Who Are the Top Players in 4A-5A?

By Michael Wholey 2/21/23 7:00 AM EST   The 2022-23 High School season is coming to an end this week, who are the top players in FHSAA classifications 4A-5A.      [player_tooltip player_id='223789' first='Shakirah' last='Edwards'] (Rutherford HS) – 5'9 Guard – Class of 2024   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/11/EsRrtddW4AEI_j8.jpeg?w=736" alt="" class="wp-image-349741" width="176" height="245" /></figure>   Edwards does it all for Rutherford, leading her team in points (17.6), rebounds (8.4), assists (4.5), steals (6.6) and blocks (1.8) per game while shooting 46% from the field.  She led her team to an impressive 22-1 regular season record before falling to Bishop Kenny this week in the regional finals finishing the season 25-2.  Edwards is a world class athlete that has a big time vertical, extremely explosive first step, major elevation on her jump shot, and an elite level of lateral quickness that she displays often on the defensive end of the floor.        Abigail Knauff (Bolles) – 5'7 Guard – Class of 2025   Knauff is one of the most skilled and efficient offensive players in the state of Florida.  She shoots an exceptionally high percentage from the field and is very unselfish, promoting sharing the ball and ball movement, having the ball in her hands in shorts amount of time, making quick decisions to shoot, pass, or attack off bounce.  She is one of the state's top shooters, shooting close to 50% on the season beyond the arc but not just a shooter, she is capable on attacking the rim going both right and left as well as pulling up off 1-2 dribbles.      [player_tooltip player_id='91638' first='Emma' last='Risch'] (Palm Bay Magnet)– 6'2 Guard – Class of 2023   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/11/Emma-Risch-Palm-Bay-e1637172479601.jpg?w=590" alt="" class="wp-image-353045" width="167" height="239" /></figure>   Risch was named a McDonald's All American due to her stellar play this season and recognizing her as one of the top players in the country in the class of 2023.  Her height, offensive skill and basketball IQ are all elite.  Her 6'2 frame with the ability to play both the PG and the SG position make her a “unicorn” as most players her height play on the wing or in the front court.  She wrapped up a stellar prep career with her best season yet after missing some early games to injury.  On the season she averaged 23.3 points, 4.9 assists, and 2.9 steals per game while shooting 45% from 3.     [player_tooltip player_id='91649' first='Eleecia' last='Carter'] (Lake Highland Prep) – 5'8 Guard – Class of 2023   Carter gave Lake Highland Prep a steady presence in the back court on a roster loaded with young talent.  She finished the season leading her team in points at 12.9 points per game showcasing her ability to play the point guard and the shooting guard position.  Lake Highland Prep heads to Lakeland with a 23-6 record and just two losses in state to Montverde Academy and Dr. Phillips and Carter was a huge part of the team's success.  Her leadership both on and off the court are just as important as her play and will be pivotal as to whether Lake Highland takes home another 4A State Championship.      [player_tooltip player_id='166161' first='Ava' last='Stoller'] (St. Petersburg) – 5'6 Guard – Class of 2023   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/09/2-Ava-Stoller-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-204252" width="304" height="202" /></figure>   Stoller simply put was really, really good this season averaging 25.5 points, 3.4 assists, and 5.7 steals per game while leading her squad to a 17-7 record.   All season Stoller was the emotional leader of her squad, bringing her A game night in and night out attacking off the bounce, letting it fly from well beyond the arc and playing fearlessly and with a consistent aggressiveness that was a joy to watch.  The ultimate competitor, Stoller brings it night in and night out, giving it her all on every possession on both sides of the ball.      [player_tooltip player_id='468627' first='Jasleen' last='Green'] (American Heritage Plantation) – 5'9 Guard – Class of 2026   Green the lone Freshman on the list was a major addition to her American Heritage Plantation squad as they look to continue their streak of state championships.  Green plays mature beyond her years, giving American Heritage a consistent scoring presence nightly while using her strong and athletic build both on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor.  She has great length and athleticism, and is crafty when getting into the paint, consistently scoring at the rim while also shooting a high percentage from the field when left open on the perimeter.      Michael Wholey is the lead scout for Florida Prep Girls Hoop Florida and a former division one Assistant Coach at American University, University of Memphis, and Georgia Tech.  Wholey and the rest of the Prep Girls Hoop staff, seek to cover the entire state of player, keeping subscribers up to date with player evaluations, recruiting info, and statewide news.  Our audience often supplies us with some of our best information.  If you have any information on players, teams, or statewide news in the state of Florida, emailing Michael Wholey at <a href="mailto:WholeyPrepHoops@gmail.com">WholeyPrepHoops@gmail.com</a> or DM him through Twitter or Instagram @WholeyPrepHoops.

By Michael Wholey 2/21/23 7:00 AM EST