Play 4 Kay Shootout: Player of the Game Recipients

Saturday was an exciting day for 12 hours of girls basketball at Carrollwood Day School. The Play 4 Kay Shootout honored those who have or are fighting cancer which has affected nearly everyone in some capacity. Jarrett Harvey was the creative mind behind this event, and he had two terrific ambassadors of the girls game who have suffered and grown through their fight against cancer with Laurie Pacholke and Rachel Walker as those representatives. After each game, their story and a plaque was given out with Laurie and Rachel's names engraved to a player of the game who wasn't outworked and contributed the most to their team. Here are the eight players who received this award: Game 1: Vanguard - 54, Booker - 51 <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/nasia-powell/"></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/nasia-powell/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/nasia-powell/">Nasia Powell</a></a> - 2021 Nasia was on a mission this game! She hit five 3's and ended the game with 33 points and 8 rebounds in a game that wasn't close until the fourth quarter. This was my first time seeing her play, and she did not disappoint as she shot well from everywhere with a well-rounded game. She couldn't be stopped going to the hole, shooting from outside, or even at the free throw line. It's no surprise that she's getting D1 looks as only a Junior with the way she was on offense as well as crashing the boards, distributing the ball, and playing hard defense.     <hr /> Game 2: Wekiva - 69, Lakewood - 53 <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/myanna-garrett/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/myanna-garrett/">Myanna Garrett</a></a> - 2020 Myanna is an unsigned senior who was fun to watch on what is a balanced, talented squad in Wekiva. The senior lead her team with 18 points and was impressive on the glass too. A few of her buckets came from those big boards and she shot the rock with confidence from about 15 feet and in. Myanna finished through contact and clearly has the talent to play at the next level.   <hr /> Game 3: Gulf Coast - 46, Seminole (Sanford) - 34 <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/katie-ambrose/"></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/katie-ambrose/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/katie-ambrose/">Katie Ambrose</a></a>- 2022 Katie was really big in the first quarter when the Sharks went up 9 points, and Seminole could not get back into the game after that by playing pretty even the rest of the way. She led her team to victory with 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Katie is an exciting guard who shot a high percentage and is always fun to watch. Gulf Coast was one of the youngest teams of the day with Katie being the youngest to receive this award. <hr /> Game 4: Plant - 50, Brooks DeBartolo - 44 <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kendal-cheesman/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kendal-cheesman/">Kendal Cheesman</a></a> - 2021 Kendal had a surprised look on her face when she won this award as this was a team win, but she's a big part of this team's success. The first words out of her mouth were telling the team that it was theirs and they all earned it as it was a team effort. She's a humble competitor who didn't have her best offensive game, but still finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds in a gritty double-double effort. Kendal also had 3 blocks and always causes difficulty for opposing teams with her presence inside. She's one heck of a basketball player and an even better person. <hr /> Game 5: Bloomingdale - 58, Bishop Verot - 31 Nya King - 2020 Nya just eclipsed the 1,000 point mark this week and kept it going with 24 points and 11 rebounds in a convincing win. I was impressed with the scoring and rebounds, but she also had strong court vision and quick hands/feet on defense that frustrated BV all day. She's another unsigned senior who could make a difference at the next level.     <hr /> Game 6: Lake Highland Prep - 44, Tampa Bay Tech - 38 <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/zanoria-cruz/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/zanoria-cruz/">Zanoria Cruz</a></a>- 2020 LHP was the definition of balanced on Saturday with their six scorers having between 4 and 10 points. Zo is a leader on this team who scored 9 points in a big win, but also does a lot of dirty work from crashing the boards to diving on the floor. She'll be a nice fit at Western Carolina next year, but the first goal is a state title!   <hr /> Game 7: Carrollwood Day - 61, Ft. Myers - 51 Tarrioyonna Gary - 2020 T-Mac led the way on another balanced team with 17 points. She's a crafty finisher who has nice elevation on her mid-range jumper. The Green Wave are a good team with an inside presence, but that didn't scare Tarriyonna away at all. She is quick, aggressive, and showcased her high basketball IQ. I am sure she's excited to get to Towson, but CDS has the state championship on their minds as well.   <hr /> Game 8: Seffner Christian - 65, Spruce Creek - 53 CC Mays - 2020 CC scored half of her points in the final quarter with a game-high 22 points. She is tough to defend as she can score at all three levels and is strong enough to finish through contact. She's got the swagger, confidence, and skill to go up against anyone. CC is committed to Marshall, but their senior class has some noise to make in the postseason before she takes off.