Sunshine Showdown: 2028s Shine Was Different

Throughout the weekend, prospects from every class and every region of the state played well and delivered big-time performances. By the time Championship Sunday arrived, it was clear that the 2028 class didn't just play well in scattered moments of the tournament - they set the tone for the entire weekend. In this article, we highlight a wide range of talent, from elite D1 prospects to emerging and impactful players in the 2028 class.    [player_tooltip player_id='248355' first='Alana' last='Pinnock'] delivered moments throughout the Showdown that made you stop and take notice. Her ability to operate within the framework of team basketball while still dominating the game—especially as a sophomore—stood out. Pinnock consistently showed a strong feel for the game, reading the floor and making the right decisions. Whether it was scoring in transition on the wing, leading the break, or pulling up from behind the arc, Pinnock produced nearly every possession. She also impacted the game as a facilitator, feeding the post and penetrating before dishing to open teammates. Here, you could see her basketball IQ as she set up plays steps ahead of the action. Her shot—both in the midrange and from three—was smooth and controlled. Overall, her ability to blend scoring, playmaking, and decision-making within team concepts was a key part of her performance.     [player_tooltip player_id='880384' first='Jada' last='Clardy'] showed the explosiveness, shot creativity, and the elite offensive arsenal that made her one of the most exciting players in the building. Clardy got to the rim and scored through, over, and around defenders with an elite offensive skillset. As she did in the state championships, Clardy played at a high level with the ball in her hand at the one or at the two. She operated at the one making decisions to drive, shoot, or pass to the rolling big. At the two, she made timely cuts to the baskets, shot from the perimeter, ripped, and maneuvered in the midrange for elite midrange daggers. Clardy was also brilliant in the passing lane, turning defensive steals into transitional scores. Overall, her ability to produce across multiple roles and levels made her one of the most dynamic offensive players on the floor.     [player_tooltip player_id='708143' first='Kendall' last='Proffitt'] played with ease and confidence and continued to show the shooting stroke that has made her the most prolific jump shooter in the 2028 class and one of the top shooters in any class. What made Proffitt's performance special for the weekend was her ability to not only shoot the jumper but also to score from the free-throw line, from offensive boards, and from drives to the rim. Proffitt's ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game while still shooting the "J" made her performance very impressive and added to the overall shine of the 2028 class at the Sunshine Showdown.     [player_tooltip player_id='400817' first='Londyn' last='Tatum'] (cover) handled pressure with ease, showing a calm and composed approach when on the floor. She displayed confident ball handling against pressure and especially in transition. Tatum flows well in the offense and plays in sync with her teammates. Having played in numerous big games, Tatum never seems phased by the defensive pressure. Her ability to remain composed and in control stood out as she moved through the game with confidence and poise. Tatum has the ability to maneuver into the paint with athleticism and grace, utilizing crossovers and spin moves. She stands out in transition and is so smooth that she appears to be gliding on the floor. She also brings consistent defensive pressure on the ball and plays the passing lanes equally as well.     Jocelyn Hoffman raised her stock at the Sunshine Showdown with elite finishes and point guard play. Hoffmann was impressive with her ability to get to the rim with her patented dip and explosive move to the rim, scoring with creativity and touch. She handled the ball well and created shots for herself, including her side and back step three-point moves, and pullup jumper in transition.     [player_tooltip player_id='1003101' first='Gabby' last='Mallory'] consistently pushed the fast break effectively, showing her ability to play in transition with pace, physicality, and a lot of control. At 5'10, Mallory has a college-ready build, and seeing her handle the ball at 5'10, combining size, speed, and fluidity, is an impressive sight. Mallory attacked the rim with physicality, using her size and strength to finish through contact. Athletic and active, she also showed the ability to knock down the short jumper and finish in the paint.     [player_tooltip player_id='248376' first='Arianna' last='Robinson'] elevated her stock as a point guard and playmaker at the Sunshine Showdown. Robinson's performance on Championship Sunday. Robinson shot the three from deep from and scored at all three levels. She got to the rim going left and right and showcased handles that allowed her to get anywhere on the floor she wanted to. In transition, she was equally effective—pushing the pace, attacking the defense, and delivering assists to teammates.     [player_tooltip player_id='515006' first='Rachael' last='Luis'] was on the attack from the onset and showcased some facets of her game that she hasn't displayed much over the past few years. Luis showed an ability to get to the rim, on offense, was agressive and physical on defense, and scored consistently on the break, showcasing speed, physicality, and athleticism. Luis defended well on the perimeter and in the paint, and was physical doing so. Her aggressive approach and physical two-way play allowed her to consistently impact the game on both ends.       [player_tooltip player_id='638560' first='Gianna' last='Crawford'] came from under the 'First Coast" radar and became a name that prospects, programs, scouts, and evaluators will recognize all over the State of Florida and beyond. Crawford showcased her ability to score inside with some crafty footwork and displayed her ability to extend the defense with her shooting ability on the perimeter. She was a force on pick and roll and showcased her basketball IQ that cut up teams all weekend. In addition to her soft hands catching passes, she was also a dynamic passer from the post, a skill she has always been known for. With the perimeter players on this team, you saw Crawford's impact at a maximum level. By summer's end, she could be the assist leader for this talented squad. Crawford is one of the most skilled, talented, and best passing bigs in the entire 2028 class - it was on full display at the Sunshine State showdown.

Throughout the weekend, prospects from every class and every region of the state played well and delivered big-time performances. By the time Championship Sunday arrived, it was clear that the 2028 class didn't just play well in scattered moments of the tournament - they set the tone for the entire weekend. In this article, we highlight a wide range of talent, from elite D1 prospects to emerging and impactful players in the 2028 class.