Can I Get An Encore…(South Florida)

The class of 2024 had to deal with a lot last season. For one, they had to navigate the uncertainty of playing due to Covid-19. On top of that, contributing as a freshman isn’t always easy. Some of these players are so talented that they played as eight graders. Still, it is impressive to put up numbers in your early years. Let’s get into the list... <strong> [player_tooltip player_id="217667" first="Kayla" last="Nelms"]</strong> - <em>Miami Country Day </em> [player_tooltip player_id="217667" first="Kayla" last="Nelms"] is one of the best 2024’s in the state. The 6-foot-1 forward is an impressive shooter outside 15 feet. Nelms shot 46 percent from the perimeter last season. Overall, she shot 49 percent from the floor and averaged 11.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Given her size, I am impressed with Nelms’ all-around game. She is even a good free-throw shooter at 74 percent. You don’t always see bigger players with that sort of percentage at the line. In addition, it should only improve. <span style="font-size: 1rem;">On defense, she blocked nearly two shots per game and recorded 42 steals overall. </span> <strong>Ka’Zahria Johnson</strong> - <em>Miami Norland</em> Where can Ka’Zahria Johnson improve in year two? The 6-foot-2 forward/center already has the natural size to be a difference maker. While Johnson averaged 9.6 boards per game, she scored just above eight per contest. I would expect her to get more touches and be a double-figure scorer as a sophomore. Johnson shot 47 percent from the floor, so efficiency is not a big concern. She will undoubtedly be tough to spot inside the paint. On defense, <span style="font-size: 1rem;">her two blocks per game falls in line with her dominance at that end of the floor. Moreover, she will limit </span>opponents<span style="font-size: 1rem;"> to one shot </span>opportunities<span style="font-size: 1rem;"> with her work on the glass.</span> <strong> [player_tooltip player_id="219925" first="Janessa" last="Kelley"]</strong> - <em>Blanche Ely</em> Kelley is in a great spot with Blanche Ely. The Lady Tigers are one of the best teams in the state and return a powerful lineup. Kelley averaged 12.3 points per game over 20 contests last season. I like her confidence as she knocked down 50 of her 140 3-point attempts. Therefore, she doesn’t seem fazed in the moment. Kelley should continue to improve as an overall shooter and playmaker. She certainly has the weapons around her to make that happen. 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="221705" first="Laketrice" last="Peterson"] is another name to watch. The 5-foot-10 forward is only getting better and carving out her potential in the paint. She should be more of a force next season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="221696" first="Annalise" last="Lindsay"]</strong> - <em>Palmer Trinity </em> Lindsay was a big-time player and captain for the Falcons last season. The 5-foot-11 forward averaged 7.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. While already a strong leader, Lindsay has the tools to be a dominant frontcourt player. Look for her to take her offensive game to the next level. She’s is a strong defender after recording seven games with 10 or more boards. Lindsay should averaged a double-double as a sophomore. <em><strong>For any South Florida Prep Girls Hoops news or informationplease contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.</strong></em> &nbsp; &nbsp;