Pinellas County: Pre-Season Rankings

<strong>Pinellas County: Pre-Season Rankings</strong> By Michael Wholey 11/20/20 9:00 AM EST <strong><em>We are taking a look across the state at various counties and how their county squads line up.  First up, Pinellas county.  </em></strong> <strong>Clearwater High School</strong> Clearwater is coming off a PCAC Championship and have several new additions to the roster.  2023s Olivia “Liv” Fuller and [player_tooltip player_id="166172" first="Ace" last="Sturdivant"] had impressive Freshman campaigns and led the way for the squad last season.  With a year under their built, improved skilled and more experience they look to build on last year’s success in their Sophomore year.  Add in Freshman sensation from the 2024 class [player_tooltip player_id="214172" first="Beckham" last="Hockley"] and an improved 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="219945" first="Kyleigh" last="Welsh"], the Tornadoes are this year’s pre-season favorite and have a chance to be really for several years. &nbsp; <strong>Lakewood High School</strong> Head Coach Necole Tunsil has built Lakewood into a powerhouse consistently putting together competitive teams and winning seasons.  The 2019-20 season saw a drop-off from their normal success but look for them to get back to their winning ways and have a great season.  5’7 Junior [player_tooltip player_id="91574" first="Reilly" last="Webb"] is the little engine that makes this squad go.  She does it all on both ends of the floor, leaving her heart on the court every time she laces them up! &nbsp; <strong>Keswick Christian </strong> Keswick Christian finished with a 29-2 record last year losing to Florida A&amp;M in the FHSAA Final 4 in Lakeland.  The Crusaders graduated its four of its five leading scorers but has one of the most dominant JV teams in the county last year.  They will lean heavily on 2022 5’8 Guard <strong>Sydney Jackwin</strong> and 2025 8^th Grader <strong>Hannah Jantomaso</strong>. &nbsp; <strong>Calvary Christian </strong> 2022 5’7 <strong>Keasia Williams</strong> is the team’s top returning player averaging 9.1 PPG last season and 2022 <strong>Zoe Raine</strong> transferring in gives the program a solid 1-2 punch in the backcourt.  They may fly under the radar, but they are a disciplined team that is well coached and will overachieve. &nbsp; <strong>Boca Ciega </strong> Boca Ciega has lots of young, talented players who played very well together towards the end of the season and narrowly lost to Brandenton Southeast in the District Semi-Finals.  The squad did not participate in a pre-season tournament so a lot still remains unknown about them as they will take to the court for the first time this week versus Gibbs. &nbsp; <strong>St. Pete High School </strong> [player_tooltip player_id="166161" first="Ava" last="Stoller"] averaged 15.7 PPG in her Freshman campaign and is capable of carrying this team and putting them on her back and leading them to victory any given night.  Seniors <strong>Bree Wilson</strong> and <strong>Leslie Hardiman</strong> and several young pieces will look to be the supporting cast for Stoller and improve on last year’s 13-9 record that included a 5-1 record in the district. &nbsp; <strong>Northeast High School </strong> Head Coach William White always has his squad playing their best basketball come playoff time.  They finished 22-6 last season losing to Cape Coral in the regional tournament.  They lost two Seniors to graduate and <strong>Vivica McDole</strong> to injury.  Coach White won’t rely on any one individual but instead rely on his selfless, share the ball, team orientated offense that will spread the floor and look to out execute opponents. &nbsp; <strong>East Lake High School </strong> Recent Missouri S&amp;T signee [player_tooltip player_id="91552" first="Whitney" last="Rush"] is the go-to player for East Lake.  Look for her strong leadership skills and impressive scoring ability to help East compete for its third district championship in a row. &nbsp;