The 2024 class on the First Coast Florida has the potential to be one of the best classes on the First Coast before it’s all said and done. Numerous 2024 players played on Varsity teams last year as freshmen. This past summer, there was a lot of movement amongst players and teams on the First Coast, and no class was more impacted than the 2024 class. A lot of players played on new teams, some teams were dissolved, and a lot of the players played up on 2023 and 2022 teams. A lot of the 2024 players on these teams never found their traction. The players below are the ones I observed and who stood out in the Louisville and Orlando tournaments this past summer.
Tori Balser (ECU 2022 Family)
A few months ago, Balser led Ponte Vedra into Terry Parker during the high school playoffs and pulled off one of the biggest upsets on the First Coast. Balser showed that that same skill set over the summer live period. Balser showed a great mid-range game and lots of moves in her arsenal. She had defenders leaving their feet and scoring with up-and-under moves and great pivot moves. Balser was also very efficient from behind the 3 point line during the live period. After an outstanding performance in Orlando, Balser boarded a plane and relocated to Massachusetts. Balser has reclassified to the 2024 class and will be a major recruit in that State.
Morgan Gavazzi 2024 (KA_Nightmares 2023/San Jose Prep)
Gavazzi performed well during the college live period. I saw her during the Louisville tournaments and was impressed by her grit and toughness. She did an excellent job of handling the ball, running the offense, and knocking down threes throughout the summer. Gavazzi also showed the ability to penetrate and create open shots for her teammates. She also had a few special games, including a 21 point performance, including the game-winner in a double-overtime thriller.
Ella Stakem 2024 (ECU 2024/Bolles High School)
Stakem shot the ball very well during the college live period. In several games, Stakem had at least 5 threes before halftime in multiple games over the summer live period. Her shot mechanics are very sound, and she is very crafty at moving without the ball and finding open spots on the floor. Stakem led Bolles in minutes played, and if she shoots as efficiently as she did over the summer, she will have an exceptional Sophomore campaign.
Eris Lester 2024 (KA_Nightmares 2023/Orange Park High School)
Not many 2024 players on the First Coast received college offers last season, but Lester is one of them. During the live period, Lester showed a relentless knack for putting the ball in the basket. During her Freshman season, Lester scored a lot of points off of steals and fast breaks. Over the summer live period, Lester showed that she has the ability to score in multiple ways ( fast breaks, steals, drives, and jump shots). She also showed that she is very crafty at drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line. Lester played the passing lanes well on defense and used her length and speed to defend opposing players.
