Prospects Who Could Shape the Open Division 8

In the recent Way-Too-Early Top 8, several teams were identified as early favorites to reach the inaugural FHSAA Open Division. But as stated, it is a way-too-early projection. In this article, we look at several prospects (and teams) that will likely have a say in how the field ultimately ends up. They possess enough talent to upset the apple cart and force their way into the final eight.      [player_tooltip player_id='400816' first='Leila' last='Bryant'] is the No. 1 player in Florida's 2029 class, and if there is a player-and-team combination capable of breaking into the Open 8, it is Bryant and Holy Trinity. Bryant can do it all on the floor—shoot, pass, attack off the dribble, and control the game with her basketball IQ and overall feel. Her ability to impact the game in so many different ways gives Holy Trinity the type of difference-maker who can help push a team into that elite eight. And don't forget, Bryant and Holy Trinity were in the state finals last season, pushing Miami Country Day to the brink. They have already shown they can compete on that stage, and with Bryant leading the way, they should be right in the Open 8 conversation.     [player_tooltip player_id='221598' first='Trinity' last='Berry'] and company came pretty close to knocking off eventual Class 4A state champion Bishop Kenny last season. Berry led the way with her three-point shooting and ability to attack the defense from beginning to end. She is a competitor whose biggest asset may be her ability to rise to the occasion when the moment gets bigger. Berry once again drives the bus for a Ribault team that retained Kamya Lerory and added [player_tooltip player_id='1003101' first='Gabrielle' last='Mallory'], [player_tooltip player_id='1003136' first='Skylar' last='Wilson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1867066' first='Bella' last='Carbert'] [player_tooltip player_id='400817' first='Londyn' last='Tatum'], and Kennedy Tatum. There is plenty of talent around her, but as Berry goes, so will the Trojans. With one of the most talented rosters on the First Coast, Ribault has the pieces to make a serious push toward the Open 8.     [player_tooltip player_id='1003101' first='Gabrielle' last='Mallory'] had a summer that turned heads across Jacksonville and throughout the state. She was arguably Ribault's go-to player at the Camden Shootout, showing the ability to score inside and, just as importantly, defend the paint. Mallory has the body and strength of a power forward with the agility of a guard, giving her the versatility to make an impact on both ends of the floor. She can defend inside or step out on the perimeter, while offensively she is capable of scoring from both areas as well. Her play throughout the summer earned her offers and, perhaps just as importantly, plenty of respect. Mallory enters the season poised to play a major role in helping Ribault make a push toward the Open Division.     [player_tooltip player_id='924660' first='Joba' last='Oyedeji'] and her team have the talent to make a run at the Open 8. They play in arguably the toughest district in the state, and the biggest concern may be that the teams within it could cancel each other out. Still, the talent on this roster is as good as any in Florida. Joba can score from anywhere on the floor, combining outside shooting with the power to finish at the rim and through contact. She also has a motor that simply won't quit, allowing her to impact the game on both ends. Her sister, [player_tooltip player_id='846674' first='Eni' last='Oyedeji'], provides another major X-factor. Together, the Oyedeji sisters form one of the best frontcourts in the state and give their team a strong chance of making some serious noise in the Open 8 race     [player_tooltip player_id='873464' first='Victoria' last='Hall'] was dominant last season, especially during the first half of the State Championship game. Her presence in the middle forced the eventual champion to alter its approach, as Hall seemingly hosted a block party with her ability to protect the rim and disrupt shots. Hall has some special young talent surrounding her, including power forward [player_tooltip player_id='1222632' first='Alyse' last='Mercredi'], whose time has arrived. Mercredi has the versatility to become a force on both ends of the floor and gives Hall another major presence alongside her. Together, Hall and Mercredi form one of the top frontcourts in the state. With a little good fortune, Hall could lead her team back to Jacksonville as part of the Open 8. When she is controlling the paint, she can change the complexion of a game almost by herself. She is simply that dominant in the middle.     [player_tooltip player_id='470397' first='Sariyah' last='Sabb'] came within an eyelash of winning it all last season, and she returns to a team that lost just two players from that championship run. Sabb has the outside shooting on lock, but can also attack the defense, get to the rim, and finish, making her difficult to cover. Her three-point shooting is elite, and her combination with [player_tooltip player_id='1249764' first='Aniyah' last='Gooden'] gives the team one of the best guard tandems in the state of Florida. With that experience, chemistry, and talent returning, expect Sabb to have her team right in the middle of the Open 8 conversation.

In the recent Way-Too-Early Top 8, several teams were identified as early favorites to reach the inaugural FHSAA Open Division. But as stated, it is a way-too-early projection. In this article, we look at several prospects (and teams) that will likely have a say in how the field ultimately ends up. They possess enough talent to upset the apple cart and force their way into the final eight.