Stock Risers In the SWFL Area

As we approach the halfway point of the season, many players around the state have proven they can play at a high level. Here are a few who have consistently raised their stock with standout performances in the SWFL area so far.    [player_tooltip player_id='755322' first='Acelia' last='Beals'] is currently averaging 17.1 points per game and 3.6 assists per game this season, leading her team in both categories. Beals has embraced a leadership role after several players transferred, graduated, and a new coaching staff took over. She has stepped up as the team's primary scoring option and has excelled in this position.   Beals scores in a variety of ways. She shoots effectively off the catch with a smooth follow-through, handles the ball well under pressure, and has a knack for splitting defenses and finishing around taller defenders with finesse. On the defensive end, she stays low, uses active hands, and frequently intercepts lazy passes for easy steals.   In addition to her scoring ability, Beals does all the little things well and plays hard every possession. She ensures her teammates are involved by penetrating defenses and drawing defenders to create wide-open opportunities for others.   The sophomore has significantly increased her stock this season by demonstrating leadership both vocally and through her actions. She is poised to finish the season as one of the top players in the area.     [player_tooltip player_id='1232657' first='Jesslymar' last='Santa'] (Cover Photo) is a bucket! The 5'9" guard plays with a smooth handle and calm composure on the floor. Santa possesses next-level size and speed, allowing her to stay in front of smaller, faster guards while also holding her own against bigger players.   Offensively, Santa has the ability to knock down threes off the catch, showcasing a textbook shooting form. She plays a north-south style, attacking the rim with purpose and finishing high off the glass, making her adept at scoring through traffic and converting and-ones. Santa is relentless on the boards, often recording double-doubles. Her ability to push the ball in transition after grabbing rebounds creates significant pressure on opposing defenses.   Defensively, Santa shines with her on-ball and off-ball steals. If you make a bad pass, she'll intercept it and quickly push the ball up the floor. Her defensive instincts, combined with her offensive versatility, make her a complete player.   By the end of the year, Santa is poised to be one of the top players in the area—and one of the best in the state by next season.     [player_tooltip player_id='873422' first='Cherish' last='Wiggins'] is currently averaging 17.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 4.1 steals per game. The 5'7" guard does it all on the floor, with most of her impact coming from her relentless motor. She gives 100% effort on every play, diving for loose balls and going all-out to intercept bad passes. Wiggins epitomizes the definition of a hustle player.   Her ability to secure second-chance points by rebounding at the highest point enables her to nearly average a double-double. Offensively, Wiggins is most dangerous in transition and when driving downhill. She has an explosive first step and isn't afraid to initiate contact, making her a tough player to defend. Don't leave her wide open, though—she can knock down the open three with ease.   [player_tooltip player_id='873422' first='Cherish' last='Wiggins'] won't be flying under the radar much longer—her performance this season is sure to turn heads     [player_tooltip player_id='515050' first='Taylor' last='Davidson'] is having a standout season at Riverview. The 5'8" shooting guard is averaging 11.4 points per game while shooting 40% from the field. She's also showing her toughness in the post, fighting for every rebound and averaging 8.1 rebounds per game. Defensively, Davidson brings intensity and grit, averaging 4.9 steals per game, with 34 steals so far this season.   Davidson is a competitor who loves the game and has a high basketball IQ. She doesn't force plays but instead takes what the defense gives her. Opponents can't afford to leave her open—she thrives on open shots and can score quickly. Taylor is lethal from deep, and when she catches the ball, her eyes are already locked on the rim. If defenders close out too aggressively, she sells her pump fakes beautifully, allowing her to get into a one- or two-dribble pull-up or even draw a second defender to find an open teammate.   Her ability to use screens to create her shot is next level. Davidson shows patience, waiting for the screen to develop, and if defenders go under, she'll let it fly without hesitation.   [player_tooltip player_id='515050' first='Taylor' last='Davidson'] is up next—not only as one of the top players in Southwest Florida but also as a rising name to know across the state.     Eslynda Bouzi never takes a play off. The guard is always involved and hustles as if every play is the final second of the game. Eslynda is currently averaging 11.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.7 steals per game, with 27 steals so far this season. Her knack for recovering loose balls—whether off rebounds or bad passes—makes her a constant threat that opposing teams cannot ignore. If you take a play off, she'll make you pay for it.   Eslynda has a high defensive IQ, quickly getting into driving gaps to force turnovers. If you aren't decisive with your dribble, she'll pick your pocket and take it the other way in an instant. Offensively, she has a quick first step and accelerates rapidly, making her a scoring threat in transition. While many of her scoring opportunities come from her exceptional defense, she can also knock down the open three within the flow of the offense.   Eslynda will earn a reputation this year as a gritty on-ball defender. Everyone she plays against will remember her impact and presence on the court.

As we approach the halfway point of the season, many players around the state have proven they can play at a high level. Here are a few who have consistently raised their stock with standout performances in the SWFL area so far.