The North FL Story: Some Made It, Played It - More Slated

Three rounds have come and gone in Jacksonville at UNF, and North Florida has been represented in every classification so far. Hilliard, North Florida Educational Institute, and San Jose Prep all stepped onto the stage carrying North Florida's banner. None of the three teams advanced past the semifinal round, but their presence alone speaks volumes about the North Florida region. Collectively, six teams from the region earned the right to make the trip to the state tournament — and three have already made it and played it, competing among the best teams in Florida. The journey is not over. This week, North Florida's "Three Bs" take their turns on the State's center stage: Bolles, Bishop Kenny, and Bartram Trail.   So while South Florida has reigned supreme through the early rounds, the story for North Florida has yet to be fully written. With more games still to be played, the possibility remains that a championship trophy could be awarded to a North Florida team. Regardless of how it unfolds, the message has already been delivered. Last season, five North Florida teams made it to the big stage, and this year it was increased to six teams. North Florida basketball has arrived, and this week's results could change the entire narrative of Florida basketball.   Here are some of the key North Florida players to watch as the state tournament continues this upcoming week.    [player_tooltip player_id='514608' first='Evie' last='Freeman'] is one of the players still slated to take the floor this week and remains one of the most exciting talents in the North Florida region. Freeman has been a force all season, using her ability to control the tempo, attack the rim, and consistently put pressure on opposing defenses. She creates opportunities not only for herself but for her teammates as well (with flair and emotion) - showing strong playmaking instincts and court vision. Freeman impacts the game on both ends of the floor and competes with a relentless edge. Freeman has been a beast all season, and no doubt about it- she will be one this week.     [player_tooltip player_id='751625' first='Terrell' last='McCoy'] could very well be the catalyst in this week's action. McCoy is one of the most dominant players not only in North Florida but across the state of Florida. When she establishes position down low, it is often a done deal. McCoy combines strength, size, and physicality, making her a difficult matchup on the interior. She plays with purpose on both ends of the floor, rebounds the ball well, and is a dangerous option in pick-and-roll situations. McCoy also runs the floor effectively in transition. She is a well-rounded player whose presence will make her a tough assignment for anyone who steps on the court against her.     [player_tooltip player_id='515064' first='Kathleen' last='Crawley'] is one of the top shooters in the entire state of Florida, and her ability to stretch the floor makes her a true X-factor in the Final 4. Crawley is a serious threat on the perimeter and is one of the few players shooting over 40 percent from behind the arc. What makes her even more dangerous is her ability to attack the basket. When you combine her outside shooting with her driving ability, Crawley becomes one of the most versatile offensive players in the state and a matchup problem for opposing defenses.     [player_tooltip player_id='400811' first='Elle' last='Deegan'] brings one of the purest shooting strokes into the Final Four and will certainly be an X-factor in the semifinals. Deegan has the ability to stretch a defense with her three-point shooting, knocking down shots with a smooth and quick release before defenders can react. She does an excellent job of finding her spots on the floor and getting into position for clean looks. With an exciting young guard ([player_tooltip player_id='1261851' first='Shea' last='Donovan']) drawing attention from opposing defenses, Deegan also understands how to play off that action, slipping into open space at the right moment to get her shot off. Her ability to shoot it from deep with consistency makes her one of the most dangerous perimeter threats this week.     [player_tooltip player_id='752581' first='Alyssa' last='Donohue'] is one of the top seniors on the First Coast and a player who has quietly flown under the radar for much of the season. That changed quickly during the state tournament. Donohue and her team have taken down a No. 1 seed, a No. 2 seed, and a No. 3 seed on their way to this point, and her impact has been a major reason why. She brings excitement as a downhill slasher who can get to the rim and finish through contact. Donohue also shows good touch with a floater and has the ability to knock down perimeter shots, particularly in the midrange area. Quick, lengthy, and active, she rebounds well from the guard position and can even alter shots defensively. Donohue plays with energy on both ends of the floor and will be a player to closely watch this week.     [player_tooltip player_id='514624' first='Miranda' last='Campos'] has also been a key piece in Bartram Trail's playoff run. Campos provides the interior presence while bringing the athleticism on the perimeter as well. She has the strength to battle inside like a forward, but runs the floor with the speed of a guard, making her a versatile matchup. Campos' confidence has continued to grow throughout the postseason, and her energy and athleticism have played a major role in the team's success. After helping her team take down a No. 1 seed, No. 2 seed, and No. 3 seed along the way, opponents are now taking notice of the impact she brings to the floor. She will be a major player in this week's final four.

Three rounds have come and gone in Jacksonville at UNF, and North Florida has been represented in every classification so far. Hilliard, North Florida Educational Institute, and San Jose Prep all stepped onto the stage carrying North Florida's banner. None of the three teams advanced past the semifinal round, but their presence alone speaks volumes about the North Florida region. Collectively, six teams from the region earned the right to make the trip to the state tournament — and three have already made it and played it, competing among the best teams in Florida. The journey is not over. This week, North Florida's "Three Bs" take their turns on the State's center stage: Bolles, Bishop Kenny, and Bartram Trail.