Summer Superlatives from the Sunshine State- Part 2

The Grassroots stage saw a lot of great players and performances. Part 2 of our superlative articles continue to recognize those players who made an impression, left their mark, and elevated their status. The following players made this summer a special one and we recognize them and the superlatives that best describe each prospect.   The Heart and Soul of a Champion - [player_tooltip player_id='646515' first='Zoey' last='Brown']    [player_tooltip player_id='646515' first='Zoey' last='Brown'] has the heart of a champion, and though it sounds like a cliche', it's the truth. Brown help lead her high school team to a State Championship and did so as a Freshman. She is mentally tough and facing the expectations last season is the proof. But Brown has more than the intangibles, she has the game and the pedigree. Brown is a play maker and a competitor. One college coach went in further and stated “[player_tooltip player_id='646515' first='Zoey' last='Brown'] is good as anyone in the State in any class. She makes decisions on the fly and has an enormous feel for the game and a high basketball IQ.    Quiet Storm- [player_tooltip player_id='722918' first='Kasey' last='Davey']    [player_tooltip player_id='722918' first='Kasey' last='Davey']  (cover) is one of Jacksonville's most complete and underrated stars—a quiet killer who impacts the game on both ends. She rebounds at a high level thanks to her athleticism, anticipation, and high basketball IQ, often outworking and outsmarting opponents. Defensively, she's a lock-down presence with the quickness and length to guard multiple positions, block shots, and create turnovers. Offensively, Davis has a smooth pull-up midrange, can knock down the three, and is one of the best transition finishers in the state. Whether she's scoring, defending, or making hustle plays, Davis consistently proves she's among the top players on the First Coast and beyond.    Electric - [player_tooltip player_id='1003136' first='Skylar' last='Wilson']    [player_tooltip player_id='1003136' first='Skylar' last='Wilson'] was one of the most exciting young players I saw over the summer. She wasn't just exciting, she was electric. Wilson ran the show on the offensive end and then anchored the defense by covering the opponent's toughest ball handler. Wilson was fast, aggressive, and physical on the floor and was able to hold up against older and bigger players. Wilson's three point shot looked good and she was efficient as well. Her drives to the rim were also productive. Wilson was able to get by defenders and finish or get to the free-throw line on a consistent basis. On defense, she is quick enough to stop drives to the rim. On several occasions, she took charges and gave her team extra possessions.    Early Impactful Transfer-[player_tooltip player_id='221599' first='Caelyn' last='Carter']    [player_tooltip player_id='221599' first='Caelyn' last='Carter'] joined the Bulldogs this summer and the addition paid early dividends at the FABC Showcase and at subsequent locations. Carter brings another three point shooter to a team looking to replace the production of lengendary Abby Knauff. Carter wasted no time making the impact when she knocked down the game winning three pointer in one of her inaugural games. Carter brought the defensive energy to the team with her speed and ability to play the passing lanes. Her quickness compliments the team and makes Bolles a dangerous team in transition. Carter also handled the ball well, had positive drives to the rim, and she rebounded well from the guard position and her addition to the team was impactful over the summer.    The It Factor - Yahri Tyler    Some players have stats. Some have skills. [player_tooltip player_id='463719' first='Yahri' last='Tyler'] has the “It” factor that can't be taught. From the moment she steps on the floor, she draws attention with her presence, her poise, and her undeniable athleticism. At UNF, she made an athletic finish look routine—twisting midair to score. "It" was the full sequence that told the story: directing teammates into position, scoring with flair, and helping an opponent off the floor. Tyler dominates in the paint, rising above bigger post players and finishing through traffic. She's explosive in the paint and smooth in transition which defines her versatility. Averaging 19.7 points and 11.7 rebounds per game, she's a walking double-double—but the numbers only tell half the story. What sets her apart is how she carries herself. She plays with passion and skill, leads with humility, and makes the game look natural. In other words, [player_tooltip player_id='463719' first='Yahri' last='Tyler'] has the "It" factor.    Steady and Reliable- [player_tooltip player_id='722922' first='Kennedy' last='Loux']    [player_tooltip player_id='722922' first='Kennedy' last='Loux'] is one of the top guards in the state. A proven lead guard over the past two to three years, she consistently takes command of the offense and controls the tempo. Loux is a multilevel scorer —capable of scorching defenses with her midrange shot, and knocking down the three-ball with confidence and consistency. Her control and feel for the game is advanced; she makes smart reads, and delivers the ball on time. Loux's decision-making and poise under pressure reflect her high basketball IQ. Loux has been a quiet leader since she was a Sophomore and this year her leadership will be out front and center. No worries, she is as talented as any guard in the State- and she will always be steady and reliable.    Game Elevation - [player_tooltip player_id='933334' first='Shelby' last='Gaines']    No player made a bigger leap this season than Shelby Gains. Her growth has been undeniable and she still plays with the team first mentality. Gaines can attack the rim with the best of them, using her athleticism and fearlessness to finish strong in traffic. Her improved mid-range game has become a reliable weapon making her a tough cover. Defensively, she's a disrupter. With quick hands and active feet, Gaines causes havoc on the ball. She applies pressure and consistently breaks up the opponent's offensive rhythm. In transition, she's a difference-maker and play maker —able to score on the break or create opportunities for others with good court vision and timely decision-making. Whether finishing the play or initiating it, [player_tooltip player_id='933334' first='Shelby' last='Gaines'] has elevated her game, increased her stock, and has emerged as a two-way play maker. At the FABC showcase, a college coach commented on her intensity and her ability to score against anyone and in any situation.    The Floor General - [player_tooltip player_id='741323' first='Nylah' last='Brooks']    [player_tooltip player_id='741323' first='Nylah' last='Brooks'] has repeatedly shown that she is the floor general. On a team filled with talent, she's the engine that keeps everything running smoothly. Brooks stands out with her court vision, sharp decision-making, and unselfish play. She controls the pace, makes timely pin point passes, and consistently puts her teammates in positions to succeed. Defensively, she brings intensity and awareness, and help sets the tone on that end as well. Her leadership, poise, and ability to impact both ends of the floor make her a truly special point guard. She and her teammates are always in sync and that's a testament to Brook's leadership as the "floor general."

The Grassroots stage saw a lot of great players and performances. Part 2 of our superlative articles continue to recognize those players who made an impression, left their mark, and elevated their status. The following players made this summer a special one and we recognize them and the superlatives that best describe each prospect.