The Draft: South Florida (1-5)
Over the past 30 days, I have tried to highlight as many women’s basketball players in the South Florida area as possible. From Jupiter to Homestead, this region is no short on talent. As I have said in the past,…
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Continue ReadingOver the past 30 days, I have tried to highlight as many women’s basketball players in the South Florida area as possible. From Jupiter to Homestead, this region is no short on talent. As I have said in the past, the girls product is underrated and deserves more attention.
A few months ago, I put together a fun piece on the men’s side of a hypothetical player draft. In short, it was the ten best players I believed I would want to start a team with. Since I did one for them, I thought I would bring my opinion to the women’s game.
To note, this list is focused on players returning to play in the area. Graduating seniors are omitted from this list.
Let’s have some fun to end the month and get into it…
No. 1 –
Taliyah Wyche
Taliyah
Wyche
6'2" | C
American Heritage | 2021
State
FL
: American Heritage Patriots
A talented leader who epitomizes being a champion, 2021 Taliyah Wyche Taliyah Wyche 6'2" | C American Heritage | 2021 State FL would be my first player off the board. The 6-foot-2 forward/center has dominated since stepping foot on the Patriot campus with three state championships and 69 victories. Wyche will clean up on the glass and run the floor like a guard. Her athleticism and explosion in the paint makes her a nightmare to defend. Moreover, Wyche can defend outside of the block and alter opponent shots. The box office superstar averaged 17.0 points, 13.7 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game as a junior. Wyche has committed her talents to the Florida Gators.
No. 2 – Tatyana Wyche Tatyana Wyche 6'2" | C American Heritage | 2021 State FL : American Heritage Patriots
Like her sister, 2021 Tatyana Wyche Tatyana Wyche 6'2" | C American Heritage | 2021 State FL could easily slide into the above slot. The 6-foot-2 forward/center possess a strong offensive game with further potential. This past season, Wyche averaged 12.3 points, 16.2 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game. The Gainesville commit will finish plays in traffic and is a superb finisher coming off the high post. Once she collects a rebound, Wyche is sharp on outlet passes and will get out in transition. I do not think stats tell the whole story of how valuable she is on the floor. Wyche has a ton of upside that should only rise to the surface once she reaches Gainesville.
No. 3 – Ja’Leah Williams Ja’Leah Williams 5'9" | CG Blanche Ely | 2021 State FL : Blanche Ely Tigers
2021 Ja’Leah Williams Ja’Leah Williams 5'9" | CG Blanche Ely | 2021 State FL is a superstar guard for Team Knight and Blanche Ely in Pompano Beach. The Lady Tigers went 29-6 with her at the helm and won the Class 6A state championship over Wekiva. Williams torched her opponents all season, averaging 16.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.1 steals per game. The rising senior is a game-changer with ability to make plays on all three levels on the floor. The University of Miami commit brings a background filled with perseverance to the court. Her toughness and attitude will be a welcomed addition to Coral Gables.
No. 4 – Sydney Shaw Sydney Shaw 5'9" | SG DME Academy | 2022 State FL : Miami Country Day Spartans
Playing for an elite program, 2022 Sydney Shaw Sydney Shaw 5'9" | SG DME Academy | 2022 State FL has all the makings of a superstar. The 5-foot-6 guard averaged 11 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists for the Spartans last season. Shaw has elite quickness and a impressive jumper in the open floor. On the defensive end, Shaw has a curve on her opponents to anticipate and disrupt opponents sets. The back-court junior is a rock solid playmaker on a perennial Florida power. Shaw has the mindset and confidence already of a 4-year player.
No. 5 – Jordana Codio Jordana Codio 6'1" | SF Montverde Academy | 2022 State FL : American Heritage Stallions
Rising junior Jordana Codio Jordana Codio 6'1" | SF Montverde Academy | 2022 State FL has already done more in two seasons than most players do in four. The Stallion superstar has already cemented herself as one of the best players in the state after averaging over 20 points per game in back-to-back seasons. In recognition of her talent, Codio was named the Florida Dairy Farmers Class 4A girls basketball Player of the Year. At 6-foot-1, the Wisconsin Badger commit has the size you look for to play at the college level. Codio will stretch a defense with her shot and make plays in traffic.