Game Notes from the Gateway: Hilliard at Ft. White

We saw Hilliard over the summer and got a chance to see Fort White during the preseason. These two teams matched up last week and there was some serious talent on the floor, including three of the top middle school prospects in North Florida. In this article, we look at the standout prospects from this matchup that took place near Florida's Gateway in Columbia county.    [player_tooltip player_id='1136118' first='Reah' last='Saunders'] has already made a name for herself and ranks as one of the top 7th graders in the State and Country. Saunders was rather impressive with a lot of skill on the basketball court. Let's table the tangibles for a second and talk about the basketball IQ of this young phenom. Saunder's decision making, the anticipation, and the realization of how team ball can eliminate an opponent. Saunders's showed the tangibles also. Her soft touch in the middle of the paint, her on-ball defense that forced the opposing guard to give it up early or take a bad shot. Her playmaking ability was very impressive. Saunders's ability to handle the ball, keep the defender off balance with her change of speed, and her ability to accelerate instantly was next level stuff. Saunders can definitely score the ball. During this game she connected with a few midrange shots and layups at the rim. The young baller has a nice shot from behind the arc and a nice float game as well. Saunders played well and was one of the many standouts in the game.     [player_tooltip player_id='221613' first='Alyssa' last='Hallman'] let the game come to early and didn't force anything. On this night, Hallman showed the touch from the midrange area of the floor and made those shots look easy. Hallman showed great leadership on the floor. She does a good job of protecting her young players and giving them an outlet at all times. Hallman is one of top scoring juniors in the State, averaging 18.3 points per game.     [player_tooltip player_id='1136120' first='Justice' last='Alderman'] was another young player (7th grader) who played well. Alderman can handle the ball, plays good defense, and can shoot the three with good form and confidence. Alderman sets up well and shoots on balance. Her second half three pointer from the top of the key was smooth and effortless. Alderman was very good on the defensive end and showed the ability on several occasions to rip the ball from a defender off the dribble. Alderman has great court presence and speed on the court.       [player_tooltip player_id='1136121' first='Charlee' last='Matos'] (8th grade) was another impressive middle schooler on the floor. She was a fearless competitor who has a smooth three point shot. When Matos let the three ball fly, it looked like money every time. She rebounded well, played solid defense, and showed good speed on the court.   She was also very calm under pressure and looked like she belonged on the floor.     [player_tooltip player_id='1003868' first='Israel' last='Hart'] is a senior we saw play earlier this year and the guard has very good speed on the court  and that translates well to the defensive end of the floor .  She plays passing lanes and any lazy pass or deflected pass often finds its way to Hart.  In two consecutive defensive series, she forced a turnover, a jumpball, and a travel.  Hart also was attacking the rim and playing down on the block. Quicknand drew fouls MBRP get o the line.  Hart blocked a shot on fast break with ease.  Made a three but not a consistent outside shooter. Gary all over the place on the defensive end.      [player_tooltip player_id='934624' first='Molly' last='Dean'] played well against Fort White. Dean was a leader on the floor and she put her team in position to be successful, especially her middle school teammates. Dean's unselfishness was as noticeable as her lock down defense and her ability to hit the boards from her guard position. She also knocked down a few threes in the game. She handles the ball throughout the game and also makes sure her young guards get the ball to her when under they are under duress.     [player_tooltip player_id='981281' first='Ya'Zuri' last='Hollie'] was the most dominant athlete on the floor and her abilities were noticeable. She was at her best when taking the ball to the rim. She was virtually unstoppable in the paint. She rebounded well on both ends of the court.     [player_tooltip player_id='1136123' first='Zryiah' last='Jones'] was causing problems on the floor. She had great length and athleticism. She showed an ability to play in the paint and also defend on the outside as well. Jones was active on defense and rebounded well and had a few blocked shots. She was never the first option on offense, but did take advantage of her height and decisive advantages when the opportunity presented itself.     [player_tooltip player_id='1003868' first='Israel' last='Hart'] is a senior we saw play earlier this year. Hart has a lot of athleticism and ability on the court. She was very fast and her speed was very evident on the defensive side of the ball. She played the passing lanes well and any lazy pass or deflected pass often found its way to Hart.  In three possessions by Hilliard, she forced a turnover, a jump-ball , and a travel violation.

We saw Hilliard over the summer and got a chance to see Fort White during the preseason. These two teams matched up last week and there was some serious talent on the floor, including three of the top middle school prospects in North Florida. In this article, we look at the standout prospects from this matchup that took place near Florida's Gateway in Columbia county.