First Coast sophomores that are ready for a big season

In the third part of our look at 2024 players on the First Coast, we look at some of the players who were big contributors as freshmen and now will be expected by teammates and coaches to put together a repeat performance. <strong>Ragan Chapel, 2024 SG (Ponte Vedra) </strong>ended the 2021 season with two massive playoff efforts, including an upset win over Terry Parker in the District semifinals. Chapel’s three-point shooting in the District playoffs was clutch and a breath of “Freshman” air for Shark fans. Chapel’s play along with that of Tori Balser propelled the team to within two victories of going to the Final Four. The 2020 season is long gone and so is Balser. Chapel will be looked upon to lead the Sharks to deeper waters this upcoming season. <strong>Nykeria Thomas, 2024 SG (Mandarin)</strong> had a very productive Freshman season even while playing on a roster with a Senior scoring machine in [player_tooltip player_id="204671" first="Jayla" last="Thompson"] and capable offensive players in Ellie Jackson and San Freedman. Thomas averaged 16.5 points per game and recorded 63 total assists for the season. Thomas also excelled on the defensive end recording 53 steals for her Freshman campaign. Unlike last year, Thomas will be expected to lead the team in scoring in her Sophomore year and her ability to score in multiple ways makes those expectations realistic. <strong>Eris Lester, 2024 SG (Orange Park)</strong> had a banner Freshman year averaging 21 points per game, earning a spot on Clay county’s all 1st team selection,  and receiving a college offer over the summer. In her Sophomore season, Lester will have the additional offensive firepower to help her in the scoring department.  Lester's skill set doesn't just include scoring.  She can play lockdown defense as well. She plays the passing lanes very well which often leads to uncontested layups. Lester also has great lateral movement and is disruptive in man-to-man defense. If Lester has half as good of a Sophomore season as she did her Freshman year, the Lady Raiders could go deep into the playoff this upcoming season. <strong>Aniya Fisher, 2024 Wing (St Augustine)</strong> was solid in St Augustine’s 2020 playoff run to the Final 4. As a Freshman, there were times where Fisher was the second-best player on the court behind point guard [player_tooltip player_id="220358" first="Kyra" last="Stauble"]. With the exit of point guard Stauble’s scoring and superb handles, Fisher will be called upon to help fill the scoring void and help handle the ball. Fisher is versatile enough to answer the bell. St Augustine is expected to make another run for State and Fisher will play a big part in that process. <strong>Kennedy Waymer, 2024 Point Guard (Paxon)</strong> is another 2024 player whose Sophomore season should be exciting to watch. If this season was an onstage play, Remer would be one of the main characters. Her ability to slice up defenses and get to the basket is very impressive. Her midrange is very good and she is a good defender as well. She has a high basketball IQ, and she knows how to take advantage of players who can’t handle the ball. To highlight Waymer’s athleticism, the point guard also played Varsity softball as a Freshman. Waymer had a very good Freshman season and looks to “take a bow” after what should be an exciting Act 2 in her Sophomore season.