Hoopers Ballin’ in the Bay During the Offseason

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the past few weeks, I've spent time checking out some of the local talent around the Tampa Bay area at the ENG Fall League, Hillsborough County Basketball Showcase, and XBL. With plenty of talent on display, here are some of the players who stood out during that action at the ENG Fall League and/or Hillsborough County Basketball Showcase:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1789262"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac6a4fb0872f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Erin showed plenty of toughness and upside while competing against one of the top players in the Tampa Bay area who was also several years older. She blocked multiple shots, battled on the glass, and converted an offensive rebound into a putback. Erin's solid frame and athleticism allow her to compete inside and make an impact on both ends. As a freshman already earning quality minutes, she is a young prospect worth continuing to monitor as she develops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1784656"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac6a4fb08768"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Liana showed a nice shooting stroke when knocking down a corner three before connecting from deep again shortly after. She also impressed with her passing ability and court vision by delivering a sharp one-handed pass with impressive accuracy. She has the ability to get downhill and finish through contact which gives her another way to put pressure on the defense. Liana's combination of perimeter shooting, playmaking, and ability to attack the rim makes her an intriguing offensive prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1757132"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac6a4fb0878c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Peyton showed the ability to dominate the paint, especially against smaller opponents, and even when facing older competition. She attacked the offensive glass, finished around the rim, and made her presence felt defensively by blocking and altering shots inside. As a left-handed post with the size and tools to control the interior, Peyton has tremendous upside at both the state and national levels in the 2032 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1874854"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac6a4fb087ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jayde is a crafty, quick, and athletic guard who plays with good bounce and knows how to create offense in the middle of the floor. She showed a nice touch on a midrange runner with good elevation and consistently worked her way into the paint to find her spots or create opportunities. Defensively, she used her speed and anticipation to stay active and disrupt opposing ball handlers. Jayde's combination of quickness, athleticism, and shot creation makes her an intriguing Freshman prospect to continue monitoring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1197558"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac6a4fb087cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Khloe has caught my attention in recent fall league and showcase settings with her ability to contribute in multiple areas. She jumped a passing lane for a steal, knocked down a pull-up three when the defense gave her too much space, and showed good vision with a nice find to an open post player. She also connected on a corner three on the move, showing her ability to knock down shots without needing to be stationary. Khloe continues to show encouraging signs as a perimeter threat and playmaker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1231140"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac6a4fb087ed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ellayna impressed at both the ENG Fall League and Hillsborough County Showcase, showcasing her ability to score and create for others. She was especially hot from three during the ENG Fall League game I watched, displaying a smooth release and the confidence to let it fly. She did a good job relocating to the corner and maintaining proper spacing while also attacking off the dribble to collapse the defense and find open teammates. Ellayna showed good handles and shiftiness, delivered an advance pass for a transition assist, and used her body and physicality to create space for a finish at the rim. Her combination of perimeter shooting, ball handling, and playmaking will be key for her team as an experienced senior this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->