Teams to Watch: Miami-Dade County

The last of my three looks brings us to Miami-Dade County. You can view my piece on Palm Beach by clicking h<a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2021/09/teams-to-watch-palm-beach-county/">ere</a>. You can view my piece on Broward by clicking <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2021/09/teams-to-watch-broward-county/">here</a>. For purposes of this article, I will touch on programs like <strong>Miami Country Day</strong> at a later date. <strong>Westminster Christian</strong> - <em>(Last season: 10-6)</em> Based off its roster, the Warriors should bring almost everyone back from last season. 2022 guard <strong>Sammy Suarez</strong> paced Westminster Christian after averaging 13.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game while shooting 31 percent from the field. In addition, Suarez went 30-of-117 (26 percent) from deep. Both those percentages need to be improved this fall. However, Suarez’s defense is very good after recording 45 steals. 2025 <strong>Zoey Matias</strong> is a prospect to watch. The 5-foot-6 shooting guard averaged 10.3 points per game while shooting 40 percent from the field. Moreover, Matias went 28-of-74 (38 percent) from deep. 2022 <strong>Cassidy Stouffe</strong>r did a bit of everything after averaging 6.3 points, seven rebounds, 4.7 steals and 1.8 blocks per game. 2023 <strong>Emily Matias</strong> led the team in rebounds (8.6 rpg). The 5-foot-10 forward had seven games of ten or more rebounds as a sophomore. This is a solid group if it holds together. <strong>SLAM</strong> - <em>(Last season: 11-10)</em> The Titans are another program that should bring almost everyone back in 2021. 2025 <strong>Jim’Miyah Branton</strong> led SLAM after averaging 12.5 points per game. Can Branton capitalize on that early experience as a freshman? Against <strong>Miami Christian</strong> (17-7), she scored 19 points. 2022’s <strong>Audrey Drapeau,</strong> <strong>Rozee Drapeau</strong>, and <strong>Angelina Lebeau</strong> each averaged over eight points per game. 6-foot-1 2022 <strong>Karla Quintero</strong> averaged 7.6 points per game. On paper, SLAM has a wealth of players that can score around 10 points any given night. <strong>Mater Academy Charter</strong> - <em>(Last season 13-6)</em> I have mentioned 2025 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="221662" first="Alessandra" last="Bonilla"]</strong> as a name to watch in the region. All she did was average over 16 points per game and shoot 58 percent from the floor as an eight grader. Bonilla could be on her way to county stardom. The Lions have a good group of 2022’s behind her in <strong>Yeimar Perez</strong>, <strong>Hermione Hicks</strong>, and <strong>Genesis</strong> <strong>Santiago</strong>. Each player led the team in steals, rebounds and assists respectively. Mater Academy Charter ended last season winning eight of their last nine games. <strong>Doral Academy</strong> - <em>(Last season: 14-10)</em> The Firebirds will need to replace <strong>Anaira Ayala</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="220013" first="Johanna" last="Bell"]</strong>. The pair combined for nearly 26 points and over 7 rebounds per game. Does 2025 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="221639" first="Gianna" last="Robles"]</strong> and 2022 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="244132" first="Izabella" last="Molina"]</strong> take the next step? At 6-foot-3, Molina is going to have an advantage grabbing boards. Can she improve offensively? Robles can shoot the three a bit and was a team captain as a junior. Her role as a leader this season should only intensify. <strong>Lourdes Academy</strong> - <em>(Last season: 13-6)</em> 2022 <strong>Emily Mayor</strong> should be back after averaging nearly 12 points per game. Mayor is a great playmaker that also led the team in rebounds and assists. 2024 <strong>Luciana Picasso</strong> is a 6-footer that averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds across 18 games. Her progression will be something to watch. Lourdes Academy does lose two seniors (<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="243984" first="Annie" last="Lassegue"]</strong>/<strong>Brooke</strong> <strong>Merdjane</strong>). Both players were effective offensively and team playmakers. <strong><em>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</em></strong>.