Dade County: Top 15 Teams & Returners

Dade County: Top 15 Teams & Returners By Michael Wholey 11/18/20 9:00 AM EST We are taking a look across the state at various counties and how their county squads line up. Today we take a look at Dade County. It’s been 6 months since the coronavirus pandemic took athletes and sports fans across the nation by surprise. Causing the most significant disruption to the sports world in history, coronavirus has humbled many athletes and coaches. Uncertain of the future, Summer 2020 truly tested the work ethic of some of Dade county’s top female basketball players. Under the circumstances, off season training had to come from self-motivated athletes who were working to stay ready for the upcoming season both mentally and physically. As we approach the long-awaited start of the Winter sports seasons, below are the pre-season rankings and top returners for Miami-Dade County Girls Basketball.   Miami Country Day School The 3A State finalist Spartans are looking to redeem themselves this upcoming season and get back to their State Championship winning ways. Led by recent George Washington signee [player_tooltip player_id="91494" first="Andrea" last="Daley"], who is an active post who impacts the game on both the offensive and defensive ends, 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="91642" first="Kristina" last="Godfrey"], a high IQ, slashing point guard that finishes well around the rim, and 2024 Freshman phenom post [player_tooltip player_id="217667" first="Kayla" last="Nelms"] who looks to return the court 100%. The program is rich in tradition and has had a ton of success, seeing many of their alumni go on to play at the collegiate level. The program won six straight state championships between 2013-2019 and will compete for one again this season.   Miami High School The 2020 7A State Champion Stings look to defend their title this season returning 2022 Janay Quinn, a small crafty point guard who can facilitate well and shooter 2021 G Kiara Cruz. The 2020 graduating class was a huge part of their success led by [player_tooltip player_id="91392" first="Colleen" last="Bucknor"] who is now a Freshman at the University of Central Florida. But as the saying goes, ‘Tradition never graduates.’ Coach Sam “Boozer” Baumgarten has led the program for many years and always has his team in the gym working hard and playing full court pressure baseline to baseline.   Somerset Academy Silver Palms Somerset Academy Silver Palms jumps into the rankings for the 2020-21 season as they bring the entire Keys Gate Charter roster and its Head Coach Ben Drummer to Silver Palms. The squad finished 23-6 and lost in the FHSAA Final 4 to Cardinal Gibbons. They are led by sharp shooters First Team All-County 2021 Guard [player_tooltip player_id="91488" first="Amari" last="Hunter"] and 2022 Guard [player_tooltip player_id="219952" first="Amber" last="Mateo"] who are in their shooting range upon arrival in the gym. Younging’s 6th grader Victoria Valle and 7th grader Ashley Martinez have a unique opportunity to be contributing members of a highly success varsity squad.   Miami Christian The hardworking Victors have some unfinished business to attend to this season. Returning nearly their entire roster and the addition of a couple new pieces, the Victors will be led by 2021 point guard Gaby Bendeck, 2022 guard Ambar Ramirez, and 2022 Wing [player_tooltip player_id="154908" first="Enjulina" last="Gonzalez"]. Miami Christian is a favorite to win the 2A State Championship this season.   Miami Norland The well-respected 5A Regional Runner-up Vikings have proven to compete against any team. 2021 [player_tooltip player_id="91509" first="Jaiyah" last="Harris-Smith"] is one of the state’s top unsigned prospects and is the engine that makes the squad go. Led by Head Coach Carla Harris, the Lady Vikings are always competitive and bring the pressure!   Miami Central The Rockets return an athletic group led by 2021 do-it-all, inside/out 6’2 post [player_tooltip player_id="91539" first="Kayla" last="Clark"]. Central competes in the highly competitive GMAC and will have to see Miami Senior HS, Norland, and Dr. Krop several times. They will look to be a contender in 5A Regional play.   North Miami The 6A District 15 Champion Pioneers return 2021 sharp shooter [player_tooltip player_id="145104" first="Carla" last="Jean"]. The scrappy guard who works hard on both ends of the floor and has deep, deep three point range. Look for North Miami to go as far as Jean can carry them.   Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart The well-coached Cyclones are lead by Head Coach Allison Bustamante and return a young group of players raised on fundamentals led by 2024 Guard [player_tooltip player_id="217665" first="Sofie" last="Mendez"] and 2023 G [player_tooltip player_id="146970" first="Sofia" last="Travieso"].   Palmer Trinity The young and hungry Falcon’s continue to pave their way to greatness in Dade. This tight-knit group returns the majority of its roster, including rising talents 2023 Guard/Wing [player_tooltip player_id="91640" first="Emily" last="Montes"] and 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="217669" first="Jade" last="Leon"]. Montes is capable of going for 20+ per night and is the leader of the group.   Mater Lakes Academy Making playoff appearances for the first time in school history last year, the Lady Bears look to continue earning their respect in Dade County hoops this season returning their lead scorer 2021 Guard Kaylee Llanos Dr. Krop The 7A Regional Finalist Lightning return their leading scorer 2021 Point Guard [player_tooltip player_id="91510" first="Lindsey" last="Weingard"] and her backcourt mate 2021 scorer [player_tooltip player_id="91521" first="Lauryn" last="Hornstein"]. The duo has an impressive ability to score the basket and are capable of combining for 50+ points on any given night!   Gulliver Prep The 4A District 16 Runner-up, regional qualifying Lady Raiders graduated significant talent and lost key players to unfortunate injuries this past season. They return a talented backcourt of 2023 5’4 Guard Madi Aguilera and 2022 5’6 combo guard Krysten Saunders. 2022 6’0 wing/forward [player_tooltip player_id="91580" first="Riana" last="Doctor"] is the x-factor as the Raiders hope to have her 100% for the entire season.   Lourdes Academy The 6A district champion graduated almost 50% of their roster, including scoring sensation [player_tooltip player_id="146962" first="Madison" last="Porras"]. The Lady Bobcats are one of Dade County’s most well coached teams playing an extremely disciplined style of play where they spread the floor with 4-5 players capable of spreading the floor and knocking down the 3. They will lean on 2021 Point Guard Brook Merdjane and 2022 Wing/Forward Annie Lassegue to continue the programs winning ways and rich tradition.   Hialeah High School The fighting Thoroughbreds showed toughness at the end of last season knocking off district opponent Doral Academy to advance to the District Championship. Returning their captain 2021 Guard Rose Bernard, Hialeah looks to continue building their way up the rankings this season.   Monsignor Pace The 4A District 15 Champion Spartans have added some young talent to their roster and will lean on them early. 2024 Freshman [player_tooltip player_id="221678" first="Kamryn" last="Corporan"] is a young point guard that can handle the ball, get to the rim and is an excellent defender.