WHAT IF: Hillsborough County Starting Five
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What if the FHSAA had a tournament where each county had to play against the others in the state? Here is what I’d have for a Hillsborough County starting lineup: G | Tyra Kennedy Tyra Kennedy 5'6" | CG Brooks…
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Continue ReadingWhat if the FHSAA had a tournament where each county had to play against the others in the state? Here is what I’d have for a Hillsborough County starting lineup:
G | Tyra Kennedy Tyra Kennedy 5'6" | CG Brooks DeBartolo | 2023 State FL | Brooks DeBartolo
Tyra is an easy pick to make the starting lineup as she can flourish at the 1 or the 2. She handles it well and can also score from all three levels. Not only can she score, but she’s a fantastic on-ball defender with her speed, athleticism, and activity on all 94 feet of the court. Her all-around game and smooth playmaking ability makes her an ideal candidate on this All-Star team.
G | Milahnie Perry Milahnie Perry 5'7" | CG Carrollwood Day | 2022 State FL | Seffner Christian
The Air Force commit is one of the most unselfish yet toughest players in the area. She won’t force up shots, but instead she will be patient and take high percentage shots the defense gives her. Milahnie can score it from all over, but her mid-range game is what really helps her stand out. Her basketball IQ really makes her different with how she spaces out the floor and shows poise when setting up the offense to find her teammates.
G | Jaela Davis Jaela Davis 5'7" | CG Brooks DeBartolo | 2022 State FL | Brooks DeBartolo
There isn’t much that hasn’t been said about Jaela. She is so athletic and quick with high energy and bounce that makes her play like the Energizer Bunny out there. On the defensive end, she isn’t afraid to take a charge and will get in a ball handler’s face and lock them down. Her aggressive play and ability to shoot the ball from anywhere makes her one of the best in Hillsborough County.
G | Keyara Bromley Keyara Bromley 5'9" | SG Armwood | 2023 State FL | Armwood
Keyara is a big guard that has a lot of versatility, so she can play 1-4 if she needs to. Her biggest asset is her shooting ability as she has some serious range and great form. She likes to attack the basket off the dribble and can create her own space for a look. I like that her defensive game continues to improve with the length she has to disrupt.
F | LeighAnn Hanley LeighAnn Hanley 6'1" | PF Carrollwood Day | 2024 State FL | Carrollwood Day School
We need a true post with this squad, so LeighAnn is a perfect fit in this lineup. She will protect the rim, crash the boards, and finish at the hole. Her height and strength make her the hardest matchup in the frontcourt in Hillsborough.
Subs:
G | Nini Davenport Nini Davenport 5'3" | PG Seffner Christian | 2023 State FL | Seffner Christian
Nini gets better each and every time I see her play. She’s averaging 17 ppg on 46% shooting with a lot of those shots coming from behind the arc. Her ability to create space for a shot is the best I’ve seen in Hillsborough, because she’s been forced to learn that skill as an undersized guard. Nini uses these three skills at a high level to get an open look: shot fake, step back, and side step. She’s also a great passer who always gives it her all as a true leader.
G | Maraya Cheek Maraya Cheek 5'5" | CG Armwood | 2023 State FL | Armwood
Maraya has some of the best ball handling in the county with a plethora of really smooth combinations. She’s a strong shooter, and she sees the floor very well with good touch on her passes. Her quickness and tough play on both ends makes her a must have on any county team.
G | Tanner Strickland Tanner Strickland 5'5" | PG HB Plant | 2023 State FL | Plant
If I need a defensive stop or some energy, I’m putting Tanner in the game. On offense, she gets to the rim and creates for her teammates by drawing a lot of attention. Tanner never takes a play off and blazes by just about any defender for a bucket or to drop a dime.
G | Morgan Sieper Morgan Sieper 6'0" | PG Plant | 2023 State FL | Plant
Another Plant player, Morgan is very versatile in that 1-3 range. She can bring it up the floor, knock down an open shot from all three levels, or find the open teammate with the extra pass. Her length and size make her an appealing guard on both ends of the floor.
G | Ka’Yanti Burden Ka’Yanti Burden 5'7" | SG St. Pete Catholic | 2022 State FL | Carrollwood Day
Ka’Yanti is getting a lot more exposure this year at the powerhouse that is CDS. She is a very active defender on and off the ball and never takes a possession off. Her game is so explosive as she’s strong when she attacks the rim, but is also incredibly unselfish. Yanti is one of those players you want on your team if you are a player or a coach.
F | Arianna Mosley Arianna Mosley 5'9" | SF Tampa Prep | 2023 State FL | Tampa Prep
Ari is somewhat of a one woman show for the Terps. She is putting up some huge scoring numbers this year with an average of over 30 ppg. She’s a true competitor that boasts a long, athletic frame that gets her up and down the floor quickly. Arianna thrives in an up-tempo atmosphere with some good height on her jumper.
F | Renita Harris Renita Harris 5'10" | SF Tampa Catholic | 2023 State FL | Tampa Catholic
Renita is another versatile player who does a lot for her team at TC. Her strength and length make her a matchup nightmare for opponents. She plays hard, finishes through contact, and never seems to take a break.
F | Leah Bullard Leah Bullard 6'1" | PF Dr Phillips | 2024 State FL | Carrollwood Day
Leah is probably the most versatile player on this list with the highest ceiling, but she hasn’t hit her peak just yet. Her game is improving with a nice outside shot and some strong moves to the basket. She has a very long frame with a lot more athleticism than most players in the state. If puts everything together, she will be a force.