Makala Desjarlais was a key contributor in the State playoffs and showcased a versatile game that included rebounding, scoring on the break, pushing the ball in transition, handling the rock, setting up teammates, and, at times, dominating in the paint. DesJarlais is a rare talent at the power four position who creates mismatches with her ability to impact the game in so many ways. Her stock continues to rise, and with her all-around ability, she is a forward whose stock points up as we head into the grassroots season.

Makala Desjarlais made her presence felt on the inside for Bishop Kenny, finishing with 9 points and 5 rebounds while shooting 4-7 from the field. There was a stretch in the first half of the championship where DesJarlais set the tone with consecutive buckets in the paint. She provided a dose of finishing around the rim – showcasing good footwork and physicality. Her work on the glass helped Bishop Kenny control possessions, and her physical play in the paint created second-chance opportunities throughout the contest. DesJarlais also ran in transition, and that is what separates her from a lot of power forwards. She can fill the lane on the fast break or lead the break herself. DesJarlais was a “beast” in the state tournament, and her resiliency and ability to perform down the stretch are what separated her from other power forwards, and what helped earn her team the 4A State championship.

Makala DesJarlais Makala DesJarlais 5'11" | PF Bishop Kenny | 2027 State FL was highly effective in the paint, scoring early and often. Her physicality on the boards and in the paint made her dominant. She opened with four points inside, then continued to battle on the glass while adding more interior baskets. She changed momentum throughout the game. DesJarlais finished with 9 points and 7 rebounds and completed the “comeback” season with a state championship.

Makala DesJarlais Makala DesJarlais 5'11" | PF Bishop Kenny | 2027 State FL produced one of the most complete performances among the contributors, finishing with 10 points and 8 rebounds while showcasing her versatility. She scored inside, pushed the ball in transition, and fought on the boards. One of her most impressive sequences came on a coast-to-coast drive followed by a finish through contact, highlighting her ability to impact the game with strength, effort, and versatility.

Mikala DesJarlais came back last season with a vengeance. She is a tough-nosed player who is tough and plays physical. DesJarlais has the ability to shoot the jumper from the 4-position and also handle the ball with great physicality and purpose. DesJarlais has very good handles for a power forward and uses them in press break and play making. She thrives in the trenches, rebounds in traffic, and defends multiple positions. Her ability run the floor on the wing and lead the break is what makes her special.

Makala DesJarlais Makala DesJarlais 5'11" | PF Bishop Kenny | 2027 State FL has always been a power forward who stood out — she’s simply built different. DesJarlais has the physicality of a true power forward, but also has guard-like skills. She can handle the ball well enough to initiate the fast break and attack the rim in transition. At the Roses tournament she had the attack on display and also showcased her ability to manipulate the defense with the dribble and get to the rim or finish in the paint. She also has showed a nice midrange and impressive outside shooting. What really separates her is her motor and her relentless pursuit of the ball on the offensive glass. She was a menace on the offensive glass — creating second-chance opportunities with effort and anticipation. Whether pushing the break, trailing for rebounds, or scoring in the half court, she was a force on both ends. DesJarlais had been out for a while and she came back with a vengeance and purpose. She put in an all-around standout performance and “”rose” to the occasion.

Tough forward prospect, with a skilled game. Clean shooting stroke from distance and the charity stripe. Plays tough around the rim, finishing on tough drives and putbacks. Active defender, who flared out to deflect perimeter passes. Or knows when to collapse and force steals against opposing drivers. Looked like a smart forward prospect, who knows how to maximize her natural gifts.

Makala DesJarlais Makala DesJarlais 5'11" | PF Bishop Kenny | 2027 State FL put in a great effort last week, averaging 7.5 points per game, and crashed the board for eight rebounds per game in the first week of the season. DesJarlais mixes it up on the inside but does contribute out on the perimeter as well. DesJarlais stepped out of the paint and knocked down several three-pointers. DesJarlais contributes in a lot of ways, including in the assist department. DesJarlais made a few pinpoint backdoor passes to cutting teammates.

DesJarlais is definitely a “My Time” prospect for this basketball season. She played well last year behind Clare Coyle and the super athletic forward Sydney Roundtree. She was a very valuable and impactful player as a Freshman, but this year, she will assume more responsibility, and the young Forward is ready for the challenge. Over the summer, Desjarlais showed flashes and signs of her potential. She shot the ball well in the midrange area, showed her ball-handling skills as she often was used to break the press. Those skills give her and her team a huge advantage on offense. She has the ability to break a defense down which will lead to easy shots at the rim and kick out passes to her shooters. Only a Sophomore, DesJarlais, is poised to have a monster season.

Makala DesJarlais Makala DesJarlais 5'11" | PF Bishop Kenny | 2027 State FL will have breakout season this year as she did over the summer. In travel ball, the young power forward was a beast in all phases of the game. She can score, rebound, handle the ball, defend, and run the floor. Desjarlaius plays a physical game and can mix it up in the paint. She is also versatile enough to play on the wing, attack the rim, and shoot the short range jumper. DesJarlais has all of the tools to have a monster season.