Uncut Gems – Grassroots Freshmen Edition
Now that FHSAA state playoffs have finished, travel basketball is in full swing. An uncut gem is unique in the fact that it has not been formed into its final shape. Similar to uncut gems, these grassroots ballers will definitely…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingNow that FHSAA state playoffs have finished, travel basketball is in full swing. An uncut gem is unique in the fact that it has not been formed into its final shape. Similar to uncut gems, these grassroots ballers will definitely be a part of future conversations as their games continue to take shape.
Katelyn O’Brien – TNBA, 5’6″, CG- Representing the class of 2026, O’Brien is a tough young guard with a high ceiling. She is a solid ballhandler in the open court and has the ability to attack downhill using both hands. Offensively, she is more of a true point guard that relishes setting teammates up for success. Defensively, she is the head of the spear for her team. She is aggressive in her on ball defense and plays passing lanes well from help-side positioning. O’Brien is a hard working high energy athlete who rarely leaves anything in the tank once the game is over. As she continues to develop a more diverse offensive skillset, combined with her already stellar work ethic, O’Brien has the ability to become one of the top players in the state.
Briana Hall – TNBA, 5’5″, CG – 2026 guard that truly shines on the defensive end of the floor. It is so exciting to watch Hall defend and her defensive prowess produces a steady diet of quick offense. Her lateral movement is very disciplined for her age and her ability to anticipate and adjust are beyond her years. Her natural athleticism lends itself to Hall’s game on both sides of the floor. She is strong at finishing around the rim and through contact. As Hall grows, she will need to focus more on her offensive skillset if she wants to be considered best in the state in the future. If she can develop a consistent jumper and stronger IQ, Hall will be a force to be reckoned with in the future.
Kelsey Sharpe – CSU Queens, 5’7″, CG – Sharpe is one of the more exciting players to watch in the class of 2026. She has the ability to use both hands but her weak is not as sure as her dominant hand. She is ultra aggressive when getting downhill and appears to embrace contact at the rim. Leading transition breaks is really where her court vision and IQ are able to shine, making the right decision more often than not. Defensively, she understands angles well and takes pride in her on ball defense. As her IQ, weak hand handles, and jumper develop, the future is extremely bright for Kelsey Sharpe.
Joelys Rodriguez – CSU Queens, 5’4″, PG – Rodriguez is a true point guard for her team and an explosive defender for her team. The most noticeable aspect of this 2027’s game is her court vision. She has a knack for finding the right teammate. She has great court awareness and her vision and IQ will only get better with development. She has a nice looking jumper but will need to work on her consistency to be considered a threat. Rodriguez is also tough, at times playing in a higher division and handling it very maturely. Her ability to wear down her opponents with her relentless drive and kick mentality will be a nightmare for opposing teams for years to come, making Rodriguez one of the top 2027’s to watch this summer.
Saniya Kendrick – Florida Hoopstars, 5’7″, SG – This 2027 was really fun to watch on both sides of the floor. Defensively, Kendrick has a very high motor. She is very good at playing passing lanes in the help side position but can also sit down and keep ball handlers between her feet. Her lateral movement needs some development, but her athleticism makes it a non issue right now. Offensively, she has one of the nicest and mechanically effective jumpers in the grassroots game. Kendrick is patient and does not force a lot offensively but does have the ability to score in bunches. As she continues to develop other aspects of her game, Kendrick will surely be considered one of the top players in the state.