FABC Live Period Offers Preview of 2026-2027 Season

The NCAA June scholastic live period has become one of the most exciting evaluation windows on the girls basketball calendar. While championships are still months away, events like this week's FABC Showcase in Gainesville provide an early glimpse at which teams could be competing for state titles and Open Division berths when the postseason arrives in March.   The FHSAA's new Open Division format has only increased the excitement surrounding summer and June evaluations. Coaches, scouts, and college recruiters will get an opportunity to see returning contenders, emerging programs, and some of the state's top individual talent in one gym.   Several teams enter the weekend with realistic Open Division aspirations, while others are looking to build on breakthrough seasons, sustain recent success, or establish themselves as sleepers capable of making a postseason run. It is still early, but June is often the first real checkpoint for who belongs in that statewide conversation.   While several of Florida's traditional powers return with championship expectations, a number of programs are looking to build on strong 2025-26 campaigns and establish themselves among the state's elite. Here are some of the teams and storylines worth following this weekend in Gainesville.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Open Division Candidates</h2>   These are the programs with the clearest paths into the Open Division conversation, though several teams in the next two tiers could also play their way into that field with strong seasons.   Grandview Prep (1A State Champion, 26-4) returns most of the core of a championship team and should enter the season as one of Florida's most serious Open Division contenders. The Pride may possess the deepest collection of talent in the event and routinely challenge themselves against one of the toughest schedules in Florida. [player_tooltip player_id='1235125' first='Tyaiwana' last='Ousley'] has transferred to GP and continues to see her recruitment soar after adding multiple Division I offers following the May live period. Another transfer in [player_tooltip player_id='1134044' first='Ke'Nya' last='Clark'] gives the Pride size and versatility in the frontcourt while [player_tooltip player_id='515089' first='Ameera' last='Koné'], [player_tooltip player_id='243916' first='Victoria' last='Valle'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1250000' first='Jada' last='Burns'] round out a roster loaded with experience and talent.   Bishop Kenny (4A State Champion, 28-4) has the talent, experience, and star power to make the jump from state champion to legitimate Open Division threat. [player_tooltip player_id='515064' first='Kathleen' last='Crawley'] remains one of the state's premier players while rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1261851' first='Shea' last='Donovan'] continues to emerge as one of Florida's most intriguing young prospects. The Crusaders have the pieces necessary to compete with anyone in the state.   Bishop Moore (4A State Runner-Up, 25-5) returns much of the nucleus that reached the state final and should find itself firmly in the Open Division conversation throughout the season. The addition of [player_tooltip player_id='1122373' first='Ashlynn' last='Day'] strengthens an already talented roster featuring [player_tooltip player_id='727591' first='Jaiden' last='Peterson'], [player_tooltip player_id='738515' first='Kylee' last='Trent'], [player_tooltip player_id='1235067' first='Malayah' last='Rypien'], [player_tooltip player_id='1235154' first='Lillian' last='Mathis'], and more.   Cardinal Mooney (3A Region Semifinalist, 16-14) may not have advanced as far as some of the teams in this tier last season, but the Cougars have the talent to make a substantial jump with a new heah coach at the helm. [player_tooltip player_id='823892' first='Jadyn' last='Watts'], [player_tooltip player_id='972357' first='Jayla' last='Griffin'], [player_tooltip player_id='973912' first='Emily' last='Wilson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1249997' first='Faith' last='Palao'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1244109' first='Aliah' last='Newsome'] headline a roster that could work its way into the Open Division discussion.   New Smyrna Beach (5A Region Finalist, 22-7) may not generate the same headlines as some of the state's traditional powers, but the Barracudas are coming off another strong season. [player_tooltip player_id='721469' first='Iniya' last='Reddicks'] is one of the top players in the state while [player_tooltip player_id='1236237' first='Brooklin' last='Cooper'] and incoming freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1279711' first='Myla' last='Duber'] add even more firepower. New Smyrna Beach has the talent to push into the Open Division conversation if everything comes together.