First Coast 2023 Standouts At Apache Memorial
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Juniors from the First Coast showed up and played well at the Apache Memorial. Most of the juniors garnered college interest and there were a few scholarship offers made. This group of players will be instrumental in the success…
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Continue ReadingJuniors from the First Coast showed up and played well at the Apache Memorial. Most of the juniors garnered college interest and there were a few scholarship offers made. This group of players will be instrumental in the success of their respected teams next basketball season.
Xaniya Jackson Xaniya Jackson 6'1" | PF Andrew Jackson | 2023 State FL (Lady OTOD Pink). Jackson played well at Apache Memorial and received a lot of interest and a scholarship offer. Jackson recorded a double-double on the first day of the tournament with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Jackson was really impressive after rebounds. She was very strong with the ball and got the ball to her guards consistently. She averaged 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks per game. Jackson played with high energy and was a force in the middle all weekend at Apache Memorial.
Yakiya Milton Yakiya Milton 6'4" | PF Mandarin | 2024 FL (ECU Family 2023) performed well at Apache Memorial. Milton showed she could handle the ball and repeatedly got the ball across the halfcourt. Milton defended on the wing and in the paint and showed her unique skillset that is unlike many prospects in the country. She defended all five positions on the floor, blocked a multitude of shots, and made shots from all levels on the court, including a three-pointer. The impressive part is that she did it on the big stage in front of some big-time D1 programs. The more impressive part is that she received a major D-1 offer as a result of her big-time performance at Apache Memorial.
Janise Respess (Lady OTOD Elite Blue) Respess played well and put had a great performance at Apache Memorial, which included an 18-point- 5 rebound-5 steal performance. The guard has come into her own and is utilizing her skillset of speed athleticism and the intangibles of hustle and determination. Respess is looking to have a special Senior season at Terry Parker. Respess is a good defender and plays tough on-ball defense.
Sophia Rueppell Sophia Rueppell 5'9" | PG Bishop Kenny | 2023 State FL (ECU Family 2023) Plays the game with lots of confidence, and it wasn’t missing at the Apache Memorial Showcase. Rueppell handles the ball well and she is a competitor. She can go left and right with the ball and showed she can finish with either hand. She made some nice threes and knocked down a few shots in the midrange area. She did a good job of running the offense at the point guard and also played well at the shooting guard position. She was special in the pick and roll sets and made some nice feeds to the rolling bigs. Rueppell’s defense was also good. She played aggressive man-to-man defense and was solid when on the ball.
Alexia Taliferro (Lady OTOD Pink) played well at Apache Memorial and she is primed for a big senior season. Taliferro had two 9-point games and a 16-point game at the showcase. Taliferro is the player who does all of the little things on the court. She is very versatile on the offensive and defensive end of the court. She can play multiple positions and can guard in the paint and on the wing. She is special in the transition game and does a good job of filling the lanes on fast breaks. Taliferro can also rebound the basketball and does a good job of initiating the fast break.