FABC Notes: Guards Who are Shaping the Landscape

In this article, we continue looking at young prospects who played well at the FABC Showcase. Their play showcased their outstanding talent, but also helped bring the future of girls basketball into clearer focus. We saw evolving programs and rising stars at the FABC Showcase. In this article, we look at some of these exciting prospects who are shaping the landscape of High School Basketball.    [player_tooltip player_id='1134047' first='Delanie' last='Doty'] stood out early and often showcasing her sharp shooting skills at the Showcase. One shot she made from the corner tells it all. In transition she ran and positioned herself in the corner. As the pass was coming she positioned her body towards the basket, caught the ball and lets the shot fly as the defense closed out hard and fast. Too late - nothing but nets. Doty has great footwork, very good handles, and is quick and fast on the court. She showcased an ability to get to the rim and often opened up shooting opportunities for herself and her teammates. Her ability to maneuver into the paint and pull-up for mid-range shot was also on display.     Janell Houston displayed poise and skill in the post and and a shooting touch from behind the three point arc. She's crafty around the basket and has a smooth mid-range jumper from the free-throw line area. Houston uses her body well to shield defenders and create space. She has the ability to counter everything the defense does and plays with great instincts and a natural feel for the game. On defense she has the ability to lock down the opposition with aggressive and physical play. Houston burst on the scene last season and she is slowly solidifying herself as one of the top prospects on the First Coast       [player_tooltip player_id='743520' first='Kimora' last='Green'] was really impressive at the FABC Showcase. [player_tooltip player_id='743520' first='Kimora' last='Green'] made plays all over the floor. She hit several long threes, got to the rim on drives and connected on a few short range jumpers. She was most impressive in the transition game, where she scored in flurries. A lot of Green's transitional scores were created by relentless pressure on the ball and her anticipation in the passing lanes. She played off of her teammate's pressure and set up steals and fast breaks as a result. Green exhibited a high basketball IQ and showed a competitive nature that was on a "something to prove" level. Her intensity and more importantly, her production caught the attention of several college coaches and elevated her stock in the process. Green is a player to be reckoned with and her positive impact on Tampa basketball has been set in motion.     Alanna Fabrin knocked displayed a truly special shooting touch at the FABC Showcase. This past weekend, Fabrini let a confident three fly and hit nothing but the bottom of the nets. Her shot is smooth and she knows how to get her shot off. She is a perimeter threat that opens the floor for all of her talented teammates. She can also handle the ball and does a good job of passing the ball to teammates in rhythm. Fabrini will be a huge contributor to her team's state title run next year. She connected on 45 threes as an 8th grader. She has the shooting ability to double that mark.     Sharpe was a disruptive force with her relentless on-ball pressure. She played with elite speed, quick hands, and a motor that consistently frustrated opposing guards. Whether in full-court press or half-court sets, Sharpe applied the pressure that led to steals by her or her teammates. Her back-court partner feasted off of the pressure Sharpe put on defenders. Sharpe also got her share of steals off the ball as well. She showed exceptional anticipation—jumping the passing lanes. She also was great defending picks with her ability to switch on defense. Offensively, Sharpe can shoot the three, shoot the short jumper, or blow by a defender and get to the rim. She has the ability to score at the rim with craftiness and with either hand. She makes good decisions with the ball in her hands and she can push tempo with the best of the guards in the State. Sharpe's hustle and instincts make her a difference-maker on both end of the floor. Her abilities were apparent at the FABC Showcase and show that she is a guard who helping change the power structure of girls basketball in the Tampa Bay area.     [player_tooltip player_id='933334' first='Shelby' last='Gaines'] operated on an elite level at the FABC showcase. Her scoring ability, court vision, and toughness could not be denied. Gaines was one of the most impressive guards in the building. Offensively, she has the ability to beat a defender off of the dribble. What makes her even better is that she can instinctively counter that move with a change of pace or change of direction. Gainesville has the ability to stop on a dime and hit you with the pull up mid-range shot. In a game where the three ball is prevalent, Gaines thrives in the mid-range area. Her defense on the ball was also impressive. It led to many steals and scores. Gaines displayed great instincts and quick hands and got her share of baskets in transition as a result. Her ability to score in multiple ways was apparent at the FABC. Several coaches commented on her pursuit of the basket and her ability to score. One coach affectionately called her a “beast” on the basketball court. Her leadership and ability to elevate the players around her were also on display. Gaines is a guard who has elevated her stock and is causing a shift in the guard hierarchy on the First Coast and around the State as well.     [player_tooltip player_id='823463' first='Presley' last='Norman'] continued her lights-out shooting at the FABC showcase. She is earning a reputation as one of the top three-point snipers in the State of Florida. Norman consistently knocked down shots at the FABC and had college coaches talking. Defenses were keying on her which opened up opportunities for her teammates. Beyond her elite shooting, Norman has a great ball IQ and good passing skills. She played well at the FABC and helped her team go 4-0 in some barn burners. Norman's game has evolved and she displayed a lot of leadership and skill on the floor. Her performance was exceptional and she is definitely shaping the basketball landscape in North Florida and is in the conversation for the top shooters in the State of Florida.

In this article, we continue looking at young prospects who played well at the FABC Showcase. Their play showcased their outstanding talent, but also helped bring the future of girls basketball into clearer focus. We saw evolving programs and rising stars at the FABC Showcase. In this article, we look at some of these exciting prospects who are shaping the landscape of High School Basketball.