Guards Who Made the Case at TB Christmas Invitational

The prospects highlighted in this article made their cases at the Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational. Some stepped on the court looking to continue their impressive resume, others came in under the radar, and many entered the event looking for more exposure. Regardless of their status as prospects, these prospects got on the court, made plays, and elevated their standing.    [player_tooltip player_id='735561' first='Lauryn' last='Loritts'] displayed her complete game, drilling a deep three from the left elbow, protecting the rim with multiple blocks, and finishing in transition (against the defender) with a smooth left hand. The Virginia No. 1 prospect in the 2028 class played with poise, creativity, and control, scoring at all three levels while impacting the game defensively. Watching Loritts go head-to-head with Pinnock (the Florida No. 1 prospect in the 2028 class) was a treat—two sophomores with Power Five offers competing possession by possession. Everything was there but the popcorn. Loritts came to the event already an elite, polished prospect. She validated her status and then some (and she's only a Sophomore).     [player_tooltip player_id='514603' first='Lailani' last='Washington'] (cover) is poetry in motion, and she has some game as well. Washington has blazing speed and has the ability to really impact the transition game and upgrade the defensive game plan. At the Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational, Washington played well on the defensive end and prevented opponents from blowing by. Washington is athletic and has quick feet. She can move laterally with little effort and cut off drives to the rim. Washington made some athletic moves not many can make with a high degree of fluidity- a change of direction and stop on a dime pull-up in one motion. Washington made the case and she could be a major player as the season progresses.     In a few minutes of play, Yvonne Brown connected on a three point shot, then she went on the defensive end and took a charge to give her team the possession. Brown was handling business even against a zone defense. She maneuvered into the teeth of the defense and got baskets and drew fouls to get to the free-throw line. Brown is an offensive bucket-getter. She scores in multiple ways and made the case as one of the best scorers in the tournament.     [player_tooltip player_id='1249764' first='Aniyah' last='Gooden'] was a standout in every sense on Day 2 of the Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational. In the game observed, Gooden scored 18, including 3 three-pointers, and multiple mid-range shots and drives to the rim. Scoring was just part of her game. The sophomore guard plays with so much energy that it rubs off. She is fast and has the ability to control the pace of the game. Gooden also excelled on the defensive end of the floor. She used her speed to cut off angles and prevent drives to the rim - even against elite opponents. Gooden was very impressive and the fact that she is only a sophomore made her performance even more special.     [player_tooltip player_id='1593268' first='Terrika' last='Belanger'] was an aggressive guard on the court who was always part of the action on the floor. The shooting guard was "money" all game long and was smooth and fluid from the perimeter. Balanger knocked down threes off the catch and dribble, and could also get to the rim. Defensively, she created a jump ball situations, and was a tough defender on the ball. She also was great at switching defenses. Belanger handled the ball well during the tournament, and created scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. she was a play-maker on both sides of the court.     [player_tooltip player_id='1235049' first='Mila' last='Miller'] was another guard who shot the ball well at the tournament. She connected on several perimeter shots, including one from deep in the corner. Miller's shot was fluid and looked good every time she lets it fly. On defense, Miller communicated well with teammates and was sound with all of her assignment.     [player_tooltip player_id='1593770' first='Peyton' last='Demps'] played well and might be one of the biggest kept secrets in the capital city. Demps showed the ability to shoot the ball and was very efficient from behind the arc. She made several threes on Day one and was a player that made teams pay when she was left open. Demps brought energy to the contest and was competitive on both ends of the floor. She made the case and her stock should rise after her shooting display at the Invitational.

The prospects highlighted in this article made their cases at the Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational. Some stepped on the court looking to continue their impressive resume, others came in under the radar, and many entered the event looking for more exposure. Regardless of their status as prospects, these prospects got on the court, made plays, and elevated their standing.