St. Johns County: Prospects Ready for the Breakout

For several years, the term she is only a freshman or she is only a sophomore " has given many prospects room to grow. Now the time has arrived for these players who were granted that grace or simply had older players playing in front of them. In this article, we look at players who are primed for a breakout season.    [player_tooltip player_id='514916' first='Caeli' last='Weaver'] has reached the Final Four with two different teams in consecutive seasons, contributing rebounds, blocked shots, and timely plays along the way. Now, she looks ready for a larger role. Weaver has the height, long arms, quick feet, and timing to protect the rim. Offensively, she can score inside with a baby hook, shoot the soft midrange shot, and step behind the arc for a three. This could be the season Weaver goes from making an occasional splash to taking over games.     Laila Stafford is another player who could make waves this upcoming season. Her game has steadily improved over the past few years, and she played meaningful minutes during Bartram Trail's storybook run to the state playoffs. She rebounds well, can block shots, and has shown the ability to hit the occasional three. Safford runs the court well for her size and makes contributions in the transition game with layups and follow-ups. With her height, Layla helps give Bartram Trail one of the biggest frontlines in St. Johns County and across the First Coast.     [player_tooltip player_id='750603' first='Judah' last='Smith'] won't have the luxury of making only an occasional splash in her sophomore season. She'll be called on to lead her team from the point guard position, and her play this summer showed that she's ready for the challenge. Smith handles the ball well, can shoot the three, drive to the rim, and get her teammates involved. She also brings a good motor and competes defensively. Her confidence has grown noticeably since her freshman season. As she continues to build on her leadership skills, Smith has the goods to make this a breakout year.     A season averaging more than eight points and eight rebounds per game is already a strong one. For [player_tooltip player_id='1000779' first='Lucia' last='Warner'], it laid the foundation for a breakout season this upcoming year. Last season, Warner played her role alongside one of the county's top guards. Now that Scibelli has moved on to college, Warner could become the team's first option. She rebounds, can shoot from midrange and beyond the arc, and plays with confidence and toughness. Warner is primed for an even bigger season - one that could be considered a breakout season.     [player_tooltip player_id='515065' first='Ella' last='Spencer-Gardner'] averaged a little over five points and three rebounds per game last season, but the numbers tell only part of her story. She was an emotional leader of the team who helped keep her team composed in pressure moments. Gardner also handled the ball to support her point guard and made timely shots and plays when her team needed them. Now a senior with leadership experience behind her and losing a key offensive player from last year's roster, she could see her production rise. Ella Spencer- Gardner is poised for a big senior campaign- a breakout season.     [player_tooltip player_id='996776' first='Sage' last='Pytel'] put together impressive summer and fall seasons. At several showcases, she displayed an explosive first step, quickness off the dribble, a midrange shot, and the athleticism to finish through contact. Pytel has shown she can be dangerous in transition, where her ability to attack the rim stands out. Pytel averaged five points per game last season, but her recent play suggests she could take a significant step forward as a senior. She has already generated a lot of interest - this will be her breakout year.

For several years, the term she is only a freshman or she is only a sophomore " has given many prospects room to grow. Now the time has arrived for these players who were granted that grace or simply had older players playing in front of them. In this article, we look at players who are primed for a breakout season.