Mike’s Takes: First Class! (South Florida)

With the high school basketball season over, I would like to look at some of the best players I saw by class. There is a lot of talent spread across each grade. Please contact me below regarding any information on prospects in South Florida. Here are some of my picks... [player_tooltip player_id="243895" first="Lena" last="Girardi"] - Westminster Academy This is real simple. 2025 [player_tooltip player_id="243895" first="Lena" last="Girardi"] led Westminster Academy in points (20.2 ppg) and rebounds (8.3 ppg) while leading the Lions to its first state championship since 1991. In addition, she shot 49 percent from the field and 40 percent (66-of-163) from 3-point range. I thought she did an excellent job using her length in transition and around the basket all season. Furthermore, her overall skill set makes her entire team better. Having already played in over 50 career games, Girardi has the experience of a seasoned veteran. [player_tooltip player_id="217667" first="Kayla" last="Nelms"] - Miami Country Day 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="217667" first="Kayla" last="Nelms"] is an all-around talent for Miami Country Day. The 6-foot-2 forward averaged 17.7 points, 11.3 rebounds and two blocks per game while shooting 49 percent from the floor. She also shot a respectable 36 percent (41-of-113) from deep. Nelms’ size (6’2’) and shooting touch is impressive. Furthermore, her overall frame is a tough matchup to defend. Nelms can score on all three levels and effect the game with her rebounding. [player_tooltip player_id="91641" first="Karina" last="Gordon"] - St. Thomas Aquinas To me, I put a strong emphasis on winning a state championship and 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="91641" first="Karina" last="Gordon"] helped the Raiders do that. The 5-foot-9 point guard averaged a team-best 13.8 points while grabbing three boards per contest. Gordon scored 19 points in the state semifinals against Nease and added 11 points and seven rebounds in the state final against Wekiva. I thought she was an excellent defender all season with active hands and a constant motor. Gordon can slice into the lane with her dribble and athleticism to score. [player_tooltip player_id="118146" first="Ta’Niya" last="Latson"] - American Heritage This is a slam dunk selection after Latson’s performance in the state tournament. The Florida State commit had 24 points, ten rebounds and seven assists to help lead the Patriots to its fifth consecutive state championship. You can make a strong argument that Latson was the best player overall in Lakeland. She was selected as a McDonald’s All-American earlier this season. Overall,the 5-foot-10 shooting guard averaged 27.2 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, 5.3 steals and two blocks per ame while shooting 46 percent from the floor. Latson also went 31-of-72 (43 percent) from deep. She was simply dominant all season. The Seminoles are getting an incredible talent. 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