First Coast: Young Prospects Emerging as Key Pieces

I've had a chance to attend a few tournaments, some local exposure tournaments, and watch a few games on the stream. A lot of young players are really making an impression and their individual games that once were just promising moments are now starting to look elite. In this article, we look at some of the 2028 and 2029 prospects on the First Coast who are breaking out and emerging as key pieces to their respective teams.    [player_tooltip player_id='400818' first='Kennedi' last='Tatum'] is a young baller who has stepped it up in the first half of the travel season and has really shined. Tatum is a total team player who makes the right basketball play and celebrates team results and not personal results. Her recognition of game situation is what impresses me. She reads the play well and plays with great instinct. Tatum can score when she needs to. She has a smooth three point shot, she attacks the rim with purpose, and has a nice float game. Tatum has played on varsity for several years, has been part of some high-stakes moments, including a trip to the final four in Lakeland. She was a great role player then, but now she has expanded her skill-set and will have more responsibility on the floor. She has now broken out and will be a player to contend with for the next few years.       [player_tooltip player_id='1003136' first='Skylar' last='Wilson'] was was one of the most impressive young players I have seen over the past few months. It starts with her confidence on the floor. The budding star played in a lot of meaningful games last year and it has served as fuel for the young guard. She attacks the rim with pure purpose and doesn't shy away from the physicality. Wilson sees the floor well and is a selfless play maker. Sometimes she attacks just to draw the defense and then dishes to an open teammate. Defensively, she plays with active hands and great anticipation, constantly disrupting passing lanes. Her on-the ball defense is very disruptive and leads to steals and easy layups on the other end. Wilson played this role well last season, but her role will be increased significantly. With all of this talent, she will be looked upon as a young team leader. Wilson is the kind of player who will embrace such a role as she heads into her Freshman season.       [player_tooltip player_id='514916' first='Caeli' last='Weaver'] is emerging as a young player to be reckoned with. Weaver has brought a strong presence in the middle and continues to show great improvement to her game. Offensively, she can step out and score in the midrange area and she can stretch the defense with her ability to knock down the three-ball. Defensively, Weaver makes the opponent take notice. She blocks shots and alters even more. She is a force in the middle and is emerging as a key player for her high school team. Her emergence as a key player, will open up her team's offense and allow others to play in their natural positions when she is on the floor.     [player_tooltip player_id='1246258' first='Danessa' last='Pierce'] is a young player you might want to pay attention to. She is a selfless player who makes it look effortless at times. Pierce has great court presence and seems to always be in control. Smooth is the word that often comes to mind when watching the young Freshman play. Pierce plays very good defense. She has active and quick hands and does a great job of anticipating passes. She plays the passing lanes well, and has a knack for stealing it and taking it the other way. Pierce caught my eye last year and you could see the talent even in limited playing time. Her time on the court is definitely going to be increased as she is on a promising trajectory and will be a key player on a very young Fleming Island team.     [player_tooltip player_id='1090912' first='Mamie' last='Burkett'] has a State Championship appearance under her belt and she did some good things every time I saw her on the floor. Burkett performed well in the regular season and played a big role as Bolles navigated through the distric and regional playoffs. Burkett is a very good communicator on the floor and she barks out assignments to all of her teammates, including he older teammates. A Freshman holding her teammates accountable is special. That's an intangible you can't teach. She brings physicality, confidence and grit to the table. She will be a key player for the Bulldogs this upcoming season.

I've had a chance to attend a few tournaments, some local exposure tournaments, and watch a few games on the stream. A lot of young players are really making an impression and their individual games that once were just promising moments are now starting to look elite. In this article, we look at some of the 2028 and 2029 prospects on the First Coast who are breaking out and emerging as key pieces to their respective teams.