June’s Unsung Hoopers

Whew,  we saw some really good basketball over the high school June period.  As we prepare for an explosive Live Period, we look back at the high school June period. A lot of marquee players caught our eyes, but there were a lot of new prospects who caught our attention: second or third- option players, off the radar prospects, and new high school players. In this article, we look at some of  the players who were  very important to the success of their teams. Moreover, they were the “unsung hoopers on their teams.   [player_tooltip player_id='346856' first='Sy'monique' last='Simon'] is a glue player that sometimes plays the role of the unsung hooper. But, you look up and Simon has contributed points, rebounds, assists, etc. Simon has a great basketball IQ, and a natural feel for the game. During the June period, Simon played well on defense, and at times more physical than normal. On a team loaded with D1 talent, Simon is a key piece of the puzzle and sometimes you don't realize her contribution until after the game is over.   [player_tooltip player_id='633532' first='Leila' last='Goll'] has played well over the past few months and her game has evolved to more than just a spot up three point shooters. Gall is pesty on defense and creates turnovers that turn into buckets. Gall showed great court vision and court savvy over the June period and it's apparent that the young guard is expanding her game and will play a bigger role at Bolles.   [player_tooltip player_id='430252' first='Phantasia' last='Lauriston'] is another player who is unsung hooper over the June period. Lauriston showed some nice playmaking skills in the few games I saw. Her ability to draw the defense opens up her passing game, and showcases a facet of her game that gets lost on the scorecard, but not to college coaches. Lauriston can pass the rock. With the offensive talent around her, Lauriston could be making a living as a playmaker. Moreover, a playmaker who can also score when needed.   [player_tooltip player_id='743518' first='Izzy' last='Francis'] (cover) was an unsung hooper I saw this summer and she did a good job of handling the ball and running the offense at the FABC showcase. Francis can shoot it from all levels and can get to the rim. She can also pass the ball as well. She played with a great deal of confidence and did a good job of feeding the bigs.   [player_tooltip player_id='346819' first='Trishay' last='Collins'] was definitely an unsung hooper in June and she will be one to watch this upcoming live period and next high school season. Collins is a big who can score in the paint and is a very good shot blocker. Collins is very active defender in the middle. She stood out in June and was an unsung Hooper for the month of June.   [player_tooltip player_id='514524' first='Ellieyana' last='Wallace'] is another prospect who is an unsung hooper. Wallace made her presence felt at the FABC and though she may have not received much “pub,” her rebounding, physicality, and versatility did not go unnoticed. Wallace is the twin sister of [player_tooltip player_id='514519' first='Carleyssia' last='Wallace], who is one of the state's hottest recruits. Ellieyana has game too, and over the summer, college coaches saw the attributes. She is a player who played well in June and poised to come from under the radar.   [player_tooltip player_id='515288' first='Dezuray' last='McGill'] was an unsung hooper at the FABC, but it was more than enough. College coaches saw the power forward hitting the boards, blocking shots, and scoring on the inside. McGee was also an unsung hooper in the State Championship series, making her presence felt with her size, physicality, scoring in the paint, and her ability to defend in the middle. McGill was definitely a standout at the FABC and she won't be under the radar this upcoming live period.   [player_tooltip player_id='638560' first='Gianna' last='Crawford'] is another unsung hooper who is under the radar for the time being, but will be very impactful at Fleming Island next season. Crawford has a great understanding of basketball and a very high IQ. The young forward/center has yet to play in high school, but the incoming Freshman will be turning heads. She was an unsung hooper, who scored, rebounded, and made good basketball players.   [player_tooltip player_id='941219' first='Cali' last='Midyett'] 2028 forward was a nice player and definitely was an unsung hooper. She is a smooth player who gets great position on the blocks, has great hands, runs the floor well and can score the ball around the basket. At FABC, she rebounded well and also defended well. Midyett played with a great basketball IQ well beyond her age. She stood out and definitely was an unsung hooper. Midyett is a talent and before it's said and done she could tilt the landscape of basketball in Hillsborough county.   [player_tooltip player_id='514609' first='Zara' last='Griffith'] was impressive this past June and really played with unmatched energy. She was a beast in transition and can really get to the rim. Griffith was also a work horse who dove for balls on a concrete court. Griffith can rebound the ball and initiate the break herself. Offensively, she is a stretch four and a three level scorer who can score from anywhere on the court.

Whew, we saw some really good basketball over the high school June period. As we prepare for an explosive Live Period, we look back at the high school June period. A lot of marquee players caught our eyes, but there were a lot of new prospects who caught our attention: second or third- option players, off the radar prospects, and new high school players. In this article, we look at some of the players who were very important to the success of their teams. Moreover, they were the “unsung hoopers on their teams.