By Robert Alfonso Jr.
Tampa, FL – Girls basketball is hitting its stride at a good pace right now. These game is growing and players are putting in the work.
They also realize they can be the next in line to become a household name in the game do to its growing exposure. This camp is a prime example as its participation has grown. There were nearly 30 girls in attendance coached by former WNBA players, high level trainers, and talent evaluators. Here are the ladies who made an impression.
Zebrielle Canaday | Kissimmee | 2026 | was one of the peskiest defender in camp. She was not allowed to let her size stop her from being in a person’s face at every turn on the floor. Canaday is a ball hawk with quick hands and feet. Her tireless effort on opponents did not stop her from attacking the glass and soaring through traffic for some tough rebounds. Considering she has only been playing ball for two years, it is impressive to see her desire to be a relentless defender. Her offense will come with time because the hard part is in her DNA.
Amerra Kone | Boca Ratón | 2027 | plays hard on both ends regardless the setting. In the 3-on-3 session, made it difficult for opponents by applying defensive and offensive pressure. She played downhill in getting to the rim, while also feeling confident shooting the ball from anywhere on the floor. Her shot selection is solid. There wasn’t a shot she was unable to show a level of comfort taking. Her team went undefeated in 3v3. Kone continued to hit shots in game play, while playing tough defense. Look for her game to continue to blossom. She will not only be known in the Sunshine State but across the country really soon.
Kiarra Orphelia | Winter Haven | 2025 | is a poised point guard who gets to the basket with ease. She maneuvered around traffic like someone trying to get through a festival venue. Her decision making was with pinpoint precision. Despite the attention and occasional pressure applied to her, Orphelia is poised at handling it and running any team.
Jada Brown | Richmond Hill | 2025 | put on a solid performance as a forward. The Georgia native was spectacular in the 3v3 session in pick-and-roll play creating space for her and teammates. She has great hands as the ball became a magnet. This was evident with her work on the glass. She knew where to find the ball and snagged it any time within her wingspan. Look for Brown to have a strong season for Richmond Hill this season. Efforts displayed during camp sure will get her the opportunities she seeks.
Peyton Flournoy | St. Petersburg | 2025 | showed a high level of consistency with her jumper. The quickness and high release was difficult to defend. Her form was textbook in every possible way. This is exactly what a lot of college programs are looking for in today’s basketball landscape. They also want to see players get to the rim with confidence, which Flournoy displayed on several moves. Her jumper will open up a lot of defenses trying to guard her on a hot streak. It should sure peek the interest of collage programs across the country.
Dominique Boone | Riverview | 2026 | has a high ceiling. Her length, wing span, and athleticism is intriguing. She is skilled on the perimeter and inside. Boone cleared the glass at every chance she could. Her ability to defend the basket was at a high level too. On the other end of the floor, Boone displayed a soft touch around the rim while also stepping out a few feet from the basket. She does not have a wasted movement around the basket, which makes her efficient. Investment is important and worth checking out for any program.
JoLesa Birkhead | Apollo Beach | 2025 | shot the skin of the basketball. The lefty shooter was on point every time that ball found her. At times, she looked like she was shooting comfortably on a gun machine. Her misses did not seem that far off from her makes. This efficient shooting was impressive. She was ran off the three-point line which didn’t phase her ability to still score the ball. Look for Birkhead to have a large point total this season.
Jadynn Spivey | St. John’s | 2025 | was on one the entire camp. She was not looking to be stopped in any phase of the game. Her poise did not let her pace to be disrupted in any way. There were dimes being dropped off like an Amazon worker delivering packages. This combo guard also knew how to score the ball whenever the opportunity presented itself. The best part about watching her perform was Spivey’s ice-cold facial expressions. Expect much of the same this upcoming season.
Taylor Rietveid | Woodbine | 2024 | may have been a name many were getting to know at camp because of her playing ability. Her game was easy to appreciate in person. She is a forward who runs the floor at a hundred miles an hour looking to make a difference. Rietveid played with high energy and cleaned up missed shots on both ends of the floor. She operated the pick-and-roll with precision. This Camden (GA) High product is under appreciated and will one day make a college program look good for making her a priority and getting her on campus. High expectations ahead for Rietveid, who showed the same level of effort during the Live Period in Georgia. Senior season is loading and she’s not going to let up on the gas.
Trinity Berry | Jacksonville | 2027 | is a young point guard who lived in the paint. Her ability to get inside the paint forced the defense to make adjustments. Before they could even think of ways to stop her, Berry found someone to get the ball. This crafty floor general just knows how to get teammates involved. Her ball handle is on a string.
Alahni Lovett | St. Petersburg | 2025 | has a story to tell beyond the hardwood. Hearing her story will give you a glimpse and appreciation for her game. She plays hard on every position and is always talking on both ends of the floor. Her motor helped her be instrumental in disrupting the offensive set. She showed a level of toughness, which is not always the case for her. A year ago, Lovett was in a terrible car accident and the thought of not playing any hoops was a real notion. She was cleared to play in the summer and has not taken her foot off the gas with her effort. Her offensive game will come around the more she stays in the gym putting in the work. Now, you may question her ability to score it consistently but you will never have to question her heart.