Prospects With The Most To Prove: South Florida

The Class of 2021 had no shortage of talent in South Florida. Many programs will look to replace some big names on their rosters come next season. What players will need to step up? Let’s take a look... <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="151173" first="Claire" last="Erickson"]</strong> - <em>Westminster Academy</em> How do you replace one of the most prolific scorers in state history? That will be the task for Westminster Academy with the graduation of 2021 <strong>Emma</strong> <strong>Wallhoff</strong>. The 5-foot-10 shooting guard scored over 2500 points and knocked down over 560 3-pointers during her storied career. Point guard [player_tooltip player_id="151173" first="Claire" last="Erickson"] will likely be the team’s leader and court general. Furthermore, the ball should be in her hands more often than not. The 5-foot-7 Erickson averaged 11.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and four assists while shooting 38 percent from the floor. In addition, Erickson went 30-of-95 (32 percent) from beyond the arc. Her chemistry with 2025 <strong>Lena Giradi</strong> and 2023 <strong>Taelyn</strong> <strong>Carey</strong> will be key. I look for her vision and ability to limit turnovers/mistakes as a big factor heading into next season. Erickson dished out five or more assists in eight games as a junior. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="151147" first="Taylor" last="Romano"]</strong> - <em>Delray American Heritage</em> Replacing 2022 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91559" first="Jordana" last="Codio"]</strong> is a <em>tall</em> task. The guard/forward is a <strong>Texas</strong> commit and will be playing her senior season at <strong>Montverde Academy</strong>. Prospects like Codio do not come around too often; but opponents won’t be feeling sorry for the Stallions next season. I am looking for 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="151147" first="Taylor" last="Romano"] to increase her role this fall. The 5-foot-7 guard averaged ten points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.6 steals across 14 games last season. Overall, Romano shot 42 percent from the field and 23 percent from beyond the arc. A little more consistency from her on the perimeter could really help the Stallions next season. Although, Romano is a better shooter than what statistics might show. I have seen her knock down 3-pointers consistency and her mechanics are fine.nHowever, she is has already <em>proven</em> to be a strong rebounding guard. Romano grabbed five or more rebounds in seven games on a team with 2023 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="151282" first="Alancia" last="Ramsey"]</strong>. I don’t think you can question her hustle or determination on the court. Romano and 2024 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="219924" first="Khadee" last="Hession"]</strong> could stabilize the team’s winning ways despite the loss of one of the school’s greatest players. <strong>Neyida Michel</strong> - <em>Dr. Krop</em> Roughly 46.5 points, 19 rebounds and ten assists are gone after the graduation of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91510" first="Lindsey" last="Weingard"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91521" first="Lauryn" last="Hornstein"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="244126" first="Emmy" last="Mills"]. </strong>How do you replace that if you are the Lightning? Well, 2022 guard Neyida Michel ease part of the burden as a senior. The 5-foot-7 guard averaged 3.9 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game last season. Moreover, Neyida grabbed double-digit boards in a dozen games. Her numbers remind me a bit of <strong>Draymond Green</strong>. While having last year’s scorers, Michel defended at a high level facilitated to a recorded 46 assists. She might just be asked to score a bit more next season. <strong>Casey Lewis</strong> - <em>Palm Beach Lakes</em> The Lady Rams lose <strong>FIU </strong>bound <strong>Zadia Gonzalez</strong> to graduation. They also lose a talented guard in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91541" first="Deborrah" last="Seitu-Redmon"]</strong>. That leaves 5-foot-9 forward Casey Lewis as the team’s returning scorer (9.1 ppg) and second leading rebounder (4.8 rpg). Against <strong>Jupiter</strong> (11-4), she scored a season-high 17 points while grabbing six rebounds. The Lady Rams could also get a boost from 6-foot <strong>Janise Paul</strong>. The 2022 center averaged 8.2 rebounds per game last season. Moreover, Paul grabbed 51 of her 98 boards on the offensive end. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="154898" first="Ashley" last="Thornton"]</strong> - <em>Seminole Ridge</em> Look for 2022’s [player_tooltip player_id="154898" first="Ashley" last="Thornton"] and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="244128" first="Aspen" last="Johnson"]</strong> to elevate their individual games with the graduation of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="91492" first="Jahnae" last="Midget"]</strong> (23 ppg). Thornton is a 5-foot-4 combo guard that averaged 11.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.7 steals last season. She is an excellent playmaker that excels off the dribble. Johnson is a long wing (5’11’) that averaged 17.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game for the Hawks. She has a strong mix of size and athleticism to cause mismatches on the court. <strong>For any South Florida Prep Girls Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mugnertown_Mike23.</strong> &nbsp; &nbsp;