Freshmen Contributions at State: Rural - 3A

The courts were longer, the depth of field was like playing outside (do kids still play outside?), and the fans are away from the courts and elevated. Sometimes these little things can have an affect on players, especially for a Freshmen who has never been in such an environment. In this article, we take a look at some of the Freshman who took the court and made minimal to major contributions in the Semifinals and Finals.    [player_tooltip player_id='1205018' first='Jacee' last='Bowers'] took one rebound and went coast to coast when a defender draped all over her. She converted the basket and made a tough shot look routine. Bowers was impressive running the floor all game long and displayed good speed and quickness from the guard position. The Freshman can shoot the ball on the perimeter, but is crafty enough to get into the paint for the mid shot as well as getting to rhe rim. She has a good offensive skillset and knows how to score. She keeps the defense on its heels. Bowers caught out eye at States and will be a player to watch out there in Florida's panhandle.         [player_tooltip player_id='219786' first='Kennedy' last='Deal'] is another Freshman who had greatness written all over her. Deal couldn't get the offensive game going, but a lot of things stood out if you were watching. Deal was playing multiple positions on offense and defense. Defensively, Deal was matched up against Providence's talented 4 and 5. Deal played on wing handling the ball in the motion offense. Occasionally she was on the blocks with her back to the basket. Several times the offense was run through Deal at the freethrow line. She did a good job of making the right play, freeing up shots for teammates, even when her shot was not falling. Solid defense, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals, later, Deal is a State Champion for the second consecutive season. She set the example that players will follow. If the shot is not falling, make it happen on defense or on the boards. One final note - with the game in the balance, Kennedy got the steal and sealed the “ Deal.”     [player_tooltip player_id='1090912' first='Mamie' last='Burkett'] ( M.B) is a name you will hear a lot going forward. Burkett got more minutes in the Finals, and it's the little things that stand out. The communication on the floor is very good, and she is not afraid to tell an older player where to go (teammate or opponent). Burkett has good strength and physicality and can rebound the ball. She was locked up one on one with two of the best forwards in the State, and it just looked like another day to “M.B” Burkett. She represented the 2028 class well in the State playoffs.     [player_tooltip player_id='1207182' first='Rachael' last='Luis'] made her presence felt, especially in the Semifinals. Luis grabbed 11 rebounds and showed a high level of athleticism and competitiveness against [player_tooltip player_id='1207160' first='Nalah' last='Smith'] of Evangelical Christian. Luis was also a presence in the paint on defense. She blocked one shot, had a steal, several deflections, and contested and altered shots in the middle. Luis was impressive and the numbers don't tell just how impressive the Freshman was.     [player_tooltip player_id='515001' first='Jorrdann' last='Sibley'] showed a lot of leadership and ability in the State Finals. Grandview Prep, Coach Price knew he was in for a tough one on the court and commented on how hard a Sibley and company played. Sibley had some nice shots in the paint and on the perimeter. She ran the point, handling the pressure, and getting the ball to her scorers when she wasn't getting to the rim herself. The Freshman was crafty on the floor and effective. She will be back next year and will look to lead her team back to Lakeland.

The courts were longer, the depth of field was like playing outside (do kids still play outside?), and the fans are away from the courts and elevated. Sometimes these little things can have an affect on players, especially for a Freshmen who has never been in such an environment. In this article, we take a look at some of the Freshman who took the court and made minimal to major contributions in the Semifinals and Finals.