Handling Business in the Pan Handle

In this article, we look at some of the top players out in West Florida, the area known as the panhandle. There are many good ball players out there in the panhandle. Some are nationally known, and some are known in the State as several made it to the state championship in Lakeland in their respective classes. Whether national, State, or locally, the area is littered with under the radar talent.    [player_tooltip player_id='751628' first='Chamiah' last='Francis'] was a dominant force for the first 20 games of last season, averaging nearly 15 points and 10.4 rebounds. Francis generally had her way on the floor. She plays with physicality and grace at the same time. Francis handled business until she sustained an injury before the push for the State playoffs . Looking forward to seeing this talented star back on the court.     [player_tooltip player_id='880384' first='Jada' last='Clardy'] is one of the hottest prospects in the State and she is poised to have a special live period over the summer. Rewind to one year ago, Clardy was showcasing her abilities at the FABC High School showcase. Her game was impressive and at the time it was on the lower spectrum of her undeniable talents. Fast forward to the PGH Expo in Central Florida and she was the top guard in the building as a Freshman. Clardy was converting on layups at the rim, pulling up for jumpers anywhere on the court, and her three point shooting efficiency was at an elite level. Clardy has just taken off from there and is one of the top 2028 prospects in the entire State. She has received multiple Power 5 offers.     [player_tooltip player_id='1205018' first='Jacee' last='Bowers'] was one of the top Freshman I saw at the state Championship tournament in Lakeland this past season. She was a cold Freshman who could really ball. The young guard averaged 11.8 points per game knocked down 34 three pointers as a Freshman averaged and 4.3 assists per game. Bowers stood out in the State Championship, showing the ability to score on the inside and also score on the perimeter. Her competitiveness did not go unnoticed. She battled until the end.     [player_tooltip player_id='741323' first='Nylah' last='Brooks'] had a breakout season last year, not just in stats, but in efficiency, skills, and confidence. Next to “pan-handle” she might have the best handles in West Florida. Brooks has very good court vision and does a good job of passing the ball. She can make the basic entry pass and also has the ability to thread the needle. Defensively, she has great anticipation and also plays the passing lanes very well. Offensively, she can score the ball, but as the queen of the “pan”handles, Brooks is a playmaker who makes players around her better.     [player_tooltip player_id='1117631' first='Amirahs' last='Hayes'] got her team to the State playoffs and did so in impressive fashion. Hayes had a lot of responsibilities on her team. She was the primary ball handler and the top outside shooter on her team. Hayes also utilized her speed and quickness to put pressure on opposing guards. She also stood out in the transition game with her ability to handle the ball, see the court, score the ball, and dish to the open teammates.     [player_tooltip player_id='1158177' first='Laila' last='Snow'] was really impressive the few times I saw her on the high school network. Snow has athleticism, good skills, and can really handle the ball.   She can get down hill and can shoot the step back three.  She has the ability to create her own shot and can also make plays for her teammates.     [player_tooltip player_id='514577' first='Makiyah' last='McHenry'] was dynamic last year at the FABC High School tournament in Gainesville. She had guards at her mercy with that explosive First step. McHenry breaks defenses down and can get to the rim and score. She is exciting to watch in transition and is very intentional at pushing the tempo. She also makes her presence felt on the defensive end with her on-ball pressure.

In this article, we look at some of the top players out in West Florida, the area known as the panhandle. There are many good ball players out there in the panhandle. Some are nationally known, and some are known in the State as several made it to the state championship in Lakeland in their respective classes. Whether national, State, or locally, the area is littered with under the radar talent.