The Overview: What to Expect from Class 5A This Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Basketball season is upon us! Preseason action has started and the regular season will soon tip. Stay locked into PGH Florida with full coverage of teams and prospects from all over the Sunshine State.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">The Defending Champs: New Smyrna Beach</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>NSB won 27 games last year and the 5A Title over Gainesville by a score of 56-49. They lose two key pieces from that team but still return important pieces like [player_tooltip player_id='721469' first='Iniya' last='Reddicks'], [player_tooltip player_id='1215714' first='Sariah' last='Ammons'], [player_tooltip player_id='1223184' first='Riley' last='France'], [player_tooltip player_id='1235881' first='Jayla' last='Smith'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1235882' first='Ja'Niya' last='Monroe']. Outside of those returners, they add [player_tooltip player_id='1236237' first='Brooklin' last='Cooper'] who is one of the top Sophomores in the state. I expect the Barracudas to make a run at the state championship again and have a very successful season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Top Contenders:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Booker T. Washington</strong> - This might be the hungriest team in the state. They won 21 games last year and their star player suffered an unfortunate injury towards the end of the season. The Wildcats lost in the Elite 8 to the eventual State Runners-Up without their star by only 7 points. This year, they'll have [player_tooltip player_id='751628' first='Chamiah' last='Francis'] (<em>FSU commit</em>) back and healthy to anchor the paint. In addition to her, they return their other double-digit scorer in [player_tooltip player_id='880384' first='Jada' last='Clardy'] who is one of the best Sophomore's in the state and the country. Then you add [player_tooltip player_id='741323' first='Nylah' last='Brooks'], [player_tooltip player_id='1237196' first='Kalyn' last='Thomas'], Chloe Burgos, and Lila Jacobs into the fold who will provide some experience and talent to put this team over the top. BTW is my <strong>bold</strong> prediction to take the 5A State Title this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blanche Ely</strong> - The Tigers return a bulk of their key contributors from a 17-win season with [player_tooltip player_id='927189' first='Trezure' last='Reese'], [player_tooltip player_id='470459' first='Teriyah' last='McFadden'], [player_tooltip player_id='1249764' first='Aniyah' last='Gooden'], Amiya Montgomery, and Janiya Davis. Last year, they lost in the Region Finals by only 2 points to Northeast, so they will be hungry to make it even further with this talented roster. They bring in transfers [player_tooltip player_id='470395' first='Isyss' last='Mims'], [player_tooltip player_id='470397' first='Sariyah' last='Sabb'], Janecia Parrish, and Brianna Lovett to make this one of the deepest rosters in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Orange Park</strong> - The Raiders lost in the Region Quarterfinals with a very young squad that won 16 games. They'll return everyone and add some more young pieces to the equation. [player_tooltip player_id='974196' first='Trinity' last='Dinkins'] will be a double-double threat each night and guards [player_tooltip player_id='912251' first='Ella' last='Crowe']. [player_tooltip player_id='514545' first='Mariah' last='Young'], and Jayde Bryant will set the pace on both ends. Two more Sophomores that will help on the boards are [player_tooltip player_id='1003101' first='Gabby' last='Mallory'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1183397' first='Kai' last='Longmire'] which round out a strong six.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Potential Sleeper(s):</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Gateway</em></strong> - The Panthers return their top players from a 20-win season that was ended in a tough loss in the Region Quarterfinals. They have one of the best backcourt duos in the state with [player_tooltip player_id='1122373' first='Ashlynn' last='Day'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1215720' first='Alyssa' last='Marino']. Solid supporting cast of [player_tooltip player_id='1217153' first='Evana' last='Rivera'], Andrea Suazo, and Jalissa Yarbrough.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Northeast </strong>- The Hurricanes went 28-3 last season and more than doubled their win total from the season prior. They lose their Player of the Year, but they bring in one of the best in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='214183' first='Taniyah' last='Davis'] (<em>Georgia State commit</em>) via transfer. Unfortunately, they will be without [player_tooltip player_id='1052606' first='Jazmine' last='Jones'] due to injury for this year. Outside of those two, they return [player_tooltip player_id='748717' first='Jakiyah' last='Merritt'] and bring in [player_tooltip player_id='1319621' first='Nayeli' last='Firmin'] via transfer. Their incoming Freshman will play a big role in how they do this year with Taniyah being the focal point for defenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some other teams like <em><strong>Clearwater</strong> (Led by [player_tooltip player_id='847610' first='Allevia' last='Williams']), <strong>St. Pete</strong> (Led by [player_tooltip player_id='1229156' first='Shaw' last='Summer']), <strong>Ponte Vedra </strong>(Led by Jocelyn Hoffman), <strong>East Bay</strong></em> (Led by [player_tooltip player_id='1218142' first='Za'myria' last='King']), and <em><strong>Port Charlotte</strong></em> (Led by [player_tooltip player_id='1232657' first='Jesslymar' last='Santa']) shouldn't be ignored either!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Best Player in the Class:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["751628"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691b34595cc2c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chamiah has been the most dominant true post in Florida for years. Her size, strength, and skill around the rim are unmatched. She controls the paint on both ends and should have no problem averaging a double-double this season. The FSU commit is a must watch that's making some serious noise in the Panhandle!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Breakout Underclassmen:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["974196"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691b34595ccc5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Trinity will lead a talented, young OP team that will look to her to be a force in the paint. She led the team in points and rebounds last year, and I expect the Raiders to be on a lot more radars this year with all of their returners. Her strength and touch around the rim will help her prove that she's one of the top 2028's in Florida. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1258488"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691b7f9d6d734"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Audra already has some buzz around the state before ever touching the floor in a high school game. Her height, length, and skill show a lot of upside and promise as she matures and her frame fills out. She has the chance to be a really special player in this 2029 class, and I expect her to play a massive role for the Sharks right from the jump.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Preseason Class 5A All-State:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["214183"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691b34595cd35"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top shooters in Florida. Will play a huge role in her team's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Last season:</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>12.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.5 spg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["880384"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691b34595cd9e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Elite athlete with great length and size. Nationally known 2028.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Last season:</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>12.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.7 spg, 2 apg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1229156"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691b34595ce11"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Long, versatile hooper. Will be asked to do a lot for HS team again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Last season:</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>19.2 ppg, 13 rpg, 3.9 bpg, 3.1 spg, 2.6 apg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1122373"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691b34595ce7e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Quick guard that can put points up in a hurry. Great motor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Last season:</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>22.6 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 7.3 spg, 3 apg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["708144"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691b34595ceee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Extension of coach on the court. Leader that makes those around her better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Last season:</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>12.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.7 spg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["751628"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691b34595cf5e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dominant post. Returning from injury on a mission.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Last season:</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>14.8 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2 spg, 1.7 bpg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->