height, length, strength, good hands, soft touch, high IQ, and she can score from all levels. She’s just built for the next level.
Fernanda Ovalle Fernanda Ovalle 5'11" | SF Montverde Academy | 2022 State FL – Montverde – 2022 Uncommitted
Fernanda was, without a doubt, one of the top uncommitted prospects in this event. Standing at 6 foot tall with a lanky frame, Ovalle showcased tremendous court vision and played tough defense with high productivity the entire game. She’d be a great addition to a Division 1 Program as she proved with her consistent overall play in both halves. She finished with 16 points on 6 of 12 from the field, and she also had 6 rebounds and 4 dimes.
Niveya Henley Niveya Henley 6'0" | SF Montverde Academy | 2021 State FL – Montverde – 2021 Furman Commit
The Furman commit was impressive in the first half to give MVA a nice lead over Plant going into the half. This team’s IQ in unreal and Niveya is a big part of that. She only took 7 shots, but ended with 13 highly productive points. Niveya is another 6 footer with a great shot that knows the game well. The lefty will be a nice piece for the Paladins.
Kendal Cheesman Kendal Cheesman 6'2" | PF HB Plant | 2021 State FL – Plant – 2021 Vanderbilt Commit
Kendal got hot in the second half with 18 of her 26 total points coming after the break. The Vandy commit hit 6 trey’s and shot over 50% from behind the arc and from the entire field. She grabbed 11 boards for a double-double and had 4 steals to go with it against a nationally ranked team. She’s a fantastic shooter with a nice release point at her height that makes her nearly impossible to guard outside which will help her excel in Nashville.
Jaela Davis Jaela Davis 5'7" | CG Brooks DeBartolo | 2022 State FL – Brooks DeBartolo – 2022 Uncommitted
Jaela was the only Phoenix player to shoot above 50% in a game that they controlled from the start. This team has strong senior leadership, but Jaela can be the fuel that helps burn this team’s success. She added 5 rebounds and 2 steals to go along with her 19 points. She’s a solid shooter who has tremendous speed and is crafty around the rim. Don’t sleep on her defense either as she’s always getting in the face of opposing players.
Sydney Shaw Sydney Shaw 5'9" | SG DME Academy | 2022 State FL – American Heritage (Plantation) – 2022 Uncommitted
Syd Shaw had a stellar game against Seffner Christian on night one with 25 points on five three pointers. She was able to get just about any look she wanted from outside and by getting to the rim with ease. She’ll have her choice at a number of Division 1 schools.
Taliyah Wyche Taliyah Wyche 6'2" | C American Heritage | 2021 State FL – American Heritage (Plantation) – 2021 Florida Commit
Taliyah put together a strong double-double effort with 14 points and 12 boards in Brandon. She was tough around the hoop and they couldn’t stop her post move and finish over her right shoulder. The Gators will be happy to have both of the Wyche twins and the tremendous frames and skills they possess.
Joey Delancy Joey Delancy 5'8" | CG American Heritage | 2022 State FL – American Heritage (Plantation) – 2022 Uncommitted
Joey has a really smooth shot with great rotation at a high release point. Her mid-range game is one of the best I’ve ever seen with her ability to pull up or hit that floater. Joey finished with 15 points in the W. She’s a tough player that will be a huge get for the college that she chooses.