2025 Review: State Playoff Standouts Set the 2026 Stage

The State Championship stage proved to be more than just the end to the 2024-2025 season— it became the launching point for the 2025-2026 stage. Prospects from the 2026, 2027, 2028, and even younger classes didn't just participate in March's biggest moments in Lakeland, they made statements. Against high level competition, these players showed poise and production beyond their class year. Their performances didn't fade when the trophies were passed out — they set the tone for the current season.    Wildwood's Rural State Championship run was one of the defining stories of the postseason, led by point guard [player_tooltip player_id='873463' first='Zoe' last='Brown']. Brown controlled tempo, made winning reads, and consistently put her team in position to succeed. Her championship performance was equally impressive to her play in the 2024-2025 season. She followed that up with special play at the FABC showcase and the Gator for a Day camp. This season, Brown has led her team in scoring, assists, and steals, and has been a leader all season. Brown is a high IQ player who is also a great competitor. Her court vision and competitive edge is what separates her.         New Smyrna's title push featured multiple impact players, and [player_tooltip player_id='721469' first='Iniya' last='Reddicks'] stood out for her ability to rise in high-leverage moments. Her presence, physicality, athleticism competitive edge translated on the courts. Reddicks turned heads as an 8th grader in Run 4 the Roses with her ability to score the basketball, and she hasn't looked back since. She was dominant in the PGH Freshman Expo several years ago, selected as one of Florida's small town heroes, and was a standout in the State tournament. Reddick can shoot the three, score in the midrange, and get to the basket with elite creativity and finishing abilities.     Defensively, [player_tooltip player_id='515069' first='Erynn' last='Moffett'] helped shape games last season without needing the spotlight. Her toughness and on-ball pressure played a key role in neutralizing opponents and helping her team capture the state championship. Moffett skills are elite and she usually covers the opposition's toughest offensive player on the floor - inside or outside. Moffett is physical, athletic, and a must-see prospect this 2025-2026 season.     If you thought [player_tooltip player_id='514608' first='Evie' last='Freeman'] 2025 was special, Evie 2026 has been lights out. [player_tooltip player_id='514608' first='Evie' last='Freeman']. Freeman has been special and could be a stock riser this late in the game. The senior guard has carried her team and has become a walking bucket who puts relentless pressure on an opponent. She can get to the rim and finish in multiple ways and does so with speed and a change of pace. Her impact this season has been remarkable on all ends of the floor. Freeman used the 2025 stage as a launching pad for the 2026 stage, and so far she has been the main attraction.     [player_tooltip player_id='751625' first='Terrell' last='McCoy'] embraced the physicality and intensity of playoff basketball, bringing an edge to her performance. McCoy presented a problem last season and continues to do so. Her arrival helped put Bolles over the hump and straight into the State's Final 4. Her presence was felt, especially on the offensive with her ability to score on the blocks, cut to the rim, and excel in the pick and roll game. The forward set the stage for another state run and has created a lot of basketball excitement on the First Coast.     [player_tooltip player_id='470461' first='Kamie' last='Ellis'] is one of the best two-way guards in the State. She plays well on the defensive end with her length, quick hands, and passing lane IQ. She is special at securing steals and turning them into transitional baskets. Her offensive game is equally as good- she delivered one of the most clutch performances in the State semifinals. Ellis and company staved off it's opponent and ultimately won another State Championship. Ellis was clutch with multiple three pointers down the stretch. Ellis's performance closed out 2025 and set the stage for another title run in 2026.       Quinn'NYA established herself as one of the top defenders in the state, and last season she emerged as one of the most disruptive guards in Florida. Her ability to pressure the ball, anticipate passing lanes, and create chaos consistently caused problems for the opponent. At the FABC Showcase, one college coach labeled her the best athlete in the building, and she delivered in the State playoffs, drawing similar praise. De Sanders can also score the basketball at the rim - getting there with speed and athletic abilities. She presently averages over 15 points per contest, but the 5.9 steals and 5.9 rebounds per game speak volumes about her game. Gray De Sanders used the play-offs last year to showcase her skill level, and she has not looked back since.       [player_tooltip player_id='1136118' first='Reah' last='Saunders'] helped her young teammates create major expectations for the 2026 season following their Final Four appearance. Despite her youth, Saunders already plays with confidence and pace well beyond her years. She is a blazing talent—a true blur in the open floor—capable of getting to the rim and putting the defense on its heels. Saunders changes speed and pace effortlessly, uses sharp crossovers to create separation, and finishes with a combination of speed and craftiness. Her ability to pressure defenses and impact the game in transition makes her one of the more exciting young prospects to track in this 2025-2026 season. Saunders and company are looking for an encore performance in the upcoming 2026 playoff season.

The State Championship stage proved to be more than just the end to the 2024-2025 season— it became the launching point for the 2025-2026 stage. Prospects from the 2026, 2027, 2028, and even younger classes didn't just participate in March's biggest moments in Lakeland, they made statements. Against high level competition, these players showed poise and production beyond their class year. Their performances didn't fade when the trophies were passed out — they set the tone for the current season.