When it comes to high school hoops, the northeast region of Florida is coincidently overlooked. Strange how a region that is the birthplace of greats such as: Artis Gillmore, Dee Brown, Erica White and Otis Smith can be talentless. These 10 youngsters below are just a handful of the talent in the northeast region. Interstate-95 is more than just a route to advance through Florida, and these hoopsters are reassuring it.
Traneesheia Brown
High school: Edward White
One of the best combo guards in the region. When you see Traneesheia, you are guaranteed to spot a basketball in her hand. Averaging 20 points per game, shooting 71 percent at the free throw line and grabbing four rebounds per game, you can see why. The 5’5” junior guard currently has a record of 16-4 for the 2013-2014 Season. On the off season you can catch her playing volleyball, flag football and running track. She competes in the 200 meter and high jump for track. As of now, Traneesheia’s goals are to help improve her team’s chemistry and maintain a killer instinct on both offense and defense. As for college, she plans on majoring in criminal justice. So far she has schools interested and received an offer from Clark University. Being a junior she has plenty of time to attract the attention of other Division I and II programs.
Traneesheia’s Favorties:
Hobbies- Hanging out with friends and anything energetic
Movie- Coach Carter
Food- mac & cheese
Place to travel- Las Vegas
Powerade or Gatorade? Gatorade
Jasmine Burkett
High school: Bolles
Jasmine is another great combo guard that deserves more attention than given. She stands at 5’7” weighing 125 pounds. Jasmine is currently second in the region in scoring averaging 23 points per game for a program whose currently 21-2. Her up-tempo style of play allows her to tire the defense. She’s takes pride on the defensive end also where she uses her speed to lockdown offensive players. She loves to score in fact she’s the first at Bolles to reach 1,200 points in a 3 year span. Jasmine’s team goals include: winning a district, regional and state championship. As for her individual goals, they include: state scoring leader and become the first female to make All-First Coast team in both basketball and track. This very possible, being that she has broken seven track records and the 400 meter regional champ. She participates in the 100-800 meter events. The sky is the limit for this senior guard. Where ever she ends up next fall her choice of study will be pre-med, as she aspires to be a surgeon.
Jasmine’s Favorites:
Hobbies- track and fencing
Movie- Love and Basketball
Food- Chinese Food “Orange Chicken”
Place to travel- Egypt
Powerade or Gatorade? Gatorade
Ashle Muse
High school: University Christian
Ashle is the last of the combo guards on our list and yes a great one. This 5’8” senior currently is the sixth leading scorer in the region averaging 18 points per game, second in free throw percentage shooting 87 percent, sixth in three pointers (39 percent) and 12th in rebounds grabbing eight per game. Like the others she is also a stellar athlete on the track as well, winning a district championship in high jump two years in a row and placing fourth in the state. Ashle’s goals are to win a state in both basketball and track, and to continue playing basketball on both the collegiate and professional level. Later she plans on retiring to become a criminal psychologist and youth minister. As for recruitment she’s gained interest from a plethora of Division II and III schools.
Ashle’s Favorites:
Hobbies- Drawing and Writing
Movie- The Wolf of Wall Street
Food- Chicken Alfredo
Place to travel- Anywhere there is a beach
Powerade or Gatorade? Gatorade “Frost Glacier Freeze”
Sierra Shepherd
High school: Jean Ribault
Sierra is arguably the best point guard in the state of Florida. A McDonalds All-American Nominee for the 2014 class and the 2013 4A State MVP and champion. Sierra was a member of last year’s Trojan team which had a perfect season of 31-0 and 3A runner-up the year before. With credentials as such, she solidifies her spot as the best. This 5’6” guard does it all. Her vision is excellent she controls the tempo, handles the rock and is a solid defender. Sierra currently averages 8 points per game with 4 assists. The Trojans are 22-5 (ranked 9th in Florida) so far in the year with a district record of 6-0. As for next year, she will attend the University of North Florida. Her goals are to simply have a good life, and to become a physical therapist.
