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<p>In this article, we spotlight some of the most dynamic backcourts on the First Coast and adjacent areas. These duos come in different forms—two seasoned veterans working in sync, or an experienced leader paired with a young rising star. From my observation, the result is the same: exciting, dangerous combinations that create problems for the opposition.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='738971' first='Gabi' last='Iturralde'] & [player_tooltip player_id='912252' first='Naomi' last='Gill'] – Consistency Meets Rising Stardom</strong></h3>
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<p>This pairing has the chance to be truly special. Iturralde has been holding it down since her freshman year, showing consistent growth each season and through every AAU campaign. After an excellent summer, her status as one of the top point guards in both the state and the First Coast is undeniable. Gill, meanwhile, has been on the radar for several years. Even as early as sixth- grade, her defensive instincts stood out, and she has always played up an age group in travel ball. At the FABC Showcase, her quickness, explosiveness, decision-making, and quiet confidence separated her from the competition. She was also a major contributor on one of the top 15U teams in the grassroots period and was one of the youngest players on the court. "Gabi and Gill" form a balanced tandem of leadership and youthful star power. These two will be a fun backcourt to watch.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='515001' first='Jorrdann' last='Sibley'] & [player_tooltip player_id='947069' first='Destiny' last='Sanders'] – Playmaker Meets Shooter</strong></h3>
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<p>This duo has the makings of something exciting. Sibley is a natural playmaker who thrives in transition, advances the ball with poise, and has the ability to both score and create for teammates. Her unselfishness and craftiness at the same time are characteristics that set her apart. Sanders, transferring in from San Jose Prep, brings deadly three-point shooting and crafty offensive moves to the table. She turned heads in the summer with her three point shooting , catching the eyes of college coaches. With Sibley's ability to run the show and Sanders' confident shot-making, this tandem will be fun to watch develop.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='514608' first='Evie' last='Freeman'] & [player_tooltip player_id='823463' first='Presley' last='Norman'] – Dangerous and Clutch</strong></h3>
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<p>Freeman is the do-everything guard who can slash to the rim, pull up in the mid-range, and keep defenses on their heels. Freeman also wreaks havoc on the defensive end, where she can control a game with her defensive effort alone. Norman, meanwhile, has long established herself as a closer. She carries a take-no-mercy mindset and is the player you want with the ball when the game is on the line. Since eighth grade (on Varsity), she has been hitting daggers— often burying teams in the fourth quarter to seal a win. Together, Freeman's versatility and Norman's killer instinct form one of the most dangerous backcourts on the First Coast.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1043236' first='Abigail' last='Robinson'] & [player_tooltip player_id='755319' first='Audrey' last='Rollins'] – Energy and Shooting</strong></p>
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<p>Robinson and Rollins complement each other perfectly and are one of the under- the- radar guard tandems on the First Coast. Robinson brings non-stop energy, relentless rim attacks, and defensive intensity, while Rollins is a fearless and consistent perimeter shooter who can score in transition or in the half-court. Robinson's playmaking opens up opportunities for Rollins' shooting, and Rollins' ability to stretch the floor creates driving lanes for Robinson. It's a combination of energy and precision that will cause problems for opponents this season.<br></p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750603' first='Judah' last='Smith'] & [player_tooltip player_id='1035278' first='Presley' last='Brinkley'] – Youthful Confidence Meets Senior Leadership</strong></h3>
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<p>At Creekside, freshman [player_tooltip player_id='750603' first='Judah' last='Smith'] and senior [player_tooltip player_id='1035278' first='Presley' last='Brinkley'] could form one of the most underrated tandems around. Smith impressed over the summer in Georgia, showing fearlessness against older competition. She plays with confidence beyond her years, excelling in transition, creating off the dribble, and hitting shots off the catch. Brinkley, a veteran, brings three-point shooting and solid point guard play to the mix. She can stretch defenses with her three-point shooting and has shown improvement attacking the rim. The combination of Smith's “it factor” and Brinkley's experience could surprise a lot of people this season.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='721469' first='Iniya' last='Reddicks'] & [player_tooltip player_id='1215714' first='Sariah' last='Ammons'] – Championship Pedigree</strong></h3>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='721469' first='Iniya' last='Reddicks'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1215714' first='Sariah' last='Ammons'] form a championship-tested backcourt that will be difficult to slow down. Reddicks, one of the most talented two-way players in the state, can score the ball whether attacking the rim or knocking down her consistent three-point shot, while also locking down defensively. Ammons, meanwhile, brings outstanding court vision, tight handles, and an unselfish approach that allows her to create for others and control tempo. Ammons has the potential to be a major playmaker this season. With her orchestrating from the point guard position and Reddicks' finishing ability, this duo has the pedigree, balance, and firepower to keep New Smyrna in the championship conversation.</p>
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In this article, we spotlight some of the most dynamic backcourts on the First Coast and adjacent areas. These duos come in different forms—two seasoned veterans working in sync, or an experienced leader paired with a young rising star. From my observation, the result is the same: exciting, dangerous combinations that create problems for the opposition.
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