First Coast Media Day Coverage – Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This year's Media Day captured the excitement of The First Coast, a region that has been on the rise for several years. Teams arrived sharp, coaches confident, and players eager to share their offseason growth. There was a clear sense of pride and competitiveness in the room - from powerhouse programs to emerging contenders. In this article we look at a few State Playoff contenders who have the firepower to make it to the State Tournament to be held right here on the First Coast. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Championship Contenders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1356961,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/11/IMG_7131.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1356961" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bolles Bulldogs </strong>- lost one huge starter from last year's team - future Bulldog “Hall of Famer” Abby Knauff. But, the Lady Dogs return 4 starters and they are not just starters but program anchors. [player_tooltip player_id='751625' first='Terrell' last='McCoy'], [player_tooltip player_id='514527' first='Arianna' last='Walker'], [player_tooltip player_id='514608' first='Evie' last='Freeman'], and [player_tooltip player_id='823463' first='Presley' last='Norman'] aren't just returning starters — they're the heartbeat of this team. McCoy brings physical presence and quiet leadership in the paint; Walker sets the tempo on both ends with her energy and defense; Freeman's quickness and fierce attack stabilizes the backcourt; and Norman's versatility, shooting, and scoring ability give Bolles the edge that every contender needs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1356996,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/11/IMG_7099.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1356996" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tocoi Creek- </strong>is another team who is one of the odds on favorite to return to the State Championships this upcoming 2025 - 2026 season. The core of [player_tooltip player_id='738971' first='Gabi' last='Iturralde'], [player_tooltip player_id='400785' first='Audrey' last='Beyer'], [player_tooltip player_id='400813' first='Asiana' last='McCreary'], Kaitlynn Farr, and [player_tooltip player_id='912252' first='Naomi' last='Gill'] gives Tocoi a mix of firepower, composure, and experience. Iturralde remains the emotional and floor leader- the engine that keeps the tempo high on both ends of the court; Beyer brings the size, the versatility, the ability to stretch the floor and the scoring punch that every team needs; McCreary continues to be the teams two-way player with length, poise, and the versatility to impact the game in multiple ways. Farr adds stability, versatility, and spacing with her IQ and shooting touch, while Gill's energy and all around skill set round out one of the most complete group of players in North Florida. Tocoi will face a challenge, but their path to winning it all appears to be less daunting than that of the Bulldogs. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bishop Kenny </strong> enters the new season with championship aspirations and the pieces to make it happen. [player_tooltip player_id='515064' first='Kathleen' last='Crawley'] leads the way as one of the top forwards in the state— highly skilled who can score inside, stretch the floor from three, and anchor the team with her poise and competitiveness. The return of [player_tooltip player_id='515067' first='Makala' last='DesJarlais'] gives the Crusaders a strong, versatile forward who rebounds, handles the ball, and brings toughness to both ends of the floor. Freshman point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1261851' first='Shea' last='Donovan'] adds energy and explosiveness, capable of scoring, distributing, and controlling tempo. Alongside [player_tooltip player_id='400811' first='Elle' last='Deegan'], one of the area's purest shooters who also provides stability in the backcourt, Bishop Kenny's mix of experience and fresh talent sets the stage for another deep postseason push and a potential run to the State Finals in their back yard in Jacksonville. <br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->