Dunbar is our pick as the top girls basketball team in Florida. Also watch for Ribault, Miami, Jones and Edgewater.
MaxPreps 2013-14 Florida Girls Basketball Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard
Click here to see the girls basketball preseason Fab 5 from every state1. Dunbar (Fort Myers)2012-13 record: 28-3
Head coach: Dwayne Donnell
Kiara Desamours and
Keri Jewett, a pair of juniors, have the Tigers on track to be a Florida power for the next two years. They combined for 34.3 points a game last year, with Desamours supplying the rebounding (8.6 a game) and Jewett the assists (5.8 game, plus 4.8 steals). They lost in the state semifinals last year, but even with the departure of three seniors, they expect to go farther in 2014.
2. Ribault (Jacksonville)2012-13 record: 31-0, 4A state champs
Head coach: Shelia Pennick
The Trojans have a lot of firepower returning as well, led by sophomore
JaTavia Tapley (12.8 points, 5.7 rebounds a game) and senior
Tierra Shepherd. Sophomore
Kayla Rogers is a 3-point threat, and really, Ribault could just as easily be the preseason pick for No. 1.
3. Miami2012-13 record: 22-7
Head coach: Sam Baumgarten
The Stingarees – got to love that mascot – lost by five to Dr. Phillips (Orlando) in the 8A championship, but are primed for another run at the title. Most of last year’s seven losses came either early (three) or to Dr. Phillips and Lourdes Academy (four). With both those teams taking a step back, look for Miami to take a step forward.
4. Jones (Orlando)2012-13 record: 19-7
Head coach: Robert Moultrie
Idaysha Sealey is the big gun for the Fightin’ Tigers (not just Tigers, but ornery ones), and they’ll be making life hard in 4A, and all other classes, for a while. Sealey was a freshman on a team that only had two seniors last year.
5. Edgewater (Orlando)2012-13 record: 26-6, 6A state champs
Head coach: Malcolm Lewis
The 6A titlists (there's lots of winners with those eight Florida divisions) rely on high-scoring seniors
Nyala Shuler and
Haley Clark for more than just points. Shuler clears the boards (9.6 a game) and Clark keeps everyone involved (4.1 assists) for a team that lost only to 8A champion Dr. Phillips in 2013.
