Gateway Finals Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this article,&nbsp; we look at the Gateway Finals in Duval County. The matchup had college talent&nbsp; all over it and college coaches should request the footage and film from this one.&nbsp; This matchup featured a&nbsp; D-1 commit on one side, &nbsp; several D-1 offers on the other side,&nbsp; countless other college offers,&nbsp; and likely more offers to come.&nbsp; The Gateway finals between Ribault and&nbsp; Andrew Jackson delivered and here are some of the standouts </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1148707,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/DSC00554.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1148707" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='430455' first='Kimora' last='Hester'] was the most electrifying player on the floor, and arguably the most talented. That's saying a lot considering all the talent that was on the court. Her physical strength,  leaping ability, basketball IQ, defensive abilities, and her unstoppable midrange shot were on an elite level. The Jacksonville University commit was spectacular and virtually unstoppable. She was also a leader on the court, always encouraging her younger teammates. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1148713,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/DSC00708.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1148713" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='221598' first='Trinity' last='Berry'] was a clutch performer, showcasing a shooting touch and drive that elite players have. Berry is a player who can rise to the occasion and is not afraid of the moment. Her resiliency stood out. When her team was down in the first half, Berry made a layup and a three pointer to close the scoring margin. In the second half, it was more of the same. Then Berry took it to another level and went on a shooting rampage, with a step back three off the dribble and several deep three pointers off of the catch. The Sophomore Berry has several D-1 offers and there will be more to come. She solidified herself as one of the top Sophomores on the First Coast and in the State. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1148724,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/DSC00662.jpeg?w=734" alt="" class="wp-image-1148724" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='248555' first='Trista' last='Brown'] provided leadership and sealed the game down the stretch with ball handling and clutch freethrows.&nbsp; Brown showed the ability to lead a team from the point guard position. She made several assists that were back breakers and took shots when they were presented. On one drive she set up her big on the right after driving left as if to shoot. Brown also attacked when she needed to and showcased a nice pull-up jumper in transition with the defender on their heels. All those tangibles were out in the front, but it was the leadership and the high basketball IQ that were at the forefront. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1148734,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/DSC00602.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1148734" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='221646' first='Terrannya' last='Medlock'] was one of the most versatile player on the court. &nbsp; Her ability to play inside and outside has always been her forte, and those skills were apparent in the Gateway finals. Medlock was connecting on layups in the paint and in transition, and then moved out behind the three point line to hit a clutch three from the top of the key. Medlock helped with the ball handling duties on occasion and was productive as usual on the boards. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1148794,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/DSC00670.jpeg?w=500" alt="" class="wp-image-1148794" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='515110' first='Jacoreyn' last='Andrews'] has been the spark plug all season and her hustle makes her a fan favorite every night. Andrews didn't disappoint. There was a series of plays that “seemed” like: she stole the ball, got the rebound, deflected a pass, dove for the loose ball, saved it to a teammate, got the offensive rebound, and put it back up for the score. Her hustle on the floor had as much impact on the game as the threes, free-throws, and transitional layups. Andrews was also instrumental on the defensive end, taking on the challenge of defending Hester and some of the other athletic prospects. She played defense, grabbed offensive rebounds, and seemed to always come up with a loose ball when her team needed a play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1148850,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/DSC00616.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1148850" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='928406' first='Malekhi' last='Merritt'] played very well during the Gateway tournament and was one of the top standouts. Her athleticism and ability to get to the rim was were special.&nbsp; Merritt also showcased a nice three point shot and connected on at least one long range bomber. Loose balls were a friend of Merritt as she got to a lot of them. Her ability to track the ball and get to it before anyone else did was impressive. Quick, fast, athletic, and other superlatives would probably fit. The Sophomore's stock is on the rise and her performance in the Gateway Finals proves it and elevates it even further. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1149015,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/DSC00560.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1149015" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='430248' first='Destiny' last='Donaldson'] was taking it to the rim and was forcing the official to make a call.&nbsp; A few calls went her way and a few went the other way, but her relentless pursuit of the rim was undeniable. Donaldson played her usual game on the defensive end and rebounded well. She showcased her ball handling skills off of rebounds, often securing the rebound and leading the break herself. Donaldson also got to the free-throw line a few times, as she is known for getting there often with her relentless pursuit of offensive rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->