Sophomore “Bigs” Who Have Been Impactful in Playoffs

The 2024 class on the First Coast has been well represented in the District and Regional playoffs.  Orange Park  (Final 8) and  Bishop Kenny (Final 4)  have heavy Sophomore dominant rosters.   District Champions Ponte Vedra ( 6A )  and District runner-up, Mandarin  (7A ) are also Sophomore dominant teams.   In this article, we look at forwards and centers on the First Coast that have been impactful in the high school post-season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="248345" first="Clare" last="Coyle"] 2024, 6’0″ F  (Bishop Kenny).</strong>  Coyle has had a very good Sophomore campaign this season.   Coyle is one of the top young post players on the  First Coast.   She has some very good low post moves and operates well in the paint.   She can score in the paint and has a very good mid-range game.   She has excellent footwork in the paint and utilizes ball and head fakes very well to gain advantages over her defenders.  Coyle can occasionally knock down the three,  but it’s in the paint where she is best.    Coyle’s calling card is her rebounding abilities.   She can flat-out rebound the basketball.   Coyle has been a big part of Bishop Kenny’s success this season and their return to Lakeland.   In the Regional finals, Coyle posted an impressive double-double (17 rebounds and 13 points) to help advance her team back to Lakeland.   For the season Coyle has averaged  9 points and nearly 8 rebounds per game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="217663" first="Sydney" last="Roundtree"] 2024, 6’0″ F (Bishop Kenny). </strong> Roundtree is another Sophomore forward who has played a part in the Crusader’s success.   Roundtree runs the floor well and is an asset in the transition game.   She also does a good job defending and rebounding.   She is very athletic and can defend multiple positions on the court due to her athleticism and height.   Roundtree also does a good job of passing the ball to players who cut to the basket.  Roundtree is a very good scorer in the paint. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="349377" first="Mychaela" last="Parker"] 2024, 6’1" C (Orange Park)</strong> had some good moments in the playoffs.  During the playoffs, Parker had some good moments.  Against Tallahassee Rickard,  Parker was active on the offensive boards and created multiple scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates.  Parker finished the contest with 4 offensive rebounds.  For the season, Parker averaged 5.2 rebounds playing backup to [player_tooltip player_id="91582" first="Nia" last="Brown"].   The bar will be raised for Parker next year for her Junior campaign. <strong>Ja’Nease Bender 5’10” F (Oakleaf).</strong>  Bender played well in the District finals, scoring 8 points.  Her ability to play inside freed up [player_tooltip player_id="91660" first="Fantasia" last="James"] to play more on the perimeter on offense and defense.   Bender’s experience as a Sophomore and her continued development will pay huge dividends for Oakleaf next year. <strong>Hannah Bittner 2024, 5’10" F (Episcopal).</strong>    Bittner played some solid minutes during the high school basketball playoffs,  including a 7 point rebound in 7 point performance.   Bittner averaged nearly 5 points per game and over 3 rebounds per game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="349278" first="Aniyah" last="Fisher"] 2024, 5’10 F  (St Augustine)</strong>.  Fisher had a good Sophomore season was instrumental in St Augustine’s undefeated regular season.   Fisher is a versatile forward who has the size of a power- forward but can handle the ball like a guard.   For the season, Fisher averaged 8 points a game and nearly 7 rebounds per game.  She can score on the perimeter,  at the mid-level,  and she also has the handles to get to the basket.   In the playoffs, Fisher had some good performances, including a 12 point, 6 rebound performance against Gainesville High School in the opening round of the playoffs.   With the graduation of 3 starters on offense,  Fisher will likely be the 1st offensive option next basketball season.