IE Thanksgiving Classic: San Jose Prep vs Lake Highland Preview

The Insider Exposure Thanksgiving Classic is not only the biggest Thanksgiving high school tournament in the state, but one of the biggest in the nation. Teams from all over travel to the Sunshine State to compete, and it also gives Florida programs a chance to face each other on a neutral court—matchups that normally wouldn't happen due to travel and distance. Here, we want to spotlight San Jose Prep vs Lake Highland Prep.   Here you have talent on both sides. San Jose Prep, under new leadership, brings in transfers who are ready to perform under the big lights, such as [player_tooltip player_id='633529' first='Mia' last='Chandler'], [player_tooltip player_id='748533' first='Falisa' last='White'], [player_tooltip player_id='601402' first='Lena' last='Most'], and Elena Atanskovic, along with returners like [player_tooltip player_id='748532' first='Whitney' last='Hudson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1414203' first='Jania' last='Ervin'].   Lake Highland Prep, a historic program with multiple state championships, is in a slight rebuild but still has experienced returners who can put on a show. [player_tooltip player_id='1223182' first='Saleigh' last='Simpson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1273424' first='A'Niyah' last='Liptrot'], [player_tooltip player_id='1223178' first='Aubrey' last='Griffin'], [player_tooltip player_id='1217157' first='Myanna' last='Hatchette'], [player_tooltip player_id='1217965' first='Eryn' last='Griffin'], and [player_tooltip player_id='514613' first='Valeria' last='Munoz'] have all been part of a strong culture and have competed alongside players who are now at the next level. That experience could play a major role in this matchup.   This matchup has plenty of rising stars and players that you need to know, making this a must see match. Who will come out on top? Here are a few predictions on who could stand out the most.   MVP:      [player_tooltip player_id='601402' first='Lena' last='Most'] is a point guard who makes all the decisions on the floor, and she does it with pace and control. Her ball handling is next level, keeping defenders off balance, and she can also shoot the ball and deliver precision passes, making her difficult to slow down on any given night. She impacts the game in multiple ways.   Defensively, she forces turnovers and quickly turns defense into offense. With her running the show, her impact can lead to victory, and she has the potential to be the MVP of this game. She's a double-double threat every time she steps on the court.    Game Changer:    Hatchette is a versatile player whose height and length immediately draw attention from college coaches. Competing against top-level talent year-round has sharpened her skills, and she can score effectively from all three levels. Defensively, her length and court awareness allow her to create blocks, steals, and deflections, making her a constant presence on that end.   Offensively, she moves intelligently without the ball and has excellent court vision, finding opportunities to make timely shots or attack the rim. Her speed and quickness are standout traits, giving her an edge in transition and on both sides of the floor.    Spark Plug:    Most of the time, when you talk about spark plugs, they aren't as involved in the game as Falisa is. But she brings so much energy and passion that when she gets going, everyone else gets going too. The team feeds off her high intensity play, and she brings the skill to match the ability to get to the rim, hit the jumper, and battle for position. She thrives in a physical, loud atmosphere. If Falisa gets going, the whole team can catch fire.    Defensive MVP:    [player_tooltip player_id='633529' first='Mia' last='Chandler'] is a rim protector and a fighter on the boards, and she also has the speed, agility, and strength to guard positions 1 through 5. In a game like this, there will be plenty of shots taken and cuts to the basket. Mia's play style will be a major factor in limiting second chance points, defending off switches, and providing strong help defense.   Mia has the ability to be everywhere on the floor, forcing turnovers and making big plays that don't always show up on the stat sheet. Her impact can be both heard and felt by her matchups.    Mrs. Do It All:    [player_tooltip player_id='1223178' first='Aubrey' last='Griffin'] has real confidence in her game and a strong mid range shot. Her size and athleticism already make her a tough cover, and her expanding skill set turns her into a complete matchup problem. Griffin's strong frame and quick feet allow her to guard multiple positions, and her ability to handle the ball, push the fast break, and deliver precision passes in transition or half court offense makes her a threat on both ends of the floor.   She can stretch the floor with her three point shooting, and defensively, she can switch on anyone. A great floor communicator, Griffin is the type of player who impacts every possession. In a matchup like this, her ability to do a little bit of everything could be the key to her team's success.    Matchups to watch:    Elena Atanskovic's ability to move without the ball, combined with a great point guard on the floor, makes her a perfect matchup. She knows when to cut backdoor and finish around the rim, and she also has solid form and follow-through on her catch-and-shoot opportunities. She is a player who must be accounted for at all times on the floor.    VS    [player_tooltip player_id='1217965' first='Eryn' last='Griffin'] has the basketball IQ to put her matchups in positions where she can bait them into turnovers, and she can adjust on the fly to any assignment. Offensively, opponents have to work on both ends when matched up against her. She has a smooth shooting form and takes shots with confidence, forcing her defenders to expend energy on both sides of the floor.     [player_tooltip player_id='1414203' first='Jania' last='Ervin'] plays tough on-ball defense and pressures her matchups, leaving little room for mistakes. She capitalizes on turnovers and quickly turns defense into offense. Offensively, she is no slouch either — she can handle the ball in tight spaces and knock down the three off the catch. She can control the game when needed or play off the ball and still score effectively.    VS    [player_tooltip player_id='514613' first='Valeria' last='Munoz']'s versatility makes her a difficult matchup for anyone across from her. She has a lightning-quick release and deep shooting range that forces defenders to extend far beyond the arc. Once they do, she has a full scoring arsenal a smooth runner and a reliable mid-range game keeping her matchup guessing on every possession.   Munoz plays with poise and control. She dictates the pace, makes sound decisions, and rarely gets sped up, which puts constant pressure on her defender to stay disciplined. Her maturity and confidence make her a key piece one who can quietly take over if her matchup isn't ready.

The Insider Exposure Thanksgiving Classic is not only the biggest Thanksgiving high school tournament in the state, but one of the biggest in the nation. Teams from all over travel to the Sunshine State to compete, and it also gives Florida programs a chance to face each other on a neutral court—matchups that normally wouldn't happen due to travel and distance. Here, we want to spotlight San Jose Prep vs Lake Highland Prep.