The Class of 2028 - Stage Setters and Ticket Punchers

The school buses are back on the road, classrooms are again filled with students, hallways are loud, and there is the sound of squeaky sneakers in the gym. A Freshman is taking their first high school dribble, and a senior is experiencing their last "first-day" of school. Juniors are primed for the breakout season, and Sophomores will look to carry their summer momentum into the upcoming season.   As we have stated, the 2028 class is arguably the most talented class in the State of Florida. In this article, we take a crystal ball look at some of prospects in the 2028 class, a class who will shape the playoff picture and ultimately punch the tickets to Lakeland or a region close by. Teams whose rosters are filled with 2028 prospects faired well last year, and the same fortunes are expected this upcoming season.    Joba Oyedeji made an immediate impact as a freshman last season, establishing herself as both a leader and a difference-maker. She combines scoring ability with relentless work on the boards. Oyedeji gives her team a consistent inside and outside threat with her ability to do both. Beyond the stats, her presence sets the tone for a team with a Championship roster She is the heartbeat of the squad, and she can guide and lead while also delivering in big moments. Her influence on her team's chances to reach Lakeland is undeniable, This team can win it all and Joba Oyedeiji will be the clutch carrier to make it happen.     [player_tooltip player_id='1090647' first='Delissa' last='Morris'] was mighty impressive all of this past summer, and she will look to carry over that momentum to the upcoming high school season. Morris has a fast first step and can finish on both sides of the rim. She thrives in the transition game and consistently gets buckets. Morris is equally dynamic on the defensive side where she creates steals and easy layups on the other end. She led her squad to an impressive showing at the FABC showcase over the summer and she is definitely capable of leading the launch to Lakeland.     [player_tooltip player_id='1237196' first='Kalyn' last='Thomas'] was very impressive over the summer. Not only in high school ball but also on her travel team as well. If one thing is clear this upcoming season, she's given Booker another option and that makes for a deadly team who was an injury away from making it probably winning it all last season. With a healthy team and a rising star in Thomas, Booker T Washington is a favorite to be in Lakeland. With Clardy and Francis on the roster, Thomas won't have to drive the bus, but she will take the keys on occasion and play a major part in getting her squad to Lakeland.     [player_tooltip player_id='515006' first='Rachael' last='Luis'] lead hr team in rebounds, blocked shots, and even field goal percentage last season. She also showed up in the State Finals and made her presence felt as a Freshman. She averaged nearly 8 points per game and over 7 rebounds per game. She is close to becoming a walking double-double. She is a big time playoff pilot who will look to fly her tam backto Lakeland/ in the 2028 class and will look to     [player_tooltip player_id='646515' first='Zoey' last='Brown'] will look to lead Wildwood back to Lakeland to defend it's title. Brown is a play maker and a "Final Fourcer" and she has the tools to get it done. She has the IQ, leadership, a competitive nature not rivaled by many. Brown makes great passes, timely shots, and produces all over the court. At FABC, she went toe to toe with the state's top talent and came out of there with praise for her play. She is the real deal, and once coach called her the best player on the floor and she was playing a team with at least four D-1 prospects.     Jocelyn Hoffman led her team to a great season as a Freshman and then followed that with an amazing summer (high school and AAU season). Hoffman has proven that she is a winner and she excels in scoring, being a playmaker, and being q leader. She is one of top young point guards in the state with the ability to shoot the three, drive to the rim, and score on the pull-up jumper. She is also flexible and can play the "two" for her shooting and still make the opponent pay. She will be punching some tickets this year and destination Lakeland might be a tall task this year, but she will definitely be moving the bus in that direction.     [player_tooltip player_id='973912' first='Emily' last='Wilson'] enters the picture this year on a more consistent basis and she will definitely play a huge role in Cardinal Mooney's return to Lakeland. Wilson has good speed, can shoot the rock, and with the talent around her, she could be a play maker. Her ability to handle the ball is going to open up her game and make life easier for her and her talented teammates. She could be making plays with the top front court in the State (Watts, Griffin, and Boone) when its all been said and done. Wilson is a hidden gem whose time has come.

The school buses are back on the road, classrooms are again filled with students, hallways are loud, and there is the sound of squeaky sneakers in the gym. A Freshman is taking their first high school dribble, and a senior is experiencing their last "first-day" of school. Juniors are primed for the breakout season, and Sophomores will look to carry their summer momentum into the upcoming season.