Prospects With the Most to Gain (Part 2)

The South Florida summer is essentially here. That also means circuit season is in full swing across the country. Area prospects are evaluating themselves against some of the top competition in the nation. This is a great time for players to take advantage and head into the fall with momentum. Here is a rollout of players that could take advantage [player_tooltip player_id="217669" first="Jade" last="Leon"] - Miami Palmer Trinity (PGH: 17) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="217669" first="Jade" last="Leon"] is a stock riser in the state. The 5-foot-10 guard is a multi-faceted playmaker on the offensive and defensive end. Her length makes her an excellent rebounder and reliable shooter from outside. Moreover, her athleticism to create in the half court or transition is efficient. Leon averaged 13.7 points, seven boards and 3.3 steals per game this past season. She was named 2nd Team All Miami-Dade County. [player_tooltip player_id="243890" first="Alyana" last="Mergilles"] - Westminster Academy (PGH: 51) I’ve seen 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="243890" first="Alyana" last="Mergilles"] play well for Westminster Academy. The 5-foot-10 shooting guard averaged 6.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and three steals per game for the 3A state champions. As you can see, Mergilles is a playmaker in multiple areas of the game. She had a pair of double-doubles and scored in double-figures in seven games overall. Mergilles can move and create in the half court. She is at a quality program that should be in contention for a state title once again next season. [player_tooltip player_id="221843" first="Samantha" last="Vales"] - Miami Christian/Team Knight (PGH: 63) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="221843" first="Samantha" last="Vales"] is a good outside shooter out of Miami Christian. The 5-foot-3 combo guard went 66-of-162 (41 percent) from behind the line for 2A state champions. Vales also shot 17-of-48 (35 percent) as a freshman. Overall, she increased her scoring average by more than double between both seasons. Vales plays with a ton of confidence on the floor and should only improve. [player_tooltip player_id="426380" first="Unique" last="Horton"] - Somerset Academy Silver Palms/Miami Suns Team Larkins (PGH: 76) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="426380" first="Unique" last="Horton"] is a prospect with size in the frontcourt. The 6-foot forward averaged 6.7 points and ten boards per game while shooting 41 percent from the field. Moreover, Horton shot 56 percent or better from the floor in 4 of 5 double-figure outings. She has plenty of ability to be consistent as a scorer moving forward. She also blocked 42 shots in 23 contests (1.8 bpg). Her ability to protect the rim and rebound is efficient. She helped Somerset Academy Silver Palms go 16-10 this past season. [player_tooltip player_id="426379" first="Shanaii" last="Gamble"] - Somerset Academy Silver Palms/Miami Suns Team Larkins (PGH: 71) 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="426379" first="Shanaii" last="Gamble"] is another player to watch for the Stallions. The 5-foot-10 small forward averaged 8.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game while shooting 38 percent from the field. She scored in double-figures in 13 games and shot at least 45 percent from the field in nine of them. Gamble also grabbed more than 10 boards in 12 contests. She certainly has ability to make an impact moving forward. For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 On Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.