Houston built on a strong season by stepping into the showcase with the goal of keeping her name and game in front of college coaches. She played with visible passion and energy throughout. Houston can shoot from the perimeter, attack the rim, handle the ball, and create opportunities Houston runs the floor well and stays active on both ends of the court. Her motor, versatility, and enthusiasm make her a player who continues to build momentum.

Last year in the state final, Jannell scored 24 points on 50% shooting and added seven rebounds and five steals. She will need to put points on the board again, but controlling the boards could make the biggest difference. On defense, her length and instincts can create turnovers and disrupt Grandview Prep’s flow.

Jannell Houston Jannell Houston 5'10" | CG North Florida Educational Institute | 2026 State FL is one of the most underrated competitors in the state playoffs and brings a level of toughness that doesn’t always show up fully in the stat sheet. Houston averaged 10.1 points, nearly 7 rebounds, and 3.3 steals per game while impacting the game in a variety of ways. Houston can knock down perimeter shots, attack off the dribble, and pull up in the mid-range. What stands out most about her game is her unselfish approach. Houston has the ability to score at a higher volume, but she is a team-first prospect who creates scoring opportunities for her teammates. Her defensive intensity and willingness to do the little things make her a key contributor, and she can hold her own against anyone in the building.

Jannell Houston Jannell Houston 5'10" | CG North Florida Educational Institute | 2026 State FL (cover photo in red jersey) is one of the toughest small forwards/guards in the state. Houston is fearless in contact, active on the glass, and relentless on both ends of the floor. Her versatility allows her to impact the game in multiple ways: she can handle the ball under pressure, attack off the dribble, defend both guard and wing positions, and score from different levels of the floor. Houston is dangerous off the bounce, and when she becomes more consistent shooting off the catch, she’ll add another layer to her offensive tool bag —making her an even more dangerous and close to unstoppable on the offensive end of the floor.

Jannell Houston Jannell Houston 5'10" | CG North Florida Educational Institute | 2026 State FL continues to show that she is one of the top players in the state. She put her team on her back and help take down one of the top programs in a preseason affair. Houston was versatile and scored at all three levels. Her physicality and ability to play through contact set her game apart and it had eliteness written all over it. Houston impacts the game in so many ways. She continues to solidify her game as one of the tops in the state. As she continues to show her abilities against elite teams, her stock will continue to rise.

Jannell Houston Jannell Houston 5'10" | CG North Florida Educational Institute | 2026 State FL is another “Quiet Thorn” in the 2026 class who can flat out ball on the defensive side of the ball. The combo guard was one of the top defensive players at the State Championship in Lakeland last season. Her defensive effort was very good in the semifinals and in the finals against the eventual Champions Grandview Prep. Houston has great size and can hold her own against some of the most elite talent in the State. Last season, she averaged over 3.2 steals per game. That’s an impressive part of her game, and her willingness to dive for balls, take charges, and battle is all a part of the big defensive picture.

Janell Houston displayed poise and skill in the post and and a shooting touch from behind the three point arc. She’s crafty around the basket and has a smooth mid-range jumper from the free-throw line area. Houston uses her body well to shield defenders and create space. She has the ability to counter everything the defense does and plays with great instincts and a natural feel for the game. On defense she has the ability to lock down the opposition with aggressive and physical play. Houston burst on the scene last season and she is slowly solidifying herself as one of the top prospects on the First Coast

Jannell Houston Jannell Houston 5'10" | CG North Florida Educational Institute | 2026 State FL was one of the main catalyst behind NFEI’s run to the State title game, a game in which she was impressive. Houston is a dynamic penetrator whyo can get to the rim and get in the paint and score. Houston has a multitude of tangibles: elite footwork, sharp handles, quick hands, physicality on both ends of the floor, elite shooting from the perimeter, and toughness. Houston is a high IQ player who understands counters and can out leverage a defender using angles and body control. Houston is poised to make a huge impression at the FABC Showcase. She could be on the verge of a significant surge.

Jannell Houston Jannell Houston 5'10" | CG North Florida Educational Institute | 2026 State FL really played well in Lakeland and showed that she and her teammates well be a team to contend with next season. Houston was a force on the floor and showcased her skills on both ends of the floor. The junior guard was scoring in the paint on floaters and was killing it in the mid-range area. Houston also showed she could score from the perimeter as well. She put pressure on the defense and showed her ability to get to the rim and score or get to the free-throw line. Defensively, she did a good job of challenging one of the best teams in the State in any class. Houston played physical and wasn’t afraid to mix it up on the floor. Houston was a a beast and will be a player to contend with throughout the summer and next season.

Jannell was impressive in Lakeland with 5 steals in the Championship game against a team with three D1 commits. She also had two in the game prior to that in their win over a quality CFCA team in the semis. Her length, speed, and awareness caused a lot of issues in the passing lanes in both games as well!