Team Preview: Miami Norland

Michael Costeines

October 24, 2021 @ 02:14 PM

Throughout this month (and next), I will be highlighting selected teams across South Florida. Today, my focus is on Miami Norland. The Lady Vikings went 13-2 last season under head coach Carla Harris. 2021 Ole Miss signee [player_tooltip player_id="91509" first="Jaiyah" last="Harris-Smith"] (13.3 ppg) is a key departure. Moreover, she averaged a team-best seven assists and finished second in rebounding with just over six per game. The Vikings lost to Plantation American Heritage in the Class 5A state tournament. Key players: 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="219927" first="Ka’Zariah" last="Johnson"] Johnson is our top big in the 2024 class. The 6-foot-2 prospect averaged 8.3 points, 9.6 rebounds and two blocks per game while shooting 47 percent from the field. Johnson is clearly long, athletic, and mobile. She made strides on offense last season and posted multiple double-double games. Johnson is still growing into her body and developing overall as a player. Look for her offensive productivity to increase as a sophomore. I think Johnson could be a major prospect in due time. Just let her develop! 2024 guard [player_tooltip player_id="221841" first="Shania"last="Swan"] [player_tooltip player_id="221841" first="Shania" last="Swan"] performed fairly well as a freshman. The 5-foot-7 prospect averaged 10.3 points and and went (29-of-89) 33 percent from deep. Overall, Swan shot 28 percent from the field. That is an area she could boost as a sophomore, especially with Harris-Smith gone. Furthermore, her overall game as a playmaker is key. Simply put, Swan has more responsibility. 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="244203" first="Emoriah" last="Mchenry"] averaged eight points and 7.6 rebounds per game while shooting 46 percent from the field. Moreover, she posted multiple double-double and ten-plus rebound efforts. McHenry is a consistent player with a bit more upside. In addition, she should be counted on as a team leader with Harris-Smith gone. 2022 Jada Donaldson averaged 6.5 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. I'd like to see an increase from her to give this team more depth. Donaldson could also have a similar role to McHenry as a senior leader. 2024 Jasmine Johnson is a guard with potential. Swan's efficiency and boosted role as a playmaker should stabilize Norland. Johnson's continued development is the other. Both players have talent around a good roster in Miami Gardens. For any South Florida Prep Girls Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.