Compiled By Rod Gipson
MaxPreps.com
Five Teams to Watch
St. Petersburg Boca Ciega
A Class 5A state Final Four participant last season, the Pirates remain virtually intact and capable of repeating their stellar season. Guards Tory Stephens and Latavia Dempsey combine to put up 30-plus points a night and 6-foot forward Missy Schmidt supplies the size in the middle.
Clearwater
Tornadoes coach Tom Shaneyfelt is among the best in the area and always fields a talented squad. A region finalist last season, Clearwater returns standout guard Veronica Ryan, forward J’Beria Davis and center Artejah Collins.
Tampa Jefferson
The Dragons served notice they are ready to challenge Tampa Plant for supremacy in 5A, District 10 and in the region beyond. Jefferson guard Jade Givens is arguably the best playmaker in the area. She averaged 12 points and six assists per game last year as Jefferson reached the state playoffs.
Tampa Plant
Plant may be pushed but might not be ready to give up their crown to upstart Jefferson. Led by standout guard/forward Michelle Taylor, the Panthers advanced to the region semifinals in 2007-08. Plant also can count on scorers Ganice Macho and Kelly Brennan.
Tampa Catholic
The Crusaders are among the best teams in the area year in and year out and compete in the tough Class 3A, District 11 with Tampa Academy of the Holy Names and St. Petersburg Catholic. Junior guard Colette Eule hot shooting hand may be the key to TC advancing far in the postseason.
10 Players to Watch
Amber Henson, So., 6-4, F, Tampa Sickles, Big expectations for transfer
Tory Stephens, Sr., 5-6, G, St. Pete Boca Ciega, Pirates No. 1 playmaker
Latavia Dempsey, Sr., 5-6, G, St. Pete Boca Ciega, 16 points per game
Katie Davis, Sr., 5-7, G, Tampa, Holy Names, Headed to Ivy League (Penn)
Michelle Taylor, Jr., 5-8, G/F, Tampa Plant, Hit 45 3-pointers last year
Jade Givens, Jr., 5-7, G, Tampa Jefferson, Point guard extraordinaire
Veronica Ryan, Jr., 5-8, G, Clearwater, Class 5A region finalist in 08
Colette Eule, Jr., 5-8, G, Tampa Catholic, 15 points per contest
Shalisia Hall, Sr., 5-6, G, Tampa Hillsborough, 19 points, 3 assists a game
Jerrica Coley, Jr., 5-9, G, St. Pete Catholic, Averages 20-plus a game