Weekly Recap in Tampa Bay
I was able to catch 2 games during the week in the Tampa Bay Area. Here is a brief recap of each:
Lakewood – 58 @ Clearwater – 39
The first game I caught was on Tuesday night between two of the best teams in Pinellas County as Clearwater hosted Lakewood. This game was fully controlled by Lakewood throughout it’s entirety. They jumped out to a 17 point lead by half and ended up winning by 19 points with Clearwater showing some life in the second half. The Spartans had lost 5 of their last 6 heading into this matchup after a rough stretch of their schedule, so I’m sure it felt good to get this win and bring their record to 1 win above .500 (9-8) before losing two this weekend at their MLK Holiday Classic. The loss for Clearwater dropped their record to 9-6 on the year, but they are now 11-6 after two big wins later in the week. Here were some players who stood out in this matchup:
Lakewood Spartans
Ta’Nauviyon Williams – Nauvi finished with 15 points in this one. She’s a tremendous athlete that is hard to jump with around the rim. I believe she’s the biggest offensive weapon with the skills to score or rebound against anyone.
Macey Zeh-Arndt – Macey was tough in this game as she was getting fouled hard for most of it. She ended with ten points on a bunch of free throw attempts. She’s strong in the post and has quality footwork that makes her one of the best true bigs in the county.
Nilah Coleman – Nilah is another fantastic athlete that can really go when she’s on her game. She contributed 10 as well. If Nilah is on and playing her game, this is a tough team to beat.
Clearwater Tornadoes
D’Mya Ferguson – It’s always fun to watch games when both teams have solid post players. D’Mya is a huge addition to this team now that she is healthy and getting into the groove of things. She’s a strong lefty that has great touch for a post and could have really done some damage in this one. She ended the night with 8 points, but there are a few shots I’m sure she wish she had again.
Jade Price – The Tornadoes have a strong Freshman class, and Jade had a team-high nine points against Lakewood. Jade has a strong frame and a lot of potential as she knows the game well. It will be fun to watch their 2023 class progress.
Wesley Chapel – 63 @ Tampa Prep – 61
The second game I caught was on Wednesday night between Wesley Chapel and Tampa Prep who I hadn’t seen yet this season. This was a rematch to a game earlier in the year that ended with WC taking it 63-60. The Wildcats seemed to have a commanding lead with a 13 point advantage going into the fourth, but the Terrapins didn’t give in quite that easy. Tampa Prep outscored Wesley Chapel by 11 in the fourth quarter, but it was too little too late. The Terrapins were causing havoc with their press late in the game behind Arianna Mosley and Kailyn Gilbert. Welsey Chapel played well in the game up to this point with some fantastic ball movement and a balanced attack. Here are a few of the standout players in this one:
Wesley Chapel Wildcats (pictured above)
Ariana Heppenstall – Ariana was on fire in this primetime game. She had five 3’s in the second half with three of those coming in the span of a few minutes. She led her team in scoring with 22, took care of the ball, and was a great communicator on the floor.
Kayla Grant – This girl is tough, and she can play. Kayla looked to be the best athlete on this team as she soared for rebounds. She finished the game with 15 points and shot well from the line in the second half. I was very impressed with her overall game.
Mia Nicholson – Mia added 10 points for her team in the victory. She has strong handles, a good shot, and drives hard to the hoop. This is a very well-rounded Wesley Chapel team who is now 18-2.
Tampa Prep Terrapins
Kailyn Gilbert – This is no surprise as she is one of the best players in the area and the state. Kailyn had just picked up offers before this game from Penn State and Vandy, so you know she can go as only a Sophomore. She had 26 points as a top scorer in the state who also rebounds at an elite level. Teams have to specifically game-plan for her, and she’s only getting started.
Arianna Mosley – Arianna has massive potential with her skillset and length as only a Freshman. She scored 25 with 17 of those coming in the second half. Arianna hit three 3’s, played great defense with her active/long frame, and she led the press defense that willed her team back into this one. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for this kid and this team who is now 12-4.