First Coast 2026 Bigs “Painting” the Foundation

In this article we look at some of the 2026 power forwards and Centers who have gained prominence in the State from their play in the paint. This list is a powerhouse list and having this much talent in one area is telling. It supports the narrative that girls basketball on the First Coast has made a major shift and the talent in the 2026 class can rival that of any area in the State of Florida.    [player_tooltip player_id='515102' first='Madilyn' last='Ray'] came on the scene with a lot of polish as a Freshman. Ray is a talent that college coaches yearn for - a big who you can run an offense through and she has the ability not dissect a defense apart with the pass or shot.   That was her skill-set as a 9th grader.  Ray is looking to make a complete comeback this season after a few setbacks.  The talent is undeniable and the 2026 campaign could be one for the ages for this talented big who can do it all.      [player_tooltip player_id='722919' first='Julianna' last='Baskin'] is another big time prospect in the 2026 class.  For the past 2 seasons she has been a beast  and has anchored the middle for a Providence team that has made it to the the Finals in Lakeland the last two seasons.  Baskin really played well in the State Championship game, knocking down several beautiful midrange shots. If she shoots it like that consistently her Senior season, she is going to be unstoppable. Baskin has ruled the boards and has controlled the middle on the defensive end over the past two seasons. She averaged nearly a double double as a Sophomore and flirted with a double double average last season.   Baskin plays with an edge and it rubs off on her teammates. She is laying down a foundation and pipeline for the future - and for now.     [player_tooltip player_id='400786' first='Imani' last='Henderson'] has been balling out on the big stage on the Grassroots circuit.    Henderson left a void on the First Coast  travel season,  but re-emerged this season as a force- a talent so undeniable that coaches are showing interest.   Henderson led her school to a Gateway final appearance and a District title in her Sophomore year.   Henderson recommitted to the sport this travel season and her team has been one of the most impressive teams on the Grassroots circuit.   Henderson runs the floor like a guard,  establishes great position in the post, and has shown ability to dominate in the middle of the paint.  Defensively,  she is a rim protector who blocks shots and changes even more. One thing that has always impressed me is her ability to lock in at the most pivotal moment of an event.  She consistently makes the key block, grabs the key rebound,  or scores the main bucket in the clutch.   This travel season,   she has shown a lot of growth to her game and a total commitment to her craft.  Her touch in her mid-range shots has been impressive, and her ability to pass the ball out of double teams and the ability to pass to her big on the other side has revealed her basketball IQ.  A talent like Henderson will have the recruiters traveling to the First Coast and making a stop on Henderson Ave.      [player_tooltip player_id='514521' first='Brie' last='McCoy'] showed great progress from her Sophomore to her Junior season and it was noticeable.  Her  mid-range game was vastly improved, and she attacked the paint with more purpose.  Her three point shooting improved to the point that she can stretch the defense and open up driving lanes for herself and teammates.   McCoy is learning to make in-game adjustments and use any of her tools at any given  time - reacting to how the defense is defending her.    She was in the double - double neighborhood all of last season and had several games where she approached 20 rebounds.   McCoy's game has continued to develop over the summer and her senior year could be one that solidifies her as a major player at the 4 position.        [player_tooltip player_id='864101' first='Jayda' last='Parker'] is another  big who is solidifying herself as a solid forward on the First  Coast.  On the heels of a recent offer, Parker has displayed versatility that will garner even more attention.   She was really impressive several weeks ago on the defensive end, especially when she was challenged. Parker also nailed several threes, showing her versatility at the power forward position.  She displayed some  good footwork and showed some athleticism.   A strong summer league experience and a strong July live period and she will positioned as recruit to be reckoned with - ultimately receiving more offers.

In this article we look at some of the 2026 power forwards and Centers who have gained prominence in the State from their play in the paint. This list is a powerhouse list and having this much talent in one area is telling. It supports the narrative that girls basketball on the First Coast has made a major shift and the talent in the 2026 class can rival that of any area in the State of Florida.