Young Guards With Older Demeanors

In most cases the upperclassmen are the team leaders and set the expectations for the younger ones to follow. Every now and then, the universe throws a wrinkle in what is considered the norm, and a young player comes along with confidence and leadership skills that matches that of the older players. In this article, we look at some of these young leaders who have shown their leadership abilities on and off the floor.    [player_tooltip player_id='1151383' first='Ruby' last='Patterson'] is becoming a recognizable name in North Florida. The young baller is establishing herself as one of the top talents in the 2029 class. As an 8th grader, Patterson averaged 18.3 points per game and connected on over 60 threes. The young baller contributed in all areas. She has the ability to put the ball down and finish at the rim with consistency. Her three point prowess, shooting, and scoring ability are the bread and butter aspects of her game. She is a high IQ player who gets her teammates involved as well. Patterson averaged nearly 4 assists per game. She is a player you will be hearing a lot about.     Jocelyn Hoffman established herself as a team leader as a Freshman and she will continue to sharpen those skills as she gets older and continues to develop. Hoffman averaged over 12 points per game and dished out close to three assists per game. Hoffman has also put up some good numbers in travel ball, but the most impressive thing has been to watch her play without the ball in her hand. This speaks volumes about her ability to adapt, especially when she has been used to playing with the ball in her hand at all times. Stats and adaptability are just a few of her treats. Hoffman impresses with her leadership, intensity, decision making, and confidence.       [player_tooltip player_id='400817' first='Londyn' last='Tatum'] has shown her leadership throughout the travel season and her game is evolving in plain site. Tatum's athleticism, speed, and ability to make plays for herself and teammates have been impressive. Noticeably, she plays with poise and thrives in key moments and pressure situations. Tatum was in the Final 4 in Lakeland as an 8th grader. All the while, she has been a team player and student of the game. She plays like a veteran on the floor and still she just finished her 9th grade year.     [player_tooltip player_id='1003136' first='Skylar' last='Wilson'] is one of the youngest player on this list, but the young baller has the "it" factor. She hasn't even entered 9th grade and already plays with the confidence of a seasoned veteran. Need a bucket or big play, put the ball in her hand and she is going to do her best to make it happen, and give up body parts in the process. Wilson loves to play physical and get to the rim to the free throw line. Over the Spring, her three point shot looked real good and her overall offensive game has caught up with her defensive abilities. She has always been a lock down defender. The young guard has quick feet and great anticipation. One telegraphed or loose dribble and the ball might be going the other way.     [player_tooltip player_id='1136118' first='Reah' last='Saunders'] is the youngest prospect on this list and she definitely plays with an older demeanor. Her speed, toughness, intelligence and skillset are light years ahead and she is making an impact in girls basketball - with effort and statistics. The young guard averaged 6.1 points per game, close to 4 assists per game, and helped her team get to the State Championships in Lakeland. Saunders is a name you will be hearing about for a while, and it will be because of her performance and her circumstance.     [player_tooltip player_id='1100922' first='Keeley' last='Mosley'] is another rising leader who is ready to explode. When watching her play, you can see that she has something special about her and plays like an older player. Her basketball IQ is off the chats - court awareness, instincts, confidence, and decision making. Mosley can score the basketball from all three levels; she has great court vision; and and she has very good passing abilities. It won't be long before Mosley will be give the keys to the car, and it will be an exciting ride when it happens.

In most cases the upperclassmen are the team leaders and set the expectations for the younger ones to follow. Every now and then, the universe throws a wrinkle in what is considered the norm, and a young player comes along with confidence and leadership skills that matches that of the older players. In this article, we look at some of these young leaders who have shown their leadership abilities on and off the floor.