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Programs Positioned for Another Deep Run (Open Division or State Bound Aspirations)</h2>   These teams are coming off high-level seasons and are very much in the statewide championship picture. With continued development, several could also push their way into the Open Division field.   American Heritage Plantation (4A Final Four, 17-9) proved it could compete with some of the state's best teams last season and should once again be in the mix for a deep postseason run while keeping itself within striking distance of the Open Division conversation. [player_tooltip player_id='515003' first='Isabella' last='Aloisio'] and [player_tooltip player_id='221593' first='Yinuo' last='Wang'] headline a roster filled with players who understand their roles and play well together.   Booker T. Washington (5A State Champion, 24-3) enters the season with championship expectations after cutting down the nets last March. [player_tooltip player_id='880384' first='Jada' last='Clardy'] gives the Wildcats one of the best building blocks in the state. The nationally-ranked guard is joined by [player_tooltip player_id='741323' first='Nylah' last='Brooks'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1237196' first='Kalyn' last='Thomas'] as Booker T. attempts to defend its crown while remaining firmly in the Open Division discussion.   Holy Trinity (2A State Runner-Up, 20-13) came within one win of a state title and returns one of the state's premier Sophomore prospects in [player_tooltip player_id='400816' first='Leila' last='Bryant']. Alongside [player_tooltip player_id='873419' first='Gianna' last='Conklin-Jones'] and [player_tooltip player_id='400815' first='Kylie' last='Green'], the Tigers remain a high-level program that could push into the Open Division mix with another strong season.   Lake Highland Prep (3A State Runner-Up, 25-7) enters with unfinished business after reaching the state championship game. [player_tooltip player_id='1223178' first='Aubrey' last='Griffin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1223182' first='Saleigh' last='Simpson'] provide the Highlanders with two proven performers capable of leading another deep postseason run.   Winter Haven (7A State Runner-Up, 20-7) lost significant production to graduation, but programs with sustained success often reload rather than rebuild. [player_tooltip player_id='1222632' first='Alyse' last='Mercredi'] and 6-foot-5 [player_tooltip player_id='873464' first='Victoria' last='Hall'] give the Blue Devils a strong foundation as they look to remain among Florida's top teams and stay in the broader Open Division discussion.   Ponte Vedra (5A Region Finalist, 23-7) quietly put together one of the state's best seasons and now enters with clear State Tournament run upside. [player_tooltip player_id='708144' first='Jocelyn' last='Hoffmann'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1258488' first='Audra' last='Davis'] lead a group capable of another deep postseason run while staying firmly in the statewide championship conversation.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Teams Ready to Take the Next Step (Potential Open Division Risers or State Qualifiers)</h2>   These programs are a step away from joining the state's elite tier and could absolutely play their way into Open Division contention with strong seasons.   Lincoln Park (3A Region Finalist, 21-6) came within a single point of advancing past eventual state champion Somerset Canyons and appears poised to take another step. With [player_tooltip player_id='1227838' first='Victoria' last='Pippi Boyer'] returning and transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1309600' first='Ja'Zaria' last='Walker'] joining [player_tooltip player_id='515055' first='Brianna' last='Matthews'], the Greyhounds have the talent to build on one of the best seasons in program history.   Zephyrhills Christian (New to FHSAA) is one of the more intriguing teams in attendance. [player_tooltip player_id='1823770' first='Sahara' last='Katene'] has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting players in Florida since arriving from New Zealand. Combined with [player_tooltip player_id='1306668' first='Gianna' last='Miller'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1235049' first='Mila' last='Miller'], the Warriors could quickly become an Open Division factor in their first FHSAA season.   Tocoi Creek (6A Region Finalist, 23-7) lost an important senior leader but returns much of the group responsible for last season's success. [player_tooltip player_id='912252' first='Naomi' last='Gill'] is already establishing herself as one of Florida's top rising sophomores while [player_tooltip player_id='738971' first='Gabi' last='Iturralde'], [player_tooltip player_id='400813' first='Asiana' last='McCreary'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1308934' first='Kaitlyn' last='Farr'] provide experience and production.   