Volusia County: Playmakers and Game Changers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>USE PROMO CODE KEITH30 for a discount on your first subscription</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this article, we continue our look at some of the top playmakers and game changers around the State of Florida. Volusia county is known for its famous beaches, the Daytona 500, etc. Its basketball programs have produced some great ones: Vince Carter, Ronni Williams (WNBA), etc. In this article, we look at some of the counties top play makers and game changers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='346837' first='Asya' last='Lara Barnes'] (cover) can play the game of basketball and can matchup against anyone in the State. She is ultra competitive and skilled at the same time. Barnes can get to the rim and she is deadly from the outside. She draws a lot of attention on the court and that allows her to be the playmaker that she is. Barnes passes it well and does a good job of dishing to the open teammate when she is doubled.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='429793' first='Olivia' last='Olson'] is another super competitive player and has great instincts on the floor. She is just a baller with a great feel for the game. Her instincts and the ability to adjust on the fly is what impressed me the most. She can shoot it from behind the arc or take it to the rim. She can also stop and pop. Olson just plays ball and takes what the defense gives her. She is a playmaker and game changer. When the game is on the line, she is the player you want to have the ball in her hands. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='470458' first='Dakara' last='Merthie'] is a game changer, playmaker and more. Merthie has speed, quickness, off the chart athleticism, and can ball as well. Merthie's play at the FABC Showcase still lingers on. She was flat out superior on the floor. Merthie was able to attack off the dribble, convert on some jumpers, and showcased some intense on ball pressure. Her skillset is equates to playmaker and game changer from both sides of the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='216440' first='Kailani' last='Merrell'] has proven to be one of the top players in the 2026 class and definitely in Volusia county. Merrell is a relentless and versatile scorer who keeps the pedal to the metal the entire game. She can shoot the three and can get to the rim with a purpose. Merrell has good handles and she also rebounds well from the guard position. Merrell is a bona fide playmaker and she has the ability to affect the outcome of a game with her skillset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='721469' first='Iniya' last='Reddicks'] is a young baller that you should know. She attended the Freshman expo, and was arguably the top player in the building. Reddicks shot the three well and the midrange too, but her transition finishes were at a different level. Reddicks had a quiet demeanor, but her game was loud and clear. She was also a solid defender and used her length to cause discomfort on the ball. The young guard is a playmaker and game changer and one of the best 2027s in Volusia county as well as the State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='811411' first='Ronneisha' last='Thomas'] is probably the most unsung player on this list, but make no mistakes about it, she is a game changer. Thomas is that workhorse player who plays lock down defense and has great quickness and lateral movement. Thomas is athletic and can attack the basket and get to the rim. Thomas can also run the floor and score in transition. She is also a reliable ball handler who makes good decisions on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->