District Playoffs Showcases the Young Guards on the First Coast
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The stage was set for the most competitive night of basketball on the First Coast in 2022 and possibly one of the greatest nights in recent history. The storylines alone had fans and players on pins and needles at 7…
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Continue ReadingThe stage was set for the most competitive night of basketball on the First Coast in 2022 and possibly one of the greatest nights in recent history. The storylines alone had fans and players on pins and needles at 7 pm on Friday. Seven o’clock p.m. was the “finest hour” for basketball on the First Coast.
This article highlights the performance of First Coast Underclassmen who performed well during the District playoffs.
Alanna Tatum 2026, 5’6″ G (University Christian) has had a very good season and all season long the 8th grader has been phenomenal. She brought stability to the point guard position and she is only an 8th grader. In the District championship game, the moment was not too big for Tatum and she finished with 10 points to help lead University Christian to another District Championship. Tatum was also a force on the defensive end in the District playoffs.
Trista Brown Trista Brown 5'6" | SG Oakleaf | 2025 State FL 2025, 5’6″ G (Oakleaf). Brown was really impressive in the District championship game. Brown was very poised and made some key shots during the game. Brown connected on a corner three-pointer and helped stop any rally that Mandarin tried to mount. Brown was also impressive on defense, recording 3 steals in the contest.
Kendall Kane Kendall Kane 6'0" | SF Beachside | 2025 State FL 2025, 6’0″ G (Bartram) Kane played well in the District tournament. Her improved ball-handling skills were obvious and she did a nice job of shooting the long ball in both District playoff games. The Freshman also rebounded well and consistently made good basketball plays throughout the District playoffs. Kane scored 9 in the first playoff game and 12 points in the semi-finals. Kane finished the season with 43 threes and shot 34 percent from behind the arc.
Savannah Bischoff 2025 , 5’6″ G (Bartram) Bischoff came off of the bench and really made some clutch plays in the District semifinals, including a clutch 3 pointer and several free throws down the stretch.
Morgan Gavazzi Morgan Gavazzi 5'6" | PG Ponte Vedra | 2024 State FL 2024, 5’6″ G (Ponte Vedra) scored 25 in the District finals, including 5 threes pointers to lead her team over undefeated St Augustine. Gavazzi also connected on 17 points in the District Semifinals. In the District playoffs, the Sophomore guard connected on 8 three-pointers.
Riley Talbert Riley Talbert 5'9" | SG Bishop Kenny HS | 2024 State FL 2024, 5’6″ G (Bishop Kenny). Talbert scored 15 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 3 assists in the District Championship game against Andrew Jackson. Talbert is a versatile guard and all season long Talbert has been the utility player that does well in multiple categories. Her play was instrumental in Bishop Kenny winning the District championship.
Eris Lester Eris Lester 5'10" | SF Montverde Academy | 2024 State FL 2024, 5′10 G ( Orange Park) Lester scored 25 points in the District semifinals and 17 points in the District Championship game against Ridgeview. Lester is presently averaging 20.5 points per game. What’s impressive is her scoring consistency and her end-of-game shot chart. Lester scores on all three levels of the court and various degrees of difficulty. Lester also handles the ball very well and also is very productive on the boards.
Kennedy Rosendahl Kennedy Rosendahl 5'6" | SG Ponte Vedra | 2024 State FL 2024, 5’7″ G (Ponte Vedra). Scored 26 in the seminars and 12 in the finals and knocked down 10 threes over the district playoffs to lead the Sharks over Nease, and then help the Sharks take down the undefeated St Augustine Yellow Jackets. Rosendahl has been lethal from behind the arc as of late and has knocked down an impressive 73 threes for the season. Rosendahl also does a good job of handling the ball and plays with a high basketball IQ.
Kelly Cramer 2024, 5’6″ G (St Joseph Academy) Cramer and team were outmanned in their matchup against St Johns Country Day, but Cramer was a standout with a double-double (17 points and 10 rebounds). Cramer handled the ball well and also showed the ability to shoot the ball from all levels of the court. Through 25 games, Cramer averaged 19.6 points per game, 7.2 points rebounds per game, and 3.7 assists per game. Cramer was also impressive on the defensive end of the court, especially her on-ball defense.
Kennedy Waymer Kennedy Waymer PG Paxon | 2024 State FL 2024, 56″ G (Paxon). Waymer scored 14 points, recorded 5 assists, and 3 steals to lead Paxon to the 4A- 2 District Championship. Waymer has been consistent all year, averaging 13.2 points per game and 3.9 steals. Waymer is well-rounded and plays on both sides of the court. She is also an elite softball player.
Kiyana Hunter Kiyana Hunter 5'3" | PG Mandarin | 2024 State FL 2024, 5’3″ G (Mandarin). In the District semifinals, Hunter spearheaded a comeback with nine 4th quarter points, including a three-pointer and 4 free throws. Two of the free throws came in the final 20 seconds to tie the game. Hunter was also impressive on the defensive end down the stretch. In class 7A, Hunter and teammate, Nykeria Thomas Nykeria Thomas 5'10" | CG Mandarin | 2024 State FL are two of the top Sophomore guards who both rank in the top 13 in assists and top 18 in steals.
Ansley Hicks Ansley Hicks 5'6" | CG Paxon | 2024 State FL 2024, 5’5 G (Paxon) All season, Hicks has played well and she continued her stellar play during the District playoffs. Hicks scored 11 and 10 points in the District playoffs and help lead Paxon to a District Championship. Hicks was also impressive in the championship game with 4 steals and solid defense.