Sierra’s Favorites:
Hobbies- Sports and Shopping
Movie- Madea Goes to Jail
Food- Pizza
Place to travel- Los Angeles
Powerade or Gatorade? Gatorade
Tierra Shepherd
High school: Jean Ribault
Tierra the 5’4” twin sister of Sierra is the second threat the Ribault Trojans have on the wing. Her stat line does not reflect her overall game. Recovering from a torn ACL and MCL she’s trying to get her groove back. Even with an injury of that magnitude she still dives on the floor for loose balls and lock down the opposing team’s best player. That’s her game, aggressive in your face up tempo basketball. And with the Gateway Conference player of the year selection three years in row, All-State, rookie of the year and player of the week honors, spectators are appreciative. She currently averages 3 points per game, 2 assists and 2 steals. Tierra is undecided on which school she will attend next fall. However, she plans on joining the Air Force eventually and for Tierra that goal is completely attainable.
Tierra’s Favorites:
Hobbies- Reading and watching television and movies
Movie- Avatar
Food- Pizza
Place to travel- Paris
Powerade or Gatorade? Gatorade
Grayson Allen
High School: Providence
Grayson is a 6’4” shooting guard weighing 185 pounds. Allen is currently ranked as the 34th player in the nation according to rivals and a 2014 McDonalds All-American Nominee. The Stallions are currently 19-3, 3-0 in their district, ranked second in the state of Florida, 10th in the nation (max preps) and the former 2013 class 3A state champions. The four star recruit will be attending Duke University next fall playing for the legendary Coach K. Grayson currently averages 22 points, 7 rebounds, shooting 49 percent from the three point line and 81 percent from the foul line. Grayson is the third leading scorer in Northeast Florida. Allen has a complete overall game. His athleticism allows him to finish strong at the rim, with a shot that leaves you without question to honor. With Grayson’s size he can also post-up smaller defenders. As a solid defender, ball handler and rebounder, Grayson will do great at the next level.
Isaiah Ford
High School: Trinity
Isaiah is the leading scorer in Northeast Florida. He currently averages 30 points per game, shooting 40 percent from the three point line. He is long athletic and stands at 6’3”. This helps him score over smaller defenders. On January 9th, 2014 Isaiah Ford scored 44 points, shot 90 percent from the foul line, 50 percent from the three point line, and grabbed 9 rebounds. It’s no wonder the Conquerors have an overall record of 14-5. As for Isaiah, next year he will attend the University of Louisville on a football scholarship. Ranked in the top 200 in his class as a wide receiver, Isaiah is the definition of an athlete.
Brandone Francis
High School: Arlington Country Day
Brandone’s current stat line is unavailable, but ranked as the 26th player in the country for a program whose current overall record is 18-3 (5-0 in district), ranked fifth in the state of Florida and a 2014 McDonald All-American Nominee, who needs them. This four star recruit is one of the toughest and aggressive wings in his class. The 6’5”, 200 pound shooting guard uses his ball handling skills to breakdown defenders and body to out muscle them to the cup. Brandone without question will fit in well next year at the University of Florida. The future for this hoopster is bright.
Reginald Kissoonlal
High School: William M. Raines
Reggie as teammates call him is a long 6’9” forward. He can post, alter shots, stretch the defense with his range and handle the rock some. Reggie currently averages 13 points per game, shooting an impressive 86 percent from the foul line (fourth in area). The Vikings are currently 15-5 and first team to defeat the Trojans of Ribault snapping a 12 game win streak, and later winning the Holiday Tournament at Andrew Jackson High School. Reggie received All-Tournament and MVP honors. Reggie will attend Northwestern State University next fall.
Daishon Smith
High School: Jean Ribault
Daishon is a quick, aggressive guard that controls the tempo. Being only 6’0”, he still manages to play above the rim forcing post players to help and eventually getting into foul trouble. This being a key ingredient to the Trojans success, averaging 12 points a game, on four assist and shooting 88 percent from the line (second in area). The Trojans are currently 20-2, 6-0 in district and ranked 22nd in the state of Florida. As for Daishon he’s trying to strike the interest of more Division I and II programs. Just know that next fall you will see him in the headlines playing for someone’s university or college.
Northeast Florida
Allen Young Jr.
“Recruiting” –Northeast Florida Basketball
