Practice Breakdown: Westminster Academy

I headed up to Westminster Academy to watch the Lions practice. Westminster Academy is led by <strong>Shannon</strong> <strong>Wallhoff</strong> in her 12th season at the helm. The Lions fell a season ago to <strong>Miami Country Day</strong> in the 3A regional final. Thus far, Westminster Academy is 4-0 and have outscored its opponents by a combined score of 267-109. Let’s get into the breakdown... <img class="size-medium wp-image-235682 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/12/Emma-Wallhoff-2018-NYC-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" />2021 shooting guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91499" first="Emma" last="Wallhoff"]</strong> is lightly the "scoring" version of <strong>Diana Taurasi</strong> in South Florida. Taurasi is the WNBA’s leader in points (8931) and 3-point field goals made (1164). Wallhoff is a lights out scorer and will square up from anywhere on the floor. I saw her shoot and make 3-point baskets from near the Lions logo. Therefore, the green light for her to release looks to be always on. The 5-foot-10 Walhoff has scored over 2000 points in her career (school record) and has made 476 3-pointers. During her junior year, Walhoff averaged 17.3 points and six rebounds per game. Her efforts earned her 4A-2A Broward Girls’ Player of the Year by the Miami Herald. Walhoff is equally as lethal driving to the basket for layups at the rim. The senior will look to lead Westminster Academy to its first state title under Shannon Wallhoff. She is committed to the University of <strong>Southern Mississippi</strong>. 2021 point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="151173" first="Claire" last="Erickson"]</strong> impressed me during the Lions team scrimmage. The 5-foot-7 Erickson ran the offense like an experienced veteran and took advantages of scoring opportunities given to her. Erickson showcased a strong handle and agility attacking the rim. Moreover, Erickson knocked down open shots from the outside. The honorable mention recognition she received as a sophomore should be eclipsed this year. Coach Walhoff said Patriot League schools like <strong>Lehigh</strong> and the Ivy League have shown interest. 2021 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="215661" first="Adrianna" last="Atkinson"] </strong>is a focal piece of the Lions front court power. The 6-foot-3 center imposed her size around the rim for lay-in opportunities. I thought she did a good job sealing her defender and presenting herself for <img class=" wp-image-235684 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/12/Addy-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="156" height="208" />shot attempts in the paint. Moreover, Atkinson has the ability to receive overhead passes due to her length. The Lions guards certainty have the makeup to get her the ball in these situations. In addition, that reach makes her a strong rim protector and shot blocker. She is committed to <strong>Oglethorpe University</strong>. 2023 <strong>Taelyn Carey</strong> is a versatile weapon in the Lions offense. The 6-foot-1 Carey attacked the basket during the scrimmage and hit from outside. The <strong>University School</strong> transfer also has the frame to score around the rim. Carey averaged 11.6 points per game across 18 contests with the Sharks. Her offensive repertoire of size and athleticism were on full display during the run. Moreover, I thought Carey and Atkinson had a good battle during practice. That kind of grind against a good player should only help her development moving forward. Her ability to spread the floor and create mismatch opportunities will be an asset in the Lions offense. She comes from an athletic lineage with brothers <strong>Vernon Carey Jr</strong>. playing for the <strong>Charlotte Hornets</strong> and <strong>Jaylen Carey</strong> playing on the Lions boys basketball team. Her father <strong>Vernon Carey Sr</strong>. was a football standout for the <strong>University of Miami</strong> and the <strong>Miami Dolphins</strong>. 2021 <strong>Kiara Simone Davis</strong> rounds out the senior trio for Westminster Academy. The 5-foot-5 Davis gives the Lions a deep backcourt along with Wallhoff and Erickson. The veteran has good quickness and limits her mistakes. Davis is the kind of player any team looking to win a state championship would want. The Lions have a group of young players starting with 2024 guard/forward <strong>Aylana Mergilles</strong>. The 5-foot-10 Mergilles should provide key minutes off the bench. 2025 guards <strong>Maddie Wallhoff</strong> and <strong>Lena Girardi</strong> also give Westminster Academy added depth in the backcourt. The experience edge they receive playing with a talented group of veterans ahead of them should only help them in the future. <strong>Overall Breakdown</strong>: Can the Lions get past a team like the Spartans? Miami Country Day has been the stop gap to their season in recent years. A player like Wallhoff can certainly be a game-changer with her ability to hit from outside.The idea of this being the last go around for the senior group to win a state championship is always something you cannot underestimate. The pickup of Taelyn Carey could be a huge X-Factor. I think she gives a lot of her teammates better opportunities to be effective with her stretch ability. <strong>For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.</strong>