State title is the goal at Lafayette
Published 12:30 pm Tuesday, November 13, 2018
- Lafayette lost some talented seniors from last year's squad, but the Hornets are state title contenders again.
Bolstered by the “Big 3” of Jasmine Lewis, Renee Clines and Khari Jackson, Lafayette has a state championship on its mind again this season.
The Hornets, so close the past two years after reaching the Final Four, have a talented starting lineup and a strong supporting cast.
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“Our expectations are the same every year — win a state championship,” said LHS coach Jimmy Blankenship. “I believe we have another team that has the chance to do that.
“We have a good core returning along with some young, talented girls ready for their chance.”
Lewis, a senior, has started since she was in eighth grade. In four seasons, she has averaged 15.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 3.7 steals per game. Jackson recorded eight points and three assists a game last season with LHS.
Clines is an important addition after transferring from Columbia. She’s a big-time scorer and a difference maker on both ends of the court.
“She has really infused a lot of excitement and will make a huge impact improving our fastbreak and improving our defense,” Blankenship said of Clines.
As for the freshman class, look for Brooklyn Fleming, Mallory McCray, Haley Rosenbaum and Emily Lyons to make an impact. All four experienced playing varsity basketball last season as eighth graders.
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Lafayette will be challenged by both district and non-district opponents.
“Our district will be tough again. Hamilton, Madison are always difficult to play against and Jefferson is improving every year,” Blankenship said. “Our non-district schedule is challenging with 4A Providence School, The Rock, 4A PK Yonge, 1A Trenton, 9A Kissimmee Osceola, 6A Tarpon Springs and 4A Oak Hall.
“This will hopefully prepare us for the playoffs.”
Branford looking strong again
With four of five starters back from last year’s 21-7 team that advanced to the state playoffs, Branford is expecting a big season on the court.
Those returners include leading scorer Tori Suggs (14.3 points per game in 2017-18) and the assist leader Rene Root (4.9 assists per game). Suggs and Root can also light it up from 3-point range. The seniors have combined to make 116 3-pointers during their high school career.
Suggs and Root were named to the FACA (Florida Athletic Coaches Association) Class 1A All State team last season, along with Lewis and Jackson of Lafayette.
Sophomore Cera McElreath is back after averaging 11.1 points per game last season. She’s Branford’s quickest player and gives the Buccaneers an added dimension with her ability to create her own shot and score on the fast break.
Six-foot senior Amber Hitt will start at center for the third straight season.
The Buccaneers shouldn’t have a problem scoring, but rebounding, defense and playing tough inside will be key against difficult opponents, and also if they make it to the postseason.
BHS coach Carla Suggs is expecting other players to help Hitt down low.
“Cera is going to have to do a lot of post work,” Suggs said. “Tori will be playing underneath also.”
Branford is in a unique situation entering the season. After some down years, the Bucs have put together two straight 20-win seasons.
So there’s an expectation to continue winning, but there’s also powerhouse Trenton in the district as well as some strong area teams on Branford’s schedule.
“We’re kind of underdogs, but we also have a target on or back,” said Carla Suggs.
Other players to look for this season are twins Kyla and Kayla Desmartin, both sophomore guards who have a chance to round out the starting lineup.
Bulldogs aim for playoff berth, double-digit wins
The last time the Suwannee girls basketball team finished with double-digit wins and advanced to the state playoffs was during the 2014-15 season.
SHS coach Brian Bullock thinks his team can accomplish both of those feats this season.
“Two years ago we only won two games. Last year we won seven. I think we can get to double-digits in wins,” Bullock said. “We have 70 percent of our scoring back from last season.
“We want to be in the playoffs.”
Suwannee returns captains Summer Thomas and Jade Jones, both proven scorers. Jones has missed some time the last two seasons with injuries, but she remains Suwannee’s best player.
Nadia Cohen and Kalle Herring are also returning players who will help offensively.
Bullock said that Savannah Shannon and Janyah Alicea will be some of Suwannee’s top defenders.
Freshman Gorjus Ward, a speedster who was also a track standout at Suwannee Middle, should make an immediate impact.
Not only do the Bulldogs have talent, it should be a cohesive unit as well. Many of Suwannee’s players joined up during the summer to play for assistant coach BJ Cohen.
“BJ Cohen has done an incredible job this summer,” Bullock said. “It’s an absolute privilege to coach beside him. He has a passion for the game and brings a lot of energy.”
Hamilton County rebuilding after losing seven seniors
Hamilton County has had a lot of success recently, advancing to the state tournament six out of the past seven seasons.
This season the Trojans will have to replace seven seniors, which includes leading scorers Kelsionna Fudge and Journey Tucker.
Looking to fill the void will be senior Aleah McCallum and junior Daleah Nixon.
Hamilton County has a new head coach this season with Horace Jefferson.
