First Coast Media Day Take Away: Young and Dangerous Teams

The First Coast Media Day brought out a mix of familiar names and emerging programs, but three teams stood out for their blend of youth, hunger, and their ability to compete against any team in the area. Orange Park, Fleming Island, and Ponte Vedra each arrived with a young core that will shape the direction of the First Coast basketball scene for the very near future. They may be young, but they're already dangerous, and are looking to build off of their success from last season and their impressive showing from this past summer and fall.     <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/11/IMG_7116_73938e.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1360089" /></figure>   Orange Park Raiders   Led by a gritty and determined group, Orange Park looks ready to make a push behind its versatile core. [player_tooltip player_id='974196' first='Trinity' last='Dinkins'] is the engine — a do-it-all forward who can defend, rebound, and handle multiple roles with effort and consistency. Without a true big on the team , her toughness anchors the interior and sets the tone. [player_tooltip player_id='912251' first='Ella' last='Crowe'] is the glue player who has a relentless motor. She is a physical forward whose versatility and will to win stands out. Gabby Mallory provides size and power at the guard spot, capable of getting to the rim, knocking down the midrange jumper, and defending across multiple positions. She can also rebound from the guard position and puts pressure on the defense when she grabs the rebound and initiates the transition game. [player_tooltip player_id='748572' first='Jayde' last='Brant'] returns to bring quickness and energy in the backcourt, while freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1003136' first='Skylar' last='Wilson'] adds a confident spark. Wilson's shooting range, defensive instincts, and fearless approach give the Raiders a key young player who will make an immediate impact this upcoming season. Orange Park is young and dangerous and they have a legitimate shot at standing in Jacksonville during the final week of the season.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/11/IMG_7103.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1360096" /></figure>   Fleming Island Golden Eagles   The Golden Eagles are quietly building one of the area's most promising young rosters. [player_tooltip player_id='638560' first='Gianna' last='Crawford'] headlines the group as a versatile post who can play anywhere from the 3 to the 5. Her footwork, IQ, and ability to create offense make her a difficult matchup. [player_tooltip player_id='1117347' first='Seven' last='Gourdet'] brings power and athleticism — she rebounds, runs the floor, and plays with an intensity that sets the tone for her teammates. [player_tooltip player_id='1117349' first='Micah' last='Bussey'] adds balance as a smooth wing scorer who can stretch defenses with her perimeter shooting or attack off the dribble. [player_tooltip player_id='1118795' first='Angel' last='Pierce'] adds much depth in the front court and she brings energy and a scoring punch in the paint. Fleming Island is a team with a combination of youthfulness, strength, skill, and versatility. This group is poised for a special season and teams had better look out - Fleming Island is young and dangerous.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/11/IMG_7139.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1360097" /></figure>   Ponte Vedra Sharks   Few programs in the region combine leadership and youth like Ponte Vedra. [player_tooltip player_id='708144' first='Jocelyn' last='Hoffmann'] is the unquestioned leader — a poised, cerebral guard who commands the floor and makes her teammates better. Her absolutely to create, score, and control the game gives the Sharks stability and direction.   Right beside her is [player_tooltip player_id='1258488' first='Audra' last='Davis'], an incoming freshman already being recognized among the top young players in the state. Davis brings good length, basketball IQ, and skill for her age. Davis complements Hoffmann perfectly with her versatility and confidence. Together, they form one of the most talented young duos in Northeast Florida. [player_tooltip player_id='923090' first='Audrey' last='Rosendahl'] is another young player with toughness, shooting, and defensive tenacity, giving Ponte Vedra a well-balanced lineup. Ponte Vedra turned heads this summer and fall and one thing they do well is play together. They are one of the most talented teams on the First Coast.   The youth movement is real across the First Coast. Orange Park, Fleming Island, and Ponte Vedra owned the room and the confidence that exuded from these young players was felt. These programs have talented underclassmen ready to compete, lead, and define the next wave of high school basketball in the area. The First Coast media day revealed a lot about the state of girls basketball on the First Coast. One of the main observations that came out of it was the emerging of these young and dangerous teams who are so talented that they will not only shift the conversation locally, but also state-wide.

The First Coast Media Day brought out a mix of familiar names and emerging programs, but three teams stood out for their blend of youth, hunger, and their ability to compete against any team in the area. Orange Park, Fleming Island, and Ponte Vedra each arrived with a young core that will shape the direction of the First Coast basketball scene for the very near future. They may be young, but they're already dangerous, and are looking to build off of their success from last season and their impressive showing from this past summer and fall.