Summer Superlatives from the Sunshine State: Part 1

The grassroots circuit once again served as the ultimate stage for prospects across the country—and Florida's talent made sure to leave its mark. All summer long, players from the Sunshine State showed their skills and talent on every stage, elevating their games, building or enhancing their reputations, and turning heads in the process. In this multi-part series, we spotlight some of the top performers from Florida, highlighting what makes these prospects special. From three point snipers to lockdown defenders, we're handing out summer superlatives that hilights each player's unique impact on the court.   “Sniper Skills” from Behind the Arc    No one shot the three ball better than [player_tooltip player_id='823463' first='Presley' last='Norman'], at least not in the circles that I visited. From the Sunshine State Showdown to team camps and from Showcases to Summer League, Norman was excellent shooting the three ball. Norman has a great shooting touch and she shoots the ball in rhythm and with confidence. She can shoot the three ball at anytime and her shot is always on line. Norman is a crunch time player and her shooting goes up in pressure pack moments. She also has a knack for finishing a team off. Presley shot over 40 percent last season and her accuracy during the travel season was on par if not better.    Dominant    [player_tooltip player_id='811751' first='Madi' last='Mignery'] was a beast all summer long and comes in as the most dominant player of the Grassroots period. You wouldn't go wrong if you said Hardy or Battles either. I saw Mignery early in the travel season and she single handily kept her team in games and erased deficits with her dominant play. Mignery's physicality and versatililty are already college-like and her multiple offers speaks volumes about her abilities. From her inside presence, controlling the glass on both ends, from knocking down the midrange to her three point scoring, Mignery was versatile and dominant - on the court and definitely on the recruiting trail.          Hilight Reel    [player_tooltip player_id='400817' first='Londyn' last='Tatum'] provided one of the top athletic plays of the Grassroots season. She took a pass in transition took one bounce and started her steps for the layup. Just a normal play right - not at all! Tatum had picked up the ball on the right elbow - behind the three point line (Similar to the Dr J Rock the Cradle play). She took her normal steps and covered the ground to get to the rim. What ensued next was as impressive as the ground she covered. Tatum layed it up with a finger roll that would have made George Gervin, the Ice Man proud. That play opened eyes and sent a message heard around the State.    Offensive Fire    [player_tooltip player_id='468627' first='Jasleen' last='Green'] handled the ball at the top of the key and faked going one direction and stepped back and shot a three ball. She had created so much space that she had time to line up the laces and take her time shooting the ball. She did this about 4 times in a row at the Sunshine Showdown and never looked back. Green has the handles and can get to the rim from anywhere on the court and has the strength to hold off defenders. Her offensive skill-set was on display all summer and the verdict is in. It was arguably the best in the State.    TWO Smooth (Pinnock and Clardy)    [player_tooltip player_id='248355' first='Alana' last='Pinnock'] was so steady all summer long and just displayed ability and maturity so far advanced for her age. She has the all around game and can score, handle the ball, handle the pressure, and be a team leader. Pinnock's midrange game is top level stuff and she can literally destroy an opponent shooting it. In offensive sets and during transition, Pinnock gets to her spots and makes the defense pay. She can also handle the ball and get to the rim. She is efficient, potent, and smooth and one of the hottest recruits in the State.     [player_tooltip player_id='880384' first='Jada' last='Clardy'] is one of the most gifted players in any class and her ability to score from anywhere on the floor separates her. She can get to the rim, shoot the mid-range, and shoot efficiently from behind the arc. She navigates around the court effortlessly and looks like a marvel hero in the process. She is just that smooth with it. Defensively, she gets after it and can steal the ball directly or snag it out of the air with her quickness, agility, and length. And once she gets into open court, Clardy knows what to do with it. It's no accident she is getting the power 5 offers. She is one of the top players in the State and oh so smooth with it.    Disruptive    [player_tooltip player_id='861113' first='Quin'Nya' last='Gray De Sanders'] was an incredible force on the basketball court, and the things she accomplished on the defensive end cannot be taught. She was incredible at showcases tournaments and even as far back as the State Championship. De Sanders has the ability to disrupt an offense by herself. She can run down a fast break and send the ball back in her team's direction for the score. She can be beaten and then catch up and gain the advantage. At the FABC showcase a reputable D-1 college coach called her the best athlete in the building.    Triple Threat    [player_tooltip player_id='248551' first='Alanna' last='Tatum'] is one of the top combo guards in the state—capable of running the point or sliding off the ball without missing a beat. Tatum can dominate the game on both ends of the court. Her ability to get a steal or rebound and take it coast to coast is what stood out in her last tournament. She scores with craftiness, speed, and power. On the offensive end, her handles ante elite, allowing her to get anywhere she wants on the floor and manipulating defenses with ease. She scores efficiently at all levels, using her creativity and athleticism to finish at the rim and knock down tough shots. Defensively, she's a nightmare—putting constant pressure on the ball and picking pockets with ease. If your handle isn't tight, she's taking it the other way. Simply put, Tatum is one of the most dynamic and athletic two-way guards in Florida.

The grassroots circuit once again served as the ultimate stage for prospects across the country—and Florida's talent made sure to leave its mark. All summer long, players from the Sunshine State showed their skills and talent on every stage, elevating their games, building or enhancing their reputations, and turning heads in the process. In this multi-part series, we spotlight some of the top performers from Florida, highlighting what makes these prospects special. From three point snipers to lockdown defenders, we're handing out summer superlatives that hilights each player's unique impact on the court.