Breaking Out: Players to Watch in 7A Postseason

With the end of the regular season approaching and the anticipation of district, regional, and state playoffs, the competition is about to heat up as every game becomes win or go home. Here are some players in the 7A class to watch who are poised to have big breakout performances.    [player_tooltip player_id='514550' first='Kendall' last='Perry'], as usual, has been shooting the ball exceptionally well this season. Playing on the defending champions' roster, she is no stranger to what it takes to make it all the way. Not only does Perry's experience set her up for a big postseason, but her ability to light it up from behind the arc will also put a lot of pressure on her opponents to keep up, scoring bucket for bucket. She is shooting an impressive 47% on the season. With several top players graduating last season, Perry has stepped up in the assist category, averaging 4.1 APG. Her experience and the tough schedule they've faced this season will undoubtedly have her prepared for another championship run.   4o     [player_tooltip player_id='428888' first='Zebrielle' last='Canaday'] has been one of the most consistent players this year in 7A. Canaday impacts the game in whatever way is needed, currently averaging 9.8 PPG, 5.8 AST/G, 3.3 REBS/G, and an impressive 5.1 STLS/G, contributing to every category of the game. She never has an off night—if she isn't scoring, she's getting her teammates involved or forcing turnovers with her remarkable defensive ability, highlighted by three games with 10 or more steals. Canaday's competitive nature will be key in helping Haines City push through the grind-it-out moments and secure tough wins on their run to the state championship.     (Cover Photo) [player_tooltip player_id='638571' first='Aaliyah' last='Grant'] is a dominant force on the floor, averaging 17.7 PPG and 9.9 REBS/G. She frequently takes over games, with her most dominant performance so far occurring on January 17th, when she recorded 31 points and 20 rebounds. Not many teams can match up with Aaliyah, which positions Westport for a deep and competitive run in the 7A state championship, with the potential to secure a few upset wins along the way.     [player_tooltip player_id='427341' first='Tessa' last='O'Leary'] has been on a tear this season, averaging 21.1 PPG, 3.1 AST/G, 6.1 REB/G, 2.3 STL/G, and 1.3 BLK/G, stuffing the stat sheet as she aims to make the deepest playoff run of her senior season. Tessa is a leader on the floor, helping put her teammates in position, and a leader by example, as she gives her all every play and fights for every 50/50 ball. Not only will Tessa's scoring ability set her team up for a successful postseason, but her leadership will be key as well.     [player_tooltip player_id='470458' first='Dakara' last='Merthie'] is incredibly fun to watch. On January 7th, she broke the school scoring record by dropping an impressive 44 points in a single game. Dakara does it all for her team, currently averaging 25.2 PPG, 3.1 AST/G, 4.4 REB/G, and 4.1 STL/G. Merthie gives her team a chance to win every night, having scored 529 points this season. If you can't stop her, she's likely to lead her team on a deep 7A State Championship run.

With the end of the regular season approaching and the anticipation of district, regional, and state playoffs, the competition is about to heat up as every game becomes win or go home. Here are some players in the 7A class to watch who are poised to have big breakout performances.