Impactful Forwards in the Regional Playoffs.
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There were some quality matchups in the Regional Playoffs and a lot of standout players emerged from the contests. Many of the standouts were forwards ( 3s and 4s). In this article, we take a l;ook at some of the…
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Continue ReadingThere were some quality matchups in the Regional Playoffs and a lot of standout players emerged from the contests. Many of the standouts were forwards ( 3s and 4s). In this article, we take a l;ook at some of the forwards from around the state who were impactful in helping their team punch a ticket to the Final 4 in Lakeland.
Jasmynne Gibson Jasmynne Gibson CG Colonial | 2024 State FL left no doubt about the outcome of the Regional Finals against Lake Mary, producing a double-double in the biggest game of the season. Gibson is an athletic big who can run the floor, score in transition, and get buckets in the paint. Gibson gets her share of steals and can get thje ball of the court to her ball handlers and scorers. Gibson is also a force on the boards, She was impactful and she is looking for a replay in the State semifinals.
TaCarri Neal TaCarri Neal 6'0" | C University Christian | 2025 State FL has been tested this season for sure, and she has seen her team come up with some impressive wins that she played a big part in the outcome. Neal is active in the paint and plays with physicality. Neal rebounds well and does a good job of kicking ghe ball to her guards. If you beat her inside you have to earn it. Neal is a high IQ player who makes positive instinctive plays in the heat of the battle. It could be a tip pass to a teammate or a dive on the floor to save a loose ball to start a fast break, etc. Neal has also been able to score in the paint. The biggest improvement that Neal has made is taking advantage of smaller lineups. She can capilize against teams that can’t match up with her height, physicality, and hustle plays during the game. Neal has stood out in the Regional playoffs and is one of the key reasons her team has punched a ticket to the Final 4 in Lakeland.
Izellah Kendrick Izellah Kendrick 6'2" | C Bloomingdale | 2025 State FL has been impactful all season and has helped lead her a team to an undefeated season and a trip to the Final 4 in Lakeland. Kendrick was a standout over the summer and fall camps I saqw her play in and she carried that energy and solid play right into the high school season. Kendrick is strong on the block and can shoot over a defender and through a defenser whenm she needs to. She does not mind playing through contact. Kendrick is also versatile enough to shoot jumpers in the midrange area. Kendrick has been a force all season and has received a lot of accolades along the way. She has been instrumental in the Regionals and will look to have an impact in the upcoming games in Lakeland.
Abby Baker Abby Baker 5'10" | PF Bishop Kenny | 2025 FL flew under the radar this season, but she was instrumental in helping Bishop Kenny punch their ticket again to Lakeland. The Junior power forward scored 13 points and battled on the boards for 5 rebounds. Baker has provoded a spark for the entire season and in the regional finals, Baker provided the flame.
Kali Barrett Kali Barrett 6'2" | SF Cardinal Mooney | 2025 State FL raised it up a few notches and scored 27 points in the Regionl Finals and 11 boards for an imp[ressive double – double in the biggest game of the season. Barrett provided the leadership as she has done all season. Barrett is fundamentally sound and makes contributions in every area of the game: rebounding, scoring, defense, handling the ball, etc. Barrett put up monster stts and it was apparent that she was not leaving her team behind. They say the cream rises to the top. This is a prime example.
Taylor Perce Taylor Perce 5'10" | SG Ponte Vedra | 2024 State FL (cover) is another player who has flown under the radar, but is providing quality play ands senior leadership at the right time. Perce can shoot the three and if you key on one of her teammates and leaveher open, she can make you pay. Perce shot 26 threes this season, including one game with four threes. Perce can handle the ball and plays well in the motion offense. Perce rebounds well and puts her teammatews in good position with her effort, her hustl;e, and timely points. Perce has been impactful and is primed to contine her stellar play at the State Finals.