Guard Standouts at the Dawning of a New Year

There was a lot of basketball played over the new year weekend. And this article we look at some of the stand-up performances from players of all classes and positions.    [player_tooltip player_id='514608' first='Evelyn' last='Freeman'] was a blur at times as she ran up and down the court at the New Year Classic. Usually, it was after a steal or on a fast break that you saw one of the fastest players on 94 feet. Speed wasn't the only part of Freeman's game that was on display. She put the ball in the basket from anywhere on the floor. She showcased the explosive first step going left or right, and she finished at a high rate. Freeman also introduced some to her ability to stop on a dime and pull-up in the midrange area. which Then there were the pinpoint passes that continued to dish to her power forward on the blocks. Freeman has the ability to draw a help side defender and pass the ball at just the right time and location. The basketball IQ for Freeman was evident and sometimes she manipulated a defense by advancing the ball and cutting at the precise moment to get it back. On defense, Freeman was causing some problems and creating turnovers. Her on-ball pressure was on point. She was a standout on both ends of the court, and that set her apart from a lot of talented guards in the building.       [player_tooltip player_id='823463' first='Presley' last='Norman'] continued to make the case as the top three point shooter in North Florida. That's a big statement considering there are 4 to 5 prospects in North Florida who would be in that conversation. Presley shot the ball extremely well behind the three point line And was also efficient from the midrange area. She also showed great court vision and great defense on one play. She stole the ball and threw a full court pass to her point guard who ran under the pass and scored. Presley is a baller and she is consistent and efficient.       [player_tooltip player_id='900318' first='Kayla' last='Greyvensteyn'] made her presence felt and she and her team had a very productive weekend. As soon as you lay eyes on her, you notice her athleticism. Once the ball is tipped you notice her versatile game and the impact she makes on a team. She rebounds extremely well from the guard position and can push the ball up the floor. Gravensrein can also finish at the rim from the left or the right and can finish with a high degree of difficulty as well. On one play transition, Gravenstein finish on the break with a reverse layup from the middle of the lane with a defender covering her. She played well and has standout plays like this. She probably did more things that went unnoticed, including the calmness and competitiveness she brought to the floor.     [player_tooltip player_id='419934' first='Abby' last='Price'] was getting her feet set, shooting on balance, and killing it and opponent a as well. Price has the ability to catch and shoot the rock and she is deadly off the step back three. She also brought ball handling, defense, rebounding, experience, composure, and a competitive nature to her team. The Price was right at the New Year Classic. That could be a premonition for the remainder of the year. Tatum got to rim a few times, and connected on a few midrange shots.     [player_tooltip player_id='248551' first='Alanna' last='Tatum'] was a dominant force over the New Year holiday weekend. She has continued to play at a high level. Tatum was a problem on the defensive end, often preventing players from driving to the rim. She consistently got deflections and steals. On the rate occasion when a defender did get by, she had had the speed and ability to recover and tip the ball away. Tatum controlled the pace and flow and was the coach on the floor. Tatum raised the intensity and was a standout against 2 of the top players in the 2025 class.     [player_tooltip player_id='346818' first='Jayden' last='Terry'] was on her A-game over the New Year break and as usual, she had the ability to make it look easy at times. Terry was playing against the Tatum sisters and that made for some good action, especially when matched up against Alanna. Tatum has the handles and the ability to maneuver though traffic. She is crafty, and intelligent, and can put a defender in a bind and in foul trouble. At the New Year event, Terry shot it well, and was even more effective at getting into the heart of the defense and scoring.     [player_tooltip player_id='400817' first='Londyn' last='Tatum'] continued the “breakout” tour and was a pivotal player in a close matchup and against Gainesville. The young Tatum was versatile on offense, scoring on a corner three, a floater off the glass, another corner three, and clutch free-throws to hold off the opponent. Tatum also handled the ball well during the pressure moments of the game. The Freshman guard played well and showed that she is one of the top Freshman in North Florida and will be a player to be reckoned with.

There was a lot of basketball played over the new year weekend. And this article we look at some of the stand-up performances from players of all classes and positions.