A Deep Dive into Class 1A Outlook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Basketball season is upon us! The regular season has officially tipped off. 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:</span> Grandview Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pride have reloaded after winning every postseason game last year by double digits. Behind their senior class of [player_tooltip player_id='468627' first='Jasleen' last='Green'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1091383' first='Seanna' last='Crooks'], and their junior class of [player_tooltip player_id='515089' first='Ameera' last='Koné'] and [player_tooltip player_id='243916' first='Victoria' last='Valle'] - they will have the toughest starting five of any team in Class 1A. Young role players like [player_tooltip player_id='1250000' first='Jada' last='Burns'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1235063' first='Jackie' last='Hughes'] will provide big minutes for this team on their way to a repeat. They're playing the strongest schedule in 1A, and I don't see anyone knocking them off in the postseason as my <strong>bold </strong>prediction for back-to-back champs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Top Contenders:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Seacrest Country Day</strong> - The Stingrays are young and guard heavy with [player_tooltip player_id='1145739' first='Aliyah' last='Cabrera'], [player_tooltip player_id='1266904' first='Dailin' last='Delgado'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1169442' first='Vickiana' last='Chery']. But that is quite a backcourt trio that will win this team a lot of games (helped contribute to 22 wins last year). They'll need to beat Keswick again this season to make it to the state tournament from that region after losing to them last year by 5.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Schoolhouse Prep</strong> - The Wolfpack are waiting for the return of [player_tooltip player_id='1221015' first='Lya' last='Gonzalez'] before they really kick things into gear. Without her though, they are sitting at 8-3 behind the impressive play of [player_tooltip player_id='1613572' first='Renata' last='Palma'], <strong>Kalem Prestan</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='1613569' first='Kartier' last='Durden'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1613570' first='Raquel' last='Soto']. Every player on this team is very versatile, they play hard, and they share the ball well. Biggest thing standing their way in Grandview within the same region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Potential Sleepers:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Orlando Christian Prep</strong> - OCP has a new look from top to bottom, and they have played one of the strongest schedules in 1A. They're led by five seniors: [player_tooltip player_id='514614' first='Rosemarie' last='Lisojo'], [player_tooltip player_id='956335' first='Brakayla' last='Anderson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1217996' first='Breyanna' last='Blount'], <strong>Boniyha Simpson</strong>, and <strong>Hazel Gonzalez</strong>. Then you add in some really nice young talent with [player_tooltip player_id='1273442' first='Brianna' last='Nolan'], Òpalo Velez, and c/o 2032 [player_tooltip player_id='1503295' first='Kayleigh' last='Baldwin']. With their experience and core, they are my pick to represent central FL in this class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Keswick Christian</strong> - The Crusaders won 21 games last year, but graduated some key seniors from their roster. To get past Seacrest Country Day, they'll need their trio of <strong>Maya Devega</strong>, <strong>Angel L'eon</strong>, and [player_tooltip player_id='1234880' first='Abby' last='Fischer'] to have a big game after already losing to them by double digits at a neutral site earlier this season. One of the top programs every year in Pinellas County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>NFEI</strong> - The Eagles won 20 games and made it to the state championship last season before losing to Grandview Prep. They return that same team with hoopers like [player_tooltip player_id='1201829' first='Sawsan' last='Kamara'], [player_tooltip player_id='1215569' first='Beyoncé' last='Jedinie'], [player_tooltip player_id='515001' first='Jorrdann' last='Sibley'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1201802' first='Jannell' last='Houston']. The big thing for them is that the state tournament is in their own backyard, and they'll likely be the team representing North Florida at the state tournament in Jacksonville this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other teams to keep an eye on are <strong>North Tampa Christian Prep</strong> and <strong>Central Florida Christian Academy</strong>.</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":["468627"],"_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-6952e9f4c06aa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jas will go down as one of the best to ever do it in South Florida. She has the awards and a ring to her name already, and she's looking to build that legacy even more this season. The Arizona signee is truly one of the top three-level scorers in the state. She has great finishing ability with either hand, creates her own space in the mid-range game, and can knock down the 3 ball with a smooth stroke. Looking forward to seeing what the best player in 1A does this season and beyond.</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":["1145739"],"_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-6952e9f4c07b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aliyah is one of the top players in SWFL, regardless of class. Her game consistently takes a step forward in big games, and she can put points up in a hurry. She's really made a name for herself this year, and I expect her to continue doing so into the postseason and the summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">1A All-State Prediction:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["708143"],"_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-6952e9f4c0819"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top shooters and scorers in the state. Height/length/efficiency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Last season:</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>28.7 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 4.4 spg, 3.1 bpg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["515089"],"_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-6952e9f4c0877"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Strong/versatile hooper. Doesn't have to do it all anymore and contributes in many ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Last season:</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>28 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 3.4 apg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["514614"],"_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-6952e9f4c08d3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">New team/system. Asked to be a big leader this year. Tough on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Last season:</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9.4 ppg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1091383"],"_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-6952e9f4c092d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">State Champ. Best post in this class and on a loaded squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Last season:</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.2 apg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["243916"],"_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-6952e9f4c098a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Shoots it and passes it well. Big goals this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Last season:</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>18.5 ppg, 5 apg, 4 rpg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["468627"],"_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-6952e9f4c09e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Top player in this class. So smooth and looks almost effortless (it isn't - she works hard).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Last season:</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>18.9 ppg, 3.7 apg, 3.3 rpg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->