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<p>Across Florida, the game is often decided in the back court. Guards set the tone and this season is no different. Several tandems across the state are poised to make a major impact. Some pairings bring championship experience, others combine youthful energy with veteran leadership, and all of them have the skill to impact games in their team's favor.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='752581' first='Alyssa' last='Donohue'] & [player_tooltip player_id='400809' first='Esa' last='Brenneman'] – Versatile and Dangerous</strong></h3>
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<p>The tandem of [player_tooltip player_id='752581' first='Alyssa' last='Donohue'] (pictureed below) and [player_tooltip player_id='400809' first='Esa' last='Brenneman'] is one to keep an eye on, especially with Bartram's strong frontcourt. Both guards bring athleticism that complement each other. Donohue is the do-everything guard — she slashes to the basket, scores in the paint, locks up defensively, and even blocks shots while guarding multiple positions. Brenneman, meanwhile, thrives offensively, whether connecting from three or pushing the pace in transition. Together, they give their team a versatile and dangerous backcourt that could dominate district play.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='400785' first='Audrey' last='Beyer'] & [player_tooltip player_id='1235886' first='Addy' last='Curry'] – Range Meets Relentless Drive</strong></h3>
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<p>At Tocoi Creek, [player_tooltip player_id='400785' first='Audrey' last='Beyer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1235886' first='Addy' last='Curry'] anchor a guard rotation that can overwhelm opponents in different ways. Beyer is the ultimate floor stretcher, with unconscious shooting range that extends well beyond the arc. When she's in rhythm, she's nearly impossible to defend, but she's more than just a shooter. Beyer is a savvy driver who can draw fouls, finish at the rim, and get to the free-throw line consistently. Curry, an up-and-coming Sophomore, adds explosiveness and athleticism to the mix. She plays with a bounce, gets to the rim quickly, and has shown that she can be a playmaker. Together, Beyer's elite shooting and Curry's relentless attacking style give Tocoi Creek another backcourt tandem capable of making serious noise.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='470458' first='Dakara' last='Merthie'] & [player_tooltip player_id='248673' first='Aubrey' last='Satterfield'] – Explosive and Balanced</strong></h3>
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<p>Merthie (pictured below) and Satterfield (cover photo) form one of the most athletic and well-rounded back courts in the Sunshine State. Merthie's unmatched athleticism allows her to score from all levels of the floor, though she is at her best in the open court, slashing to the rim, converting through contact, or drawing fouls. She can also step out and hit the three, making her a near impossible cover. Satterfield complements her perfectly as a high-IQ guard who thrives on making the right play. A true playmaker, she can handle the ball, get teammates involved, and knock down the short jumper in key moments. Together, Merthie's explosiveness and Satterfield's steadiness create a dangerous and balanced duo capable of dictating games on both ends.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/05/PGH-Dakara-Syan-Merthie-C.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-911271" style="width:286px;height:auto" /></figure>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1215719' first='Carson' last='Fayard'] & Annabelle Shackelford – Leadership and Lethal Shooting</strong></h3>
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<p>Together, [player_tooltip player_id='1215719' first='Carson' last='Fayard'] and Annabelle Shackelford form a backcourt that brings both stability and scoring punch. Fayard is the floor general every team needs — poised, composed, and in full command of the offense. She dictates tempo, gets teammates into position, and has the ability to put her team on her back. Shackelford, meanwhile, adds a lethal scoring presence with her smooth jumper and quick release. She runs off screens effectively, sets her feet and lets it fly with accuracy. She has averaged 25 made threes over the past two seasons. More than just a shooter, she can put the ball on the floor, attack downhill, and finish at the rim. Fayard's leadership and all-around game paired with Shackelford's perimeter firepower create a duo that will be extremely difficult for defenses to contain.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='514601' first='Talia' last='Busser'] & [player_tooltip player_id='973912' first='Emily' last='Wilson'] – Sharpshooting and Toughness</strong></h3>
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<p>From the Tampa Bay area, [player_tooltip player_id='514601' first='Talia' last='Busser'] (photo below) and [player_tooltip player_id='973912' first='Emily' last='Wilson'] deserve recognition as one of Florida's most intriguing young tandems. Busser is a tough, offensive-minded guard who thrives in transition, absorbs contact, and still finishes plays. A potent three-point shooter, she has expanded her game by attacking the rim more often, while also playing with grit on the defensive end. Wilson, meanwhile, is one of the top mid-range shooters in her region. She combines speed and defensive toughness with the ability to score in transition or break down a defender and pull up for a jumper. Together, Busser and Wilson bring a mix of shooting, toughness, and all-around offensive skill that makes them a tandem to watch well beyond their area.</p>
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Across Florida, the game is often decided in the back court. Guards set the tone and this season is no different. Several tandems across the state are poised to make a major impact. Some pairings bring championship experience, others combine youthful energy with veteran leadership, and all of them have the skill to impact games in their team's favor.
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