The Lakeland Reveal: Young Guns in N Florida

Five teams from the First Coast made their way to Lakeland and shots were fired. Neither team won their respective championship, but each gained respect from around the State. Collectively, it sent a warning across the brow. Lakeland wasn't just a moment or blip on the radar. It symbolized a basketball movement on the First Coast. The majority of players on each roster played a part in the major shift that took place in Lakeland. Many First Coast Seniors rode that wave right on into college. Most of these team had some power house Juniors on the roster and they will help lead the charge back to Lakeland. These Juniors won't have to carry the torch alone. Last year many of these North Florida rosters were filled talented Freshman and Sophomore ballers and they too are ready to shine once again. In this article we focus on these young guns - the roles they played to make the more relevant, and more importantly the role they will play to keep the First Coast teams in North Florida relevant and repeat contenders for the State title.      [player_tooltip player_id='823463' first='Presley' last='Norman'] will be one of the top players on First Coast next season and arguably the best shooter on the First Coast. Norman was on the main focal points of the Bulldog's offensive attack last season and will likely be the first option on offense next season. Norman will be the focus of every team and they will be out to stop her from shooting the ball. She can handle the pressure, handle the rock, and handle the situation. She has always been impressive in the crucial moments and has always made the correct decision on the floor. Norman is like an ambassador for girls basketball on the First Coast and she and several others have earned that respect and responsibility.     Iturralde is another young player who is primed to lead the youth movement on the First Coast. Iturralde helped lead her team to the Final 4 in Lakeland as a Sophomore and in the process gained the recognition as one of the top young guards in the State of Florida. She received local recognition for her play, but Iturralde has gained a presence around the State with her appearance in the State tournament and with her affiliation in travel ball. The young guard runs the point with great awareness and court vision and does so with a high basketball IQ. The youth movement is in progress on the First Coast and there is starting to be a pipeline established for some of the State's top young recruits.     [player_tooltip player_id='400813' first='Asiana' last='McCreary'] had succesz last season dands helped her team make it to the Final 4 ion Lakeland. McCreary and company made an early exit, but gained some valuable experience in the process. McCreary is a versatile player who played on the inside and outside. She runs the floor well and is really good in the transition game. McCreary can step out and hit the three point shot and take it to the rim and score. Defensively, she can defend out on the perimeter and can also cover bigs in the paint with her length.     [player_tooltip player_id='515001' first='Jorrdann' last='Sibley'] has charisma and flair, but more importantly she has game to go with the flair. Sibley and company had an amazing ride to the State Finals in Lakeland and thw young guard performed admirably. She scored in every way imaginable - from the perimeter, behind the arc and in the paint. Sibling is a young playmaker who gets her teammates involved. On the defensive end, she dives for balls, takes charges, and finds herself getting off of the floor all game long.       Beyonce Jedinie performed well in Lakeland and is clearly a talented prospect. She has good height and can score in the paint as well as pull up from behind the arc. Her length, skillset, and agility were eye catching in Lakeland. She is a hidden gem on the First Coast and a prospect who represents the upward shift of talent in North Florida.     [player_tooltip player_id='1201829' first='Sawsan' last='Kamara'] shot the three ball over 40 percent and knocked down 80 threes last season. The young sniper was instrumental in helping her team get to Lakeland and cement their magical and historical journey to Lakeland. Kamara has a sweet shot and lets it go with confidence. She is an under the radar baller on the First Coast, and she is setting the narrative straight - there are some bonafide shooters on the First Coast and she is in the top 10 in the entire area.

Five teams from the First Coast made their way to Lakeland and shots were fired. Neither team won their respective championship, but each gained respect from around the State. Collectively, it sent a warning across the brow. Lakeland wasn't just a moment or blip on the radar. It symbolized a basketball movement on the First Coast. The majority of players on each roster played a part in the major shift that took place in Lakeland. Many First Coast Seniors rode that wave right on into college. Most of these team had some power house Juniors on the roster and they will help lead the charge back to Lakeland. These Juniors won't have to carry the torch alone. Last year many of these North Florida rosters were filled talented Freshman and Sophomore ballers and they too are ready to shine once again. In this article we focus on these young guns - the roles they played to make the more relevant, and more importantly the role they will play to keep the First Coast teams in North Florida relevant and repeat contenders for the State title.