Lake Highland guard Eads nabs Orlando Sentinel Varsity honor
Versatile Lake Highland Prep senior Jada Eads punctuated her high school career as the 2023-24 Orlando Sentinel Varsity girls basketball player of the year after finishing with 41 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals in two state tournament games.
Eads paces a list of all-area firstteam picks from Florida High School Athletic Association schools that include players from Dr. Phillips, Colonial, Wekiva, Lake Mary, Oak Ridge, St. Cloud and Hagerty.
All-area teams consist of participants from FHSAA state series schools in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake and southwest Volusia counties. Selections were made by the Sentinel staff in consultation with area coaches.
Player of the Year
Jada Eads, Lake Highland Prep, Sr.
Buzz: Competing against one of the strongest strength-of-schedules in the state, the guard averaged 12.3 points while leading the defending Class 4A state champions in rebounds (6.4), assists (4) and steals (3) per game. “Her value to our program and the impression she has made on other programs is unmatched,” Lake Highland coach Al Honor said. Eads guided the Highlanders to a 25-5 finish.
All-Area First Team
Lexi Blue, Lake Highland Prep, Sr.
Led defending 4A state champs Buzz: in points (13.9) while averaging 5.1 rebounds per game.
Tierra Coleman, Wekiva, Sr.
Averaged 12.3 points while Buzz: helping Mustangs improve on 2-win season to reach 6A state semifinals.
Jasmynne Gibson, Colonial, Sr. Buzz: Forward averaged 8.7 points and team-high 5.5 rebounds per game for 7A state runner-up.
Zahariah Jones, Oak Ridge, Sr.
Recorded 9 double-doubles Buzz: and led 7A regional finalists with 16.8 points and 8.2 rebounds.
Kyle Kitts, Hagerty, Sr.
Impressed opposing coaches Buzz: while averaging 24.2 points and 14.5 rebounds through 18 games.
Emily Lockey, St. Cloud, Sr.
Drained 54 3s and averaged 15.2 Buzz: points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.9 steals for 6A regional semifinalist.
Dakara Merthie, Lake Mary, Soph.
Set school record for points in Buzz: a season (591) in 7A regional final and finished with 20.8 points per game.
Carmen Richardson, Colonial, Sr.
Led Class 7A runner-up in points Buzz:
(11.6), assists (4) and steals (2.8) and added 3.4 rebounds per game.
Anilys Rolon, Dr. Phillips, Jr. Buzz: Connected on 47% of 3s (66-for141) and averaged 9.8 points for 3-time defending 7A state champ.
Trinity Turner, Dr. Phillips, Sr.
Paced 7A state champ by averaging Buzz: 18.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 3.3 steals per game.
Second Team
■ Jasmine Bocca, Colonial, Sr.
■ Micah Hannah, Ocoee, Sr.
■ Trinity Harden, Central Florida Christian, Sr.
■ Mazaiah Marc, Apopka, Jr.
■ Alyssa Marino, Gateway, Soph.
■ Saige McCloud, Leesburg, Jr.
■ McKenna Murphy, Boone, Sr.
■ Karishma Ortiz, Timber Creek, Sr.
■ Kendall Perry, Dr. Phillips, Soph.
■ Zoe Sedo, Windermere Prep, Sr.
■ Ari Woodard, Lake Highland Prep, Jr.