Independent League Action: High-Level Forward Play

The FHSAA playoffs weren't the only high-level basketball in the state last week. We also spent time in independent league gyms and saw plenty of quality play. In this article, we highlight several skilled forwards and centers who stood out and impacted the game on both sides of the court.    [player_tooltip player_id='1214936' first='Darleska' last='Perez'] showed versatility, strength, and awareness all game. She knocked down a quick-release three and connected on several perimeter shots. Perez wasn't just a scorer she was a workhorse who showed great energy and rebounded extremely well. Perez used her strong frame to get great position for boards and finishes. The forward was capable of getting to the basket in multiple ways and was an excellent scorer even through physical play. Perez stood out as a prospect who impacted multiple areas on the court.     [player_tooltip player_id='1215709' first='Miraldina' last='Buitchi'] anchored the interior on both ends of the floor and the Junior center grew stronger as the game tightened. Her post presence, rebounding ability, and her finishes around the rim were elite. Defensively, she controlled the paint with discipline and used positioning and timing to alter and block shots in crunch time. Her ability to block shots without fouling showcased her basketball IQ on the defensive end of the floor. As the game closed, her impact was very clear on both sides of the ball.     [player_tooltip player_id='1699228' first='Sara' last='Martins'] stood out as a talented and intriguing prospect with good size and constant activity. While not the primary scorer on the night we saw her play, her skill set was evident — she was capable of attacking the rim and knocking down shots from the perimeter. Martin wasn't hesitant to mix it up. She rebounded well, and showed a smooth and confident jumper. Her versatility allowed her to contribute in multiple phases of the game.     [player_tooltip player_id='1414370' first='Marlyne' last='Adahe'] returned to the lineup and immediately reminded everyone of her impact. The sophomore delivered a highlight moment at the buzzer, pivoting in traffic and finishing in the paint — a high-level move under pressure. The young forward has repeatedly delivered in the paint this season and has shown versatility behind the perimeter as well. She continues to show why she's among the top sophomores on the First Coast, combining feel, touch, and confidence in big moments.     [player_tooltip player_id='1760956' first='Benedicta' last='Asare'] made an immediate impression with her size, activity, and presence on the floor. Asare embraced her role and impacted the game through effort and awareness.   She challenged shots recorded blocks, and rebounded aggressively. Asare ran the floor well and kept possessions alive, contributing in ways that didn't show in the box score.  Loose balls, interior positioning, kick-outs to shooters, and strong outlet passes highlighted her performance.  Asare was reliable and helped her team function smoothly on both ends of the floor. College coaches were in the building and Asare left an impression.

The FHSAA playoffs weren't the only high-level basketball in the state last week. We also spent time in independent league gyms and saw plenty of quality play. In this article, we highlight several skilled forwards and centers who stood out and impacted the game on both sides of the court.