Grassroots Observation: First Coast Ballers Off to Running Start

With the travel season now officially under way, one of the things that's really noticeable is the level of excitement and level of play coming out of the Jacksonville area. In this article we take a look at some of the basketball prospects who are making noise early in the grassroots season.     [player_tooltip player_id='633529' first='Mia' last='Chandler'] has received some nice “pub” for her play early in the travel season. Chandler is a 6'0 forward who has the ability to play the three, four, and even the five position (depending on the matchup). Chandler thrives on the transition game and wreaks havoc in the middle of the paint with an array of spin and pivot moves. She is explosive on her attacks to the rim. Her efforts on the offensive rebound are elite and she has the ability to score often on put-backs. Chandler also battles on the defensive boards and her quick jumping ability and quickness to the ball allows her to win a lot of 50-50 battles.       [player_tooltip player_id='823463' first='Presley' last='Norman'] continues to shoot the ball at a very high rate and she was definitely a standout at the recent showcase in Tampa. Norman has the shooting range and touch and the bigger the moment, the better she performs. The biggest difference noticed was her ball handling. Already a young star at the two, Norman is showing nice handles on press breaks and getting her team into the offense. There are not many shooters around who are as efficient and consistent shooting the “J.” Presley was one of the shooters I saw from the State of Florida at Sunshine State Showdown.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/04/DSC07948.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1233198" /></figure>     [player_tooltip player_id='738971' first='Gabi' last='Iturralde'] was really impressive in the first week of travel season and really played well off the ball. Iturralde usually handles the ball, but she was able to show her ability to move without the ball, and get in position to catch and shoot some quality shots. Her defense was also on point in the Sunshine Showdown. She showed great anticipation in the passing lanes, but was also impressive with her on-ball aggressive defense.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/04/DSC07985.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1233202" /></figure>     [player_tooltip player_id='844873' first='Sara' last='Dagba'] continues to play at a very high level with a quiet demeanor. Don't let the low key persona fool you, Dagba can mix it up on the inside as well on the perimeter. She was very impressive with her versatility. The personnel dictated her playing on the inside some, and she was a force against some talented players. Dagba connected in some nice midrange shots and a deep corner three. She is so smooth with it and is definitely a baller to watch this summer.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/04/DSC07596.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1233203" /></figure>     [player_tooltip player_id='514609' first='Zara' last='Griffith'] is that player that's going to give you energy, production, and more energy. I saw her briefly at the Sunshine Showdown and she was bringing physicality as well. If there is a loose ball rolling on the floor or and offensive rebound waiting to be snagged, Griffith is likely in the area. The power forward ran the floor well and finished strong. Griffith is no stranger to the First Coast, but seeing her in the power position is a treat. You see the versatility that she brings to the court.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/04/DSC07693.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1233208" /></figure>     [player_tooltip player_id='514625' first='Sophia' last='Scibelli'] looked really good at the Showdown earlier this month and what really stood out were a few things: Her ability to attack the rim under control, her ability to score the ball, her court vision and ability to advance the ball with the vertical pass, and the most impressive part of her game was her confidence. Scibelli had a breakout season averaging 17 points per game and her game reflects that. She is a selfless and exciting player who will be exciting to watch throughout this travel season.

With the travel season now officially under way, one of the things that's really noticeable is the level of excitement and level of play coming out of the Jacksonville area. In this article we take a look at some of the basketball prospects who are making noise early in the grassroots season.