Young Players Who Caught My Eye at XBL Fall League Week 2

I took in six games from the XBL Fall League this past weekend with five games at AYA Athletic Center and another at Seffner Christian. While there was plenty of talent throughout the league, this weekend gave me a chance to focus on some of the younger players who are beginning to make their mark. From underclassmen to middle school players competing at the varsity level, there were several young prospects who showed flashes of what they could bring to the Tampa Bay basketball scene in the years ahead. These are some of the players who caught my eye and should become future playmakers around the Bay:    Jayde showed plenty of promise throughout the XBL Fall League and has the tools to continue developing into a strong lead guard. She knocked down multiple threes with a smooth, consistent stroke and also showed good elevation on a step-back mid-range jumper. Jayde is quick with the ball and has the handle to create for herself, while her speed and vision make her especially effective in transition. She has the foundation of a solid point guard and is a young player to keep an eye on in the 2030 class around the Bay.     Zari showed good versatility throughout the XBL Fall League with her length and ability to impact the game on both ends. She has a long frame that allows her to affect shots defensively and she showed good timing as a shot blocker. Offensively, Zari has the ability to step out and knock down threes by connecting on multiple during the game I saw. She also showed a good shot fake, a smooth turnaround jumper from the free throw line, and soft touch on her 10-footer. Her combination of length and offensive skill gives her plenty of upside as she continues to develop.     Ryleigh showed she can hold her own against older competition and should have a chance to make a big impact with quality varsity minutes this season. She has a good handle and does a nice job changing speeds with the ball to keep defenders off balance. Ryleigh is also a strong finisher in transition with a solid finishing package and plays with confidence when attacking the basket. She is one of the top prospects in the 2031 class around Tampa Bay and has the potential to be one of the top players in the class across Florida as she continues to grow her game.     Kendal looks poised for a big sophomore season and showed plenty of reasons for excitement throughout the XBL Fall League. She knocked down a long two and did a good job getting downhill while protecting the ball in traffic. Her high release point makes her jumper difficult to defend, and her outside shot continues to improve which will make her a tough weapon on the wing. Kendal plays with energy, emotion, and physicality while also doing a good job getting to two feet and using the glass in her mid-range game. She also contributes on the boards and continues to show the all-around skill set that could lead to a big year.     Lyric showed a strong ability to create for herself and others throughout the XBL Fall League. She did a nice job using a ball fake to get into the middle and drawing the defense before finding an open shooter. Lyric is a physical finisher who does a good job drawing fouls and showed that strength with a step-through finish and-one in transition. She has a good change of speed with the ball in her hands and can knock down the outside shot when given time and space. Lyric also competes defensively and brings plenty of toughness to both ends of the floor.     Brooklynn showed a strong combination of size, toughness, and versatility throughout the XBL Fall League. She has a good frame and plays with a high motor, including diving on the floor for a loose ball and competing hard for possessions. Brooklynn has good touch on her 15-foot jumper and can also step out and knock down the three. She is an unselfish player who consistently moves the ball and keeps the offense flowing. Brooklynn also brings active hands defensively and does a great job rebounding hard on both ends of the floor.     Zameya has a long frame and good size that immediately gives her the look of a promising young prospect. She showed good mobility throughout the XBL Fall League by running the floor well and making an impact defensively with a blocked shot. Zameya also did a nice job cutting without the ball and finding opportunities to get involved offensively. She wants to attack the rim and score around the basket, but she also showed the ability to knock down the mid-range jumper when given space. Her combination of size, mobility, and offensive potential gives her plenty of upside as she continues to develop.

I took in six games from the XBL Fall League this past weekend with five games at AYA Athletic Center and another at Seffner Christian. While there was plenty of talent throughout the league, this weekend gave me a chance to focus on some of the younger players who are beginning to make their mark. From underclassmen to middle school players competing at the varsity level, there were several young prospects who showed flashes of what they could bring to the Tampa Bay basketball scene in the years ahead. These are some of the players who caught my eye and should become future playmakers around the Bay: