Team Preview: Blanche Ely

Throughout this month (and next), I will be highlighting selected teams across South Florida. Today, my focus is on Pompano Blanche Ely. The Lady Tigers went 18-2 last season and are annually a top contender in the region. They will look to rebound after a tough 46-44 defeat to <strong>Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas</strong> in the 6A state tournament. Key players/roster: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="219988" first="Charisse" last="Martin"] 5’8 PG/SG 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="243930" first="Ashleigh" last="Battle"] 5’2 PG 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="91561" first="Michiyah" last="Simmons"] 5’8 PG 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="91568" first="Zaria" last="Blake"] 6’1 Wing 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="219925" first="Janessa" last="Kelley"] 5’9 SG 2024 Jada Grant 5’9 Wing 2022 Diana Belizaire 5’9 SG 2024 Jaylee Nelson 5’7 SG 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="217668" first="Gianna" last="Corbitt"] 6’1 Wing 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="91563" first="Mya" last="Kone"] 6’3 Wing 2023  [player_tooltip player_id="247186" first="Amaji" last="Smith"] 5’11 Forward 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="221705" first="Laketrice" last="Peterson"]  5’11 Center Robyn Toussaint  6’0 Center <em>Most </em>teams would have trouble replacing 2021 [player_tooltip player_id="91491" first="Ja’Leah" last="Williams"]. The University of <strong>Miami</strong> signee averaged 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists and five steals per game. However, Blanche Ely is <em>not </em>one of those teams. The Tigers are deep with Simmons returning as the top scorer (14.9 ppg). She could be one of the best backcourt prospects in the region if she stays healthy. Besides her statistics, Simmons is a team leader and strong communicator. [player_tooltip player_id="219925" first="Janessa" last="Kelley"] averaged 12.3 points per game and knocked down 50 3-pointers. She’s highly athletic and has obvious range on her shot. Both Kone and Blake have length and are strong rim protectors. In particular, Kone averaged nine boards per game and blocked three shots per contest. She could have a big season with a bit more offensive consistency. Blake averaged 8.6 points and 5.4 boards per game. Both players are why opponents have trouble scoring many points on this team. Corbitt might be the best player in the 2024 class. Her versatility and ability to play multiple positions (2-4) make her a top prospect. She will be tough to stop in transition with her size and athleticism. Corbitt could be a high-major prospect if she stays healthy. That is the key for a lot of these players (and in general). Battle is a transfer from <strong>Cardinal Gibbons</strong>. She’s quick for her size and uses her handle well to create separation. Battle is not afraid to attack and will get to the rim. Martin moves over from <strong>Miami</strong> <strong>Country Day</strong>. She averaged over 8 points per game across 22 contests. Martin has plenty of playing experience to fit right in on her new team. Peterson is a player I’ve mentioned in the past. I think she has potential for a big season given her size in the frontcourt. As you can tell, the Tigers are <em>very</em> deep and can run out multiple rotations. They will be tough to beat over 32 minutes and throughout the season, per usual. Opponents are going to have to bring their A++ game to beat them. Bottom line...the Tigers will be right back in the mix for another state championship <em><strong>For any South Florida Prep Hoops girls news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.</strong></em>