2023 Rankings: Impact Sophomores

There is something to say about prospects who make a strong first impression on the high school circuit. Of course, I am talking about the current sophomores from last season. You hear it all the time when you go to games. She’s (he’s) a freshman! This is where you clap your hands. This article is very similar to the watch pieces I have done in the past for other classes. In all honesty, I just through a change-up on the title! At the top of the 2023 class is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91638" first="Emma" last="Risch"]</strong>. The 5-foot-11 shooting guard averaged 16.0 points and 7.1 rebounds for <strong>Florida Prep</strong> in Melbourne. Risch has since transferred to <strong>Palm Bay Magnet</strong>. Let’s look at some of the other prospects in our rankings... <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="145087" first="Checorey" last="Bouie"]</strong> - Cardinal Newman (<em>PH 26)</em> Bouie made an impression in her lone season with the Park Vista Cobras. The 5-foot-11 power forward averaged 12.8 points and a team-best 13.6 rebounds per game. Moreover, her aggression on both sides of the glass show she is a hard worker. Bouie grabbed 156 boards apiece on the offensive and defensive end. Against <strong>Boynton Beach</strong>, Bouie scored 22 points and collected 15 rebounds. That effort was just one of her 17 double-doubles. Bouie also pulled down a massive 25 rebounds against <strong>Pahokee</strong>. In addition, her impact as an on-ball defender cannot be overlooked. Bouie accounted for 61 steals on the season. Bouie has since transferred to Cardinal Newman. The Crusaders get a big boost with her in the rotation. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id="151147" first="Taylor" last="Romano"]</strong> - <em>American Heritage</em> Over in Delray Beach, the Stallions should have one of the more exciting rosters in South Florida. Included in that mix is 5-foot-6 combo guard [player_tooltip player_id="151147" first="Taylor" last="Romano"]. Romano averaged 10.2 points and 5.6 rebounds for American Heritage last season. Against <strong>Coral Springs Charter</strong>, Romano exploded for 33 points and knocked down seven 3-pointers. While impressive, those numbers were not a fluke. Romano scored in double-figures in 11 other contests. On the defensive side, Romano led the Stallions with 2.9 steals per game. She has proved she can play at this level alongside 2023 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="151282" first="Alancia" last="Ramsey"]</strong> and 2022 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91559" first="Jordana" last="Codio"]</strong>. I consider American Heritage one of the best tickets in town if you are looking for quality basketball to watch. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91642" first="Kristina" last="Godfrey"]</strong> - <strong><em>Miami Country Day</em></strong> <em>(PH 15)</em> The Spartans don’t need much in terms of self promotion. Miami Country Day is a winning program that routinely develops quality prospects. Next in line on that list could be 5-foot-7 [player_tooltip player_id="91642" first="Kristina" last="Godfrey"]. Godfrey averaged 4.0 points and 3.2 assists per game last season. While those numbers might not jump out at you, keep in mind the Spartans have 2022 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91557" first="Sydney" last="Shaw"]</strong> and 2021 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91494" first="Andrea" last="Daley"]</strong>. A Miami Country Day practice has an equivalent intensity to one at UConn. Godfrey is also earning quality minutes early in her development. These two phases should give her an edge over her counterparts. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="156588" first="Khyala" last="Ngodu"]</strong> - <strong><em>Dillard</em></strong> <em>(PH 10)</em> Ngodu is a name you all know by now. I have written about her a lot on this site and for good reason. The 6-2 forward/center averaged a team-best 12.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per game last season for the Panthers. In addition, Ngodu swiped away 1.9 steals per game and blocked 1.3 shots per contest. You are simply not going to find many players with her size at this age. With that being said, Ngodu has a high ceiling and a bright future. Dillard went 20-9 last season with her leading the charge. <em><strong>For any South Florida Prep Girls Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.</strong></em> &nbsp; &nbsp;