Bolles (3A State Semifinalist, 25-5) reached the state semifinals a year ago and remains one of the stronger programs in North Florida. While replacing key contributors will be a challenge, [player_tooltip player_id='823463' first='Presley' last='Norman'] gives the Bulldogs a proven perimeter weapon capable of keeping them competitive at a high level.   Colonial (5A Region Finalist, 22-6) returns key pieces in [player_tooltip player_id='1121344' first='Yaneyla' last='Pedraza'] and [player_tooltip player_id='741336' first='Iliana' last='Dorvilus'] after a strong postseason run. The Grenadiers have the talent to stay in the mix in Central Florida and potentially push into higher-level postseason conversations.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sleepers to Watch</h2>   These programs may not enter the season with statewide attention, but several have the talent to outperform expectations and potentially enter the Open Division conversation with breakout years.   Williston (Rural State Champion, 22-2) returns key contributors from a championship team and has a chance to remain one of the top programs in its classification. [player_tooltip player_id='1764364' first='Janiyah' last='Span'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1782668' first='Kierce' last='Solomon'] give the Red Devils a strong foundation.   St. Petersburg (5A State Final Four, 21-8) features one of the event's best players in [player_tooltip player_id='1229156' first='Shaw' last='Summer'] while [player_tooltip player_id='1266911' first='Caidyn' last='White'] provides additional scoring punch. Despite a Final Four run, the Green Devils are still somewhat under the radar entering the season.   Blanche Ely (5A State Runner-Up, 21-6) returns talented pieces in [player_tooltip player_id='1249764' first='Aniyah' last='Gooden'], [player_tooltip player_id='470397' first='Sariyah' last='Sabb'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1242772' first='Maiyah' last='Standifer'] after a run to the state championship game. Few teams in this tier have more proven postseason success.   Fort Walton Beach (4A Region Finalist, 23-5) returns its top five players from a team that came within one point of upsetting eventual state champion Bishop Kenny in last year's postseason. [player_tooltip player_id='1261255' first='Harmony' last='Lee'], one of the top rising sophomores in Florida, leads a group that already proved it can compete with the state's best and now has the experience to turn that into a deeper playoff run.   Steinbrenner, Sumner, Sunlake, Clearwater, Saint Andrew's, Lakeland, American Heritage Delray, CFCA, Bishop Snyder, Orlando Christian Prep, Sarasota Booker, Ribault, San Jose Prep, Wildwood, Lake Howell, Oak Ridge, Hilliard, and Florida High are among several additional programs capable of outperforming expectations and positioning themselves for strong postseason campaigns.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Individual Talent Throughout the Gym</h2>   Beyond the team storylines, the FABC Showcase will feature several players from other teams who should command attention from college coaches and evaluators. [player_tooltip player_id='708143' first='Kendall' last='Proffitt'] of SJCDS is widely regarded as one of the premier shooters in Florida and enters the event with national recognition. [player_tooltip player_id='515069' first='Erynn' last='Moffett'], [player_tooltip player_id='221598' first='Trinity' last='Berry'], [player_tooltip player_id='1249017' first='Angelina' last='Laudicina'], [player_tooltip player_id='1246935' first='Devyn' last='Godfrey'], [player_tooltip player_id='1197567' first='Rudi' last='Jessee'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1188178' first='Callie' last='James'] are some additional names capable of producing standout performances throughout the weekend.   Beyond wins and losses, the event also serves as a valuable evaluation opportunity for college coaches. With programs from multiple levels expected to attend, players will have a chance to make impressions while teams begin establishing identities that could carry into the regular season.   While June results rarely determine what happens in February and March, they often provide clues. This week's FABC Showcase will offer one of the first opportunities to evaluate Florida's contenders, identify emerging sleepers, and begin projecting which programs could find themselves competing for championships and Open Division berths next spring.

The NCAA June scholastic live period has become one of the most exciting evaluation windows on the girls basketball calendar. While championships are still months away, events like this week's FABC Showcase in Gainesville provide an early glimpse at which teams could be competing for state titles and Open Division berths when the postseason arrives in March.