7 Marion County prospects to watch this season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Ocala area is producing college ready talent this season. With [player_tooltip player_id='248267' first='Aariana' last='Rose Gravel'] and [player_tooltip player_id='349387' first='Tatiana' last='Matthews'] off the board there are talented seniors, juniors, and sophomores that deserve more attention. Here are seven prospects to keep an eye on this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='426391' first='Taleah' last='Jones']</strong> does a bit of everything on the floor. When her shot is falling, she can explode for double-digit quarters. Can get hot behind the three point line but does most of her damage 18 feet and in. Gets to the line when driving to the cup. Balances scoring instincts with playmaking ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='752544' first='Ja'Niyah' last='McCoy']</strong> is a scoring guard who creates space well. Quick sophmore guard who scored 20 points per game as a freshman. Increased rebounding and playmaking with the addition of another talented guard in the backcourt. McCoy has a tight, crafty handle and finishes over bigger players with floaters. Can get wherever she wants when she's in rhythm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='638571' first='Aaliyah' last='Grant']</strong> is a 5'10 Double double machine. She broke her previous school's single-season double-double record as a sophomore. The junior is a smooth athlete who can push the break and make reads from the high post. Grant is a consistent finisher and presence on the offensive glass. Strong enough to play 3/4 at the high school level but has the guard skills to play on the wing if the jump shot and handle become more consistent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1192614' first='Calise' last='Smith']</strong> is off to a hot start to her junior season. The 6'1 forward is posting double-doubles left and right while leading her team in scoring against playoff-bound teams. Plays with an edge on defense and will go after blocks. Uses her length well on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nia Heppner</strong> is a 6'3 post player with upside. The 2025 prospect's coordination has improved, and it's helping her on the defensive side. She's been a solid shot blocker since entering the varsity ranks but now runs the floor much better. Heppner keeps the ball alive with her length and has showcased a jumper out to 15 feet. Flashed an ability to take shower bigs off the dribble and finishes well with the right hand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='248268' first='Heaven' last='Sanders']</strong> is a high-level passer who knows how to get her teammates involved. Throws passes in areas only her teammates can reach and has a way of disguising her targets in the teeth if the defense. A true floor general who can push the pace and run an offense in the halfcourt. A stocky 5'4 guard who has the quickness to shoot passing lanes for steals. Can hit jumpers off the dribble when she has space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aaliyah Armbrister</strong> is a physical 5'9 forward who commands a double-double. Doesn't shy away from contact on both ends of the floor. Rebounds her area well and finishes through contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->