Freshmen Who Balled Out in the “Fall-Out”

The First Coast Fall Leagues provided a great platform for players to work on their game before the start of the season. The 2029s wasted no time showing that the future of First Coast girls basketball is in good hands. These young standouts made their presence felt with fearless play, skill, and confidence way beyond their age. Whether attacking the rim, rebounding in traffic, or knocking down shots under pressure, this group of ninth graders proved they belong - they balled out.    player_tooltip player_id='912252' first='Naomi' last='Gill'] set the tone throughout the Fall League showcasing a diversified game at such an early age. She scored going to the rim and was savvy enough to get to the line- making her a serious threat to score everytime she touches the ball. Gill has a nice pull-up jumper and can score around the basket and behind the arc as well. On defense, she can lead the press, force turnovers, and create scoring for herself and teammates. It was evident as far back as the FABC in Gainesville and played itself out throughout the Fall League - Gill's talent and mindset make her one of the most impactful freshmen guards in not just North Florida, but the entire State of Florida.         [player_tooltip player_id='1249017' first='Angelina' last='Laudicina'] plays with the confidence of a veteran and over the Fall League she made it apparent that she would be a viable offensive option this upcoming year. There is a reason why the young baller has already received multiple offers to play at the next level, including D-1. She is versatile and can play three offensive positions, and she has an offensive arsenal that includes the three point shot, the baby hook, and the drive to the basket. The Fall League made one thing very clear - Bolles lost a bonafide scorer in Abby Knauff, but Laudicina is a composed and skilled scorer who will fill part of the scoring void left. The Freshman baller has tons of confidence and multiple tools in her bag.       [player_tooltip player_id='1003136' first='Skylar' last='Wilson'] brings instant offense and swagger to the Orange Park lineup. A confident freshman guard, she plays downhill, attacks the rim with purpose, and can knock down the midrange jumper or three when defenders sag off. Wilson rebounds well for her position and isn't afraid to mix it up on the defensive end. Her aggressiveness and ability to create her own shot make her a key part of Orange Park's young core — one who's already showing varsity-level readiness.     [player_tooltip player_id='1318430' first='Meliyah' last='Davenport'] was one of the best young shooters I saw this Fall. She had a streak of about three deep threes that made it very clear. The young guard displayed poise and rhythm and used pump fakes and step-ins to stretch the floor. Her confidence as a shooter opens up lanes for her teammates and makes her a player the opposition will have to pay attention to.     [player_tooltip player_id='1318440' first='Keeryel' last='Jackson'] showed some nice things during the Fall League and could make an impact as a Freshman with her physicality and presence in the paint. She had good rebounding instincts and effective footwork on the block. She finishes strong inside and draws fouls. The young Freshman also brings toughness on both ends of the court with a physicality that most forwards cannot match.     At 6'3, Williams is a natural interior anchor. During the Fall League she fought for rebounds, blocked shots, and finished strong on the inside. Williams ran the floor and scored in transition. Defensively, her presence alone changes how teams attack the basket. Williams could play a big part as the season progresses. A Front court with Williams and Senior [player_tooltip player_id='400786' first='Imani' last='Henderson'] could spell trouble for the teams on Ed White's schedule.   — a true paint protector in the making.     Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1312575' first='Addison' last='Williamson'] is another young player who caught my attention. Her court vision stood out and her courage on the court as well. She played with intensity and great energy. Williamson also showed she could shoot the ball. She knocked down a three point shot and made several shots attacking the rim. She could add depth to a Fletcher team still searching for more ball handlers to take the pressure off of Brooks and Rains.

The First Coast Fall Leagues provided a great platform for players to work on their game before the start of the season. The 2029s wasted no time showing that the future of First Coast girls basketball is in good hands. These young standouts made their presence felt with fearless play, skill, and confidence way beyond their age. Whether attacking the rim, rebounding in traffic, or knocking down shots under pressure, this group of ninth graders proved they belong - they balled out.