Gladiator Games Part 1
The All New Florida AAU launched its first girls event this weekend at their Tip Off – Gladiator Games I which featured teams from across the state competing in high level games at the Orlando Marriott World Center. This was the largest girls event so far in the early part of the season and saw some of the states best players compete in high level action. The final saw FGB versus Hoop Dreams in a competitive final which FGB led by double figures most of the game before Hoop Dreams came back late to make the final score closer.
Jada Green 6-1 F 2022 St. Thomas Aquinas – Powerful forward who can score around the rim and is an elite rebounder. Green was the best front court player in the event all weekend. Green’s recruiting has picked up a lot of steam recently with most of the top academic schools in the middle Atlantic region on her.
Breanna Gustave 5-7 G 2022 St. Thomas Aquinas – Gustave showed exactly what she did the entire high school season where she was a physical high IQ guard who made players with and without the ball. Gustave is a good 3 point shooter and uses her strength to impose her will on the offensive end.
Karina Gordon 5-8 G 2022 St. Thomas Aquinas – Karina Gordon is one of the most underrated players in the country. Gordon shot the ball exceptionally well over the weekend from deep and created for her teammates. Likely future Power 5 recruit as the summer progresses.
Taliah Scott 5-9 G 2023 Oakleaf – There is an argument developing that Scott is the best player in the state and that was on display this weekend. Skill wise no player possesses the package she does offensive and is a lockdown on ball defender.
Kaylah Turner 5-7 G 2023 Oakleaf – Turner is one of the quickest guards out there and can score from 3 and going to the rim. Turner already is getting fringe power 5 looks during the dead period. When things open up she looks to be one of the top guards in the 2023 class.
Ella Ortman 5-6 G 2023 Providence – Had possibly the top individual showing of the entire weekend with 36 points including tons of 3’s. This was my first time with seeing Ortman play live and I was overly impressed. Ortman is a scoring threat to the volleyball line and can lead her team at the point guard position. Ortman is a for sure division 1 player and a guard college coaches will strongly desire as recruiting opens up.
Kamryn Williamson 5-8 G 2023 Sandalwood – Williamson is a sneaky under the radar player who had a big game against Hoop Dreams 17U with 13 points. Williamson can shoot the 3, is great on defense, and can get to the rim. Williamson is long and athletic which makes her disruptive on the defensive end and had a very strong weekend in Orlando.
Clara Coyle 6-0 F 2024 Bishop Kenny – The second consecutive weekend I have seen Coyle. In both viewings she was one of the best 2024’s in the gym. Coyle is a long forward who has great fundamentals and footwork around the basket. Coyle showed range out to the three point line including a shot to send a close game into overtime on Saturday of the Gladiator games. Look for Coyle to be a Division I player and as she transitions to the wing position one of the best in her class in Florida.
