Statement Season: Players with Something to Prove

With the regular season right around the corner, there are players who have already gotten the right looks and others who are hitting their stride. But I want to highlight the players who may have been overlooked, whether due to lack of exposure, injury, or other obstacles. These athletes will be playing with a chip on their shoulders, ready to prove they are BALLERS who can compete with the best.    [player_tooltip player_id='1302213' first='Kniya' last='Godfrey'] missed last season due to injury but has come back with a vengeance. At a summer camp we attended, she showcased her athleticism and her ability to knock down short and mid-range jumpers, handle the ball with control, and finish strong at the rim. It's evident that as she continues to regain her confidence, she'll become even more efficient. With a major role at Bloomingdale this season, I foresee her finding that confidence early and potentially emerging as the leading scorer for the defending state champions.     [player_tooltip player_id='1036691' first='Ava' last='Bruno'] is coming off a 3A state championship season, where she played behind several veteran players who have since moved on to the next level. This travel season, Bruno stepped into a starting role and showcased her experience, competitive nature, and most importantly, her ability to shoot the ball. Over the summer, she displayed her talent for playing true 3&D basketball, which drew even more attention at our PGH FL Expo from both scouts and college coaches. With an increased role and growing confidence in her shot, Bruno is poised to compete as one of the best shooters in the state this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='743520' first='Kimora' last='Green'] has long been known as one of the best defenders in the state, capable of locking up her matchups full court and quickly turning defense into offense. This season at Tampa Catholic, Green takes on an even bigger responsibility as one of the team's primary offensive contributors and she's proven in summer and fall league play that she's more than ready. With her improved ability to shoot off the catch and the dribble, combined with her trademark defensive intensity, Green will play a major role in Tampa Catholic's pursuit of the 3A state championship.     (Cover Photo) [player_tooltip player_id='1315674' first='Gessicah' last='Emma Francois'] has been making noise this summer and into the fall. A player who wasn't initially on our radar has now fully captured our attention. Her self-promotion forced us to take notice, and since then, we haven't looked away. At our PGH FL Expo, her energy and vocal presence stood out immediately. From there, she showcased elite scoring, finishing at the rim and shooting off the catch. Defensively, every hustle play was hers, she was determined that no one would outwork her, making her one of the best defenders in the gym purely based on effort. We expect her to be a potential double double threat at Melbourne this year.     [player_tooltip player_id='987751' first='Saige' last='Grace'] has been on the PGH radar since our 2024 Expo and has consistently improved. Her ability to make the game look effortless on the floor is impressive. Grace can always knock down shots, and when you add her ability to read defenses and make the right plays, she becomes a player you can trust on the floor at all times. With her sophomore season at Bishop Snyder about to begin, Grace is expected to average 10+ PPG this year.     [player_tooltip player_id='1303521' first='London' last='Handy'] caught our attention at the Sophomore Expo with her ability to shoot confidently, knocking down multiple deep threes as if she knew every shot would go in. Even when she missed, she made the necessary adjustments with ease. At the Flagler ID Camp, she showcased her playmaking, ball-handling, and ability to finish through contact. Handy demonstrated this summer that she is ready for a very productive sophomore season at Clearwater, making her a player who will remain on our radar all year.     [player_tooltip player_id='514971' first='Giselle' last='Grant']'s footwork and ability to change pace when attacking the rim—finishing smoothly off either leg make her a constant threat and tough to defend around the basket. Last season at NSU, she showcased her shooting from all areas of the floor, whether off the catch or under pressure, while also running the point and creating opportunities for her teammates. Now transferring to Mater Lakes Academy to join forces with one of the top scorers in the state, Grant has a platform to prove herself and make a statement. With her talent, versatility, and drive, she's a player who belongs in the conversation and is poised to make a major impact this season.

With the regular season right around the corner, there are players who have already gotten the right looks and others who are hitting their stride. But I want to highlight the players who may have been overlooked, whether due to lack of exposure, injury, or other obstacles. These athletes will be playing with a chip on their shoulders, ready to prove they are BALLERS who can compete with the best.