Additions may prove key for West Orange
West Orange returned all five of its starters from a 24-5 team, which alone would make the Warriors one of the area’s top girls basketball championship contenders heading into the 2018-19 season.
But the addition of talented ninthgraders Paris Pickett and Ajalon ‘AJ’ Gillard could lift West Orange to another level — and possibly to the state final four for the first time in program history.
Pickett is 6-foot-3 and a big-time prospect, already known in major college recruiting circles before she reached high school.
“She is probably the most natural young kid I’ve ever coached,” said West Orange coach Shrell Chamberlain.
Gillard, who is 5-9, also has already received college attention.
The duo adds to a deep lineup that includes stellar senior point guard Morgan Beacham.
West Orange won its district last season before losing to Colonial in region quarterfinal play. A trip to Lakeland for the Class 9A final four is now the target.
“I’m realistic that there is a loaded Miami High team that is the clear favorite [in 9A],” Chamberlain said.
“But we want to at least get to the final four. We want to make a state appearance before our four seniors graduate and go to college.”
The competition in 8A, Region 1 again figures to be stiff.
Wekiva (23-5), which let a big lead slip away against West Orange in a district final last season, also returned its starting lineup.
The Mustangs had to go without Alexis Choice (5-9, Sr.) and Emmy James (5-9, Jr.) for much of last season due to injuries. Their return bodes well for a program that won a 2014 state championship and has reached the state tournament twice since then.
Seniors Cayln Richardson, Angel Keiths and Stephanie Torres are veterans at Colonial (24-6) and have helped produce winning teams over the past three seasons.
Timber Creek lost close playoff games to Colonial and Wekiva to end a 23-5 season and will again be a threat.
Seminole (15-12) could challenge with sophomore point guard Morgan Dillard and a big front line. The Seminoles must get past district rival Lake Mary (21-3), led by senior Amy Vazquez.
Last season Port Orange Spruce Creek emerged as a surprise 9A state champion after knocking out Lake Mary and Colonial decisively in region play and then beating Oak Ridge by 21 in a state semifinal. The Hawks edged Miami High 44-43 in the final.
Oak Ridge (18-13) reached the final four with Anijah Grant and Jasmine Quarterman excelling as juniors and has increased its depth with a group that includes talented ninth-grader Torrie Bernard.
Lake Highland Prep returned eight of nine varsity players from a 25-7 team that lost 55-39 to Oxbridge Academy of West Palm Beach in the 5A state final.
“We’re hoping to get that rematch,” said Highlanders coach Al Honor. “Oxbridge is still loaded.”
Lake Highland holdovers include underclass standouts Kayla Blackshear (6-1, Soph.) and Zanoria Cruz (5-10, Jr.).
A knee injury has sidelined senior guard Re’Yanna Jones for Lake Howell (29-3). She was the area’s only first-team all-area junior after averaging 22.9 points, 7.9 assists and 4.5 rebounds for the 8A SilverHawks.
East Ridge (19-8) was the 8A, District 5 runner-up behind Lake Howell and has 5-10 senior standout Lateisha Edwards back.
A team to watch is second-year Windermere, which went 9-11 with zero seniors in its debut season under veteran coach Misty Cox (403-143 career). The Wolverines have senior 6-footer Mikaylin Nash and sophomore guards Sara Pedraza and Abigail Crain.
City of Life Christian (21-5) of Kissimmee won the 2A state championship and is primed for a repeat with all but one starter back. That includes senior sisters Debra Buggs and Reyna Buggs, who have starred for a team coached by their father, Ray. The Warriors also return sophomore guard Omega Payton and 6-1 sophomore Asia Harvey.
Orlando Christian Prep (25-6), last season’s 3A state runner-up, return defensive MVP Siarah Brown, an eighth-grader, along with 6-foot senior Kyanna Gussie.