Battle on the Island: 2027 and 2028 Statement Makers

At Battle on the Island, these Sophomore and Juniors showed signs of what is coming next. Whether it was defensive plays , shot selections, energy plays, or comfort in the offense, each showed flashes that separate projection from production. These players showed splashes of and made statements- they can make contributions now.    [player_tooltip player_id='1117349' first='Micah' last='Bussey'] played with poise beyond her years. She operated within the flow of the offense, played solid defense with discipline, and limited dribble penetration. On offense, she was efficient from deep (2-for-3 from three), she spaced the floor and impacted the game without forcing action. Bussey can score at all levels, but is a threat from behind the arc, every time the ball touches her hands.     [player_tooltip player_id='1569554' first='Tiniya' last='Booker'] brought speed, handles, and confidence to the point guard position. She connected on several clean mid-range pull-ups, used her quickness to get downhill, and made her presence felt in transition. Booker is a guard who consistently applied pressure and played with pace at Battle on the Island. Booker is a player with a lot of upside and is capable of making major contributions this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1569600' first='Ta'liyah' last='Allred']'s physical presence was consistent throughout the Battle on the Island. She worked to deny post entries, battled inside defensively, and ran the floor well for her size. Allred displayed soft hands and finished around the basket. She did a good job of sealing defenders and getting quality looks at the basket. Allred played well and she is a player who can really make contributions and give her team an inside presence to go along with their outside perimeter game.     [player_tooltip player_id='1569670' first='Serenity' last='Douze'] brought toughness and touch to the front court and really made a strong impression at the Battle on the Island. She scored effectively in the paint, knocked down smooth mid-range shots, and wasn't afraid to mix it up defensively. Douze was physical, composed, and impactful on both ends of the court. Douze also did a good job of running on the break from the power forward position. she is a player who played well and could make major contributions as Rickards looks to make an encore appearance in the state's Final Four.     [player_tooltip player_id='1090912' first='Mamie' last='Burkett'] continues to show signs of a player who can make major contributions. Once again she filled in for [player_tooltip player_id='751625' first='Terrell' last='McCoy'] and her team didn't miss a beat. Burkett brings experience and is always steady on both ends of the floor. She communicates well and can score in the paint when the pass comes her way. Burkett also is a good defender who can defend on the perimeter as well as in the paint against taller power forwards and centers.     Gabrielle Shoats made contributions throughout the tournament, showing flashes as a play maker. Shoats made numerous plays where she penetrated the defense and threw dimes to her teammates for easy buckets. Shoats displayed good court vision, good handles, and excellent court vision. The young guard is a player to watch as the season progresses.

At Battle on the Island, these Sophomore and Juniors showed signs of what is coming next. Whether it was defensive plays , shot selections, energy plays, or comfort in the offense, each showed flashes that separate projection from production. These players showed splashes of and made statements- they can make contributions now.