The Duval County Middle School Basketball season kicks off this week as teams attempt to defend their titles. The girls championship was captured by Arlington, thanks to two sensational eighth graders who led their team to an undefeated season. Which players will step up and lead their teams to titles in 2019? Check out the teams who round out our 2019 Pre-Season Top 10 and don’t forget to follow Duval Sports for all your middle school basketball action.
Post your pictures, score updates and videos of middle school basketball in our Facebook group DuvalSports Game Time.
Girls Top 10
1. Arlington
The defending champions look to go back to back in 2019. They must do it without their dynamic duo who led them to the title last year, Those two players, Kiana Wilson and Janell Johnson have moved on to High school, yet Arlington has new talent and are ready to defend the title.
2.Kirby Smith
Kirby Smith dethroned Highlands as Northern division champions in 2018 but fell to Arlington in the playoffs. They look to stay atop the North with a talented group of returning players.
3.Highlands
Coach Eddie has a serious group of young ladies who are aggressive and athletic. Led by eight grader #3 Asiana Britt, Highlands looks to reclaim a 2017 championship which they were unable to defend in 2018. Britt maybe the most talented player in the county, and she’s eager to make her mark on the 2019 season.
Other Key Players:
Arianna Austin- Center Eighth grade
Jaide Williams Shooting Guard-Seventh grade
Deaunna Rosier- Small Forward- Eighth grade
4. Mandarin
The Hawks had a great season as the Duval County Middle School basketball runners-up. They look to defend the South division championship for another shot at the title.
5. Kernan
Coach Smith returns the most imposing player in our area, 6’4 center Jada Jones. Jones will lead a team that is looking to dethrone Arlington as the Eastern Division champions. They have a great group of players that will win games against lesser opponents. However, they must look to Jones for confidence against the better teams in the area.
Other Key Player:
#4 Gabby Fajardo
6. Jeff Davis
Jeff Davis won the Western Division championship last year and advanced to the county Final Four. In the Final Four, they would fall to Mandarin, yet the loss fueled them to tend to unfinished business in 2019
7. J.E.B Stuart
JEB Stuart made it to the Final Four in 2017 and missed out on a consecutive western division championship last year. They look to return to prominence in 2019.
8. James Weldon Johnson
9. Oceanway
10. Southside
Click to see a clip from the 2018 Girls Middle School Basketball Championship
