Spring Watch: 2024’s to Know

Happy April! The spring season means circuit events are beginning to unfold. The sophomore class here in Florida should be well represented. Moreover, the South Florida class has a bright future. Let’s highlight some players... [player_tooltip player_id="243882" first="Jocelyn" last="Gagnon"] - Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy [player_tooltip player_id="243882" first="Jocelyn" last="Gagnon"] is a talented guard/forward out of Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy. The 5-foot-10 prospect averaged 10.4 points, five boards and two steals while shooting 43 percent from the floor. Moreover, she went 43-of-132 (33 percent) from deep and 44-of-51 (86 percent) from the free-throw line. With her height, Gagnon can score from all three levels. In addition, she rebounds at a high clip. Gagnon had 149 total boards and grabbed seven or more in nine games. On defense, she tallied 60 steals. Gagnon helped the Eagles to a 23-7 record and spot in the Class 4A state championship game. [player_tooltip player_id="221843" first="Samantha" last="Vales"] - Miami Christian [player_tooltip player_id="221843" first="Samantha" last="Vales"] had an impressive season for the 2A state champions. The 5-foot-3 guard averaged 14.3 points, 3.6 assists, three rebounds and 3.4 steals while shooting 40 percent from the floor. Vales actually shot better from three at 41 percent (66-of-162). Overall, she scored in double-figures in 23 of 28 games. She scored a season-high 25 points and knocked down four 3-pointers against Seminole Ridge. Defensively, she recorded 94 steals. One area Vales could improve on is his free-throw shooting. She already has a ton of high school experience with over 70 games played. [player_tooltip player_id="221674" first="A’Zarriah" last="Brown"] - Flanagan Brown put up numbers while helping a Flanagan team win 19 games. The 5-foot-2 guard averaged 9.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.7 steals across 24 games. She also knocked down 22 3-pointers. An active defender, Brown four or more steals in eight games. She also grabbed 64 boards out of the backcourt. Improvement in overall shooting will raise her stock. [player_tooltip player_id="349421" first="Kalia" last="Harrington"] - Mater Lakes Academy [player_tooltip player_id="349421" first="Kalia" last="Harrington"] paired with [player_tooltip player_id="219924" first="Khadee" last="Hession"] to help Mater Lakes Academy win 16 games. The 5-foot-9 guard averaged a team-best 12.3 points per game while grabbing 5.7 rebounds per contest. Overall, Harrington shot 48 percent from the field and 41 percent (45-of-110) from deep. Against Blanche Ely, she scored 15 points and grabbed ten boards. Overall, she scored in double-figures in 15 games. Harrington has ability to score from anywhere on the floor and should only get better. On defense, her length and awareness resulted in 25 blocked shots. [player_tooltip player_id="221841" first="Shania" last="Swan"] - Miami Norland [player_tooltip player_id="221841" first="Shania" last="Swan"] is a solid guard for the Lady Vikings. The 5-foot-7 prospect averaged 10.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. Swan also hit 23 3-pointers. Her athleticism in the backcourt helped her grab 55 total rebounds. Improving her shooting should be her goal this spring and beyond. For any South Florida Prep Girls Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.