St. Thomas Aquinas was the lone team from either Broward or Palm Beach County to win a girls’ state championship last year. It was the Raiders’ third straight title at the FHSAA state basketball championships in Lakeland.
St. Thomas Aquinas will see what it is like to play without two-time Sun Sentinel 7A-6A player of the year Karina Gordon, who is now a freshman at East Carolina University. Gordon finished with 20 points and five rebounds in a 67-43 win over Winter Haven in the Class 6A state championship game for a third straight title.
Aquinas can become the fourth Broward County team to win four consecutive state championships, joining Plantation’s American Heritage, who did won five in succession from 2018-2022, Dillard (2010-2013), and South Broward (2000-2003).
“Our expectations are to improve each day and to go for that four-peat state championship,” said Raiders coach Oliver Berens, who is 129-50 in his seven years at the school. “We expect to take the next step in continuing to establish ourselves as an elite program nationally.”
St. Thomas Aquinas added sophomore Jaynae Gilbert, a transfer from Monarch, and freshman Tyla Mori to go along with junior wing Nyla McFadden and senior guard Khadee Hession.
The Raiders also return seniors Kamryn Corporan, Mya Johnson, and Ka-Zahria Johnson.
American Heritage came up a point short in its bid for a sixth consecutive state championship. The Patriots spotted Daytona Beach Mainland a 50-30 lead and almost came all the way back to win a sixth straight state championship. Instead, the team left with a 62-61 loss.
They return sophomore guard and Fab 5 selection Jasleen Green, who is coming off a 21.2-point, 6.5-rebound freshman season.
Cardinal Gibbons (4A) and King’s Academy (3A) each also reached the girls final four in 2023.
Kevin Gordon, who is in his 16th season coaching, said the Chiefs are hopeful of a deep run this season. Cardinal Gibbons will be led by junior Kayla Greyvensteyn and senior Jordan Kosoy.
King’s Academy, which made its second straight trip to the final four, was hit hard with graduation and injuries.
“We have no seniors and six new players so I think it will take us a few games to build chemistry,” said Lions coach Chris Race. “If we can stay injury-free, I think we could be competing again for district and region championships.”
St. Thomas Aquinas rival Blanche Ely has also loaded up following the graduation of Ashleigh Battle and Aniyah Ruddock by adding senior Arielle Facyson (American Heritage), junior Chardae Rumph (Miami Norland) and sophomore Teriyah McFadden ( American Heritage) to go along with senior center Gianna Corbitt (15.2 points, 11.4 rebounds per game) and senior guard Janessa Kelley.
“Our expectations are to win nationals,” said Tigers coach JR McNabb, who won two state championships with Somerset Prep in 2018 and 2019 and then with Blanche Ely in 2020.
Broward teams to watch
Westminster Academy: finished 22-8 last year falling to eventual Class 3A state champion Miami Country Day in the regional final. The Lions lost a key member from last year’s squad in junior SG/SF Lena Girardi, who transferred to IMG Academy. Girardi, the daughter of former Florida Marlins manager and current Chicago Cubs commentator Joe Girardi, averaged 23.4 points per game, 12.3 rebounds, 2.2 steals per game.
The Lions are also going to be led by juniors Abby Price and Maddie Wallhoff and sophomore Liliana Rosario, a transfer from Trinity Catholic.
Coral Springs: Senior forward Rhael Sayers, who averaged 17 points per game last season, returns with several key players as the Colts hope to make it past the regional finals this season.
Cypress Bay: Gabe Pean moves over to coach girls after 15 years of coaching boys. The team returns senior guard Peyton Looky and has added sophomore transfers – Sofia Gonano (Argentina) and Nevia Miletti (Canada).
Dillard: The Panthers graduated the team’s leading scorer, rebounder, and blocks in Khyala Ngodu (UCF). Dillard coach Craig Prather expects to compete for the postseason. Guided the team to a 19-9 record in his first year as head coach.
Nova: The Titans picked up sophomore transfers from Chaminade in Jaelynn Housey and J’yan Tyrell, however, they continue to play in one of the toughest regions in the state.
Western: Coach Brandie Taylor believes her team will grow and play to their potential as they travel to tournaments in Washington D.C. and Tampa. They picked up two key additions Laurie Severe (Everglades) and Maria-Luiza Machado (Fort Lauderdale) to go along with senior point guard Tamara Elliott.
Palm Beach teams to watch
Atlantic: The Eagles went from 3-13 to 13-5 last season but graduated four seniors. They did pick up two transfers in sophomore Aiyana Sheely (Olympic Heights) and senior Myrella Guerra (Santaluces).
Berean Christian: The Bulldogs are coming off an 18-7 season and return senior G/F double-double machine Ashley Hendricks and a new coach in Josh Robinson. Berean Christian also returns sophomore DeeDee Innocent, freshman Kalia LeBrec and seniors Yemeli Tavarez and Abbee Legrand.
Boca Raton: The Bobcats will rely on senior guard Courtney Lowe, but will have to deal with the loss of guard Stefania Markel (graduation) and sophomore guard Katelyn O’Brien, who injured her ankle and will likely miss the season. O’Brien who was first-team All County in cross country and track last year, sat out the fall while dealing with the injury.
Palm Beach Gardens: Expect another strong season from the Gators who return four out of five seniors, including Fab 5 selection Kyana Poitier. They will have to look hard to replace Cienna Thigpen, who graduated and is playing at St. Petersburg College..”
Palm Beach Lakes: The Rams picked up a key acquisition in senior G/F Ezria Pierrelouis, last year’s Sun Sentinel Palm Class 7A-6A player of the year. “We only graduated one senior who had a very limited role,” said Rams coach Cassandra Rahming. “We have five returning seniors.”
Seminole Ridge: The Hawks graduated Iasiah Suprius from last year’s team, however, they do return younger sister in guard Janiah, who is a Fab 5 selection this season.