High School Basketball has begun in Northeast Florida, and new teams are ready to establish themselves as contenders in the area. Amongst the newcomers are the usual power houses who look to take it a step further to bring a state championship back home in girls basketball. Something that no team was able to do last year.
Our very own basketball star Tashyra Feazell provides her take on some of the top teams in the area. She”ll also come out with a weekly power rankings for girls basketball this year, so stay tune each week.
Team outlooks by Tashyra Feazell
Story Videos and write up by Andre’ Ellis
Team: Bishop Kenny
Coach: Charlsea Clark
2018-2019 Record: 29-3; Lost in State Finals
Key Returners: Jasmyne Roberts – Junior Guard, Maddie Millar – Sophomore Guard
Preview: Top team in the Duval County area, the Lady Crusaders have their top scorers returning and leaders in the Dolmovich sisters. A trip to Lakeland last year and a loss in the championship game will motivate this team to go even further.
Team: Raines
Coach: Julius Paden
2018-2019 Record: 29-5; Lost in State Semifinals
Key Returners: Nyla Allen – Senior Guard, Ahliah Brown- Junior Guard, Selah Reddick- Junior Guard
Preview: Raines also returns most of their team from last year that went to the Final 4 in Lakeland. Carswell’s return plays a role in how good this team could be and how good the season will be.
Team: University Christian
Coach: Keith Stroud
2018-2019 Record: 19-5; Lost in Regional Finals
Key Returners: Yanesha Harkless- Senior Guard, Nigeria Harkless- Junior Forward
Preview: The Harkless sisters are built to have another impressive year for the Lady Christians. Both sisters battled coming back from injuries and posed to have a healthy year
Team: Sandalwood
Coach: Chatori Major
2018-2019 Record: 19-7; Lost in Regional Finals
Key Returners: Caitlin Mcgee – Senior Forward, Amari Wright – Senior Guard, Nayda Matthews- Senior Guard
Preview: Sandalwood went far last year and look to repeat this year. They did lose senior leadership and players but McGee and Wright holds the key to a championship.
Team: Bartram Trail
Coach: Tim Winter
2018-2019 Record: 24-7; Lost in State Semifinals
Preview: Best team in St. John’s County. Look to return to the state and this time bring home a Championship. Only competition in the district will be Sandalwood
Team: Ribault
Coach: Dorian Stevens
2018-2019 Record: 17-9; Lost in Regional Semifinals
Key Returners: Shayla Bouie – Senior Guard, Jada Atkins- Senior Guard, Asia Fleming-Junior Guard
Preview: Sleeper pick! A guard heavy team led by seniors Bouie and Atkins. Newcomer Adrianna Britt will put up large numbers and surprise teams
Team: Creekside
Coach: Wade Cashwell
2018-2019 Record: 20-9; Lost in Regional Semifinals
Preview: Didnt see this team play much last year but excited to see what they do. Cashwell has a large amount of returners back that took the team deep into the postseason
Team: Terry Parker
Coach: Rene Howell
2018-2019 Record: 15-7; Lost in District Semi-Finals
Key Returners: Kiana Wilson- Sophomore Guard, Janell Johnson- Sophomore Guard, Brianna Raynor- Senior Forward
Preview: interested to see how Wilson and Johnson come out hopefully they avoid the sophomore slump. They have a chance to go deep in their district and upset some teams
Team: Bolles
Coach: Kelly Stevenson
2018-2019 Record: 17-10; Lost in Regional Semifinals
Key Returners: Shekinah Sanders – Senior Forward, Ashley Thompkins- Junior Guard, Piper Carriere- Senior Guard
Preview: This private school has a chance to strike some fear in people’s heart early. They have a tough schedule to start the year so don’t let the record fool you
Team: Pedro Menendez
Coach: Terrance Washington
2018-2019 Record: 17-11; Lost in Regional Finals
Preview: Washington has a chip on his shoulder and looks to start off the year strong with this veteran team
