Team Preview: Blanche Ely
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Throughout this month (and next), I will be highlighting selected teams across South Florida. Today, my focus is on Pompano Blanche Ely. The Lady Tigers went 18-2 last season and are annually a top contender in the region. They will…
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Continue ReadingThroughout this month (and next), I will be highlighting selected teams across South Florida. Today, my focus is on Pompano Blanche Ely.
The Lady Tigers went 18-2 last season and are annually a top contender in the region. They will look to rebound after a tough 46-44 defeat to Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas in the 6A state tournament.
Key players/roster:
2024 Charisse Martin Charisse Martin 5'7" | CG Blanche Ely | 2024 State FL 5’8 PG/SG
2023 Ashleigh Battle Ashleigh Battle 5'2" | PG Blanche Ely | 2023 State FL 5’2 PG
2022 Michiyah Simmons Michiyah Simmons 5'8" | PG Blanche Ely | 2022 State FL 5’8 PG
2022 Zaria Blake Zaria Blake 6'0" | SF Blanche Ely | 2022 State FL 6’1 Wing
2024 Janessa Kelley Janessa Kelley 5'9" | SG Blanche Ely | 2024 State FL 5’9 SG
2024 Jada Grant 5’9 Wing
2022 Diana Belizaire 5’9 SG
2024 Jaylee Nelson 5’7 SG
2024 Gianna Corbitt Gianna Corbitt 6'1" | SF Blanche Ely | 2024 State FL 6’1 Wing
2022 Mya Kone Mya Kone 6'1" | SF Blanche Ely | 2022 State FL 6’3 Wing
2023 Amaji Smith Amaji Smith 5'10" | SF Hollywood Hills HS | 2023 State FL 5’11 Forward
2024 Laketrice Peterson Laketrice Peterson 6'2" | CG Blanche Ely | 2024 State FL 5’11 Center
Robyn Toussaint 6’0 Center
Most teams would have trouble replacing 2021 Ja’Leah Williams Ja’Leah Williams 5'9" | CG Blanche Ely | 2021 State FL . The University of Miami signee averaged 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists and five steals per game. However, Blanche Ely is not one of those teams. The Tigers are deep with Simmons returning as the top scorer (14.9 ppg). She could be one of the best backcourt prospects in the region if she stays healthy. Besides her statistics, Simmons is a team leader and strong communicator. Janessa Kelley Janessa Kelley 5'9" | SG Blanche Ely | 2024 State FL averaged 12.3 points per game and knocked down 50 3-pointers. She’s highly athletic and has obvious range on her shot.
Both Kone and Blake have length and are strong rim protectors. In particular, Kone averaged nine boards per game and blocked three shots per contest. She could have a big season with a bit more offensive consistency. Blake averaged 8.6 points and 5.4 boards per game. Both players are why opponents have trouble scoring many points on this team.
Corbitt might be the best player in the 2024 class. Her versatility and ability to play multiple positions (2-4) make her a top prospect. She will be tough to stop in transition with her size and athleticism. Corbitt could be a high-major prospect if she stays healthy. That is the key for a lot of these players (and in general).
Battle is a transfer from Cardinal Gibbons. She’s quick for her size and uses her handle well to create separation. Battle is not afraid to attack and will get to the rim. Martin moves over from Miami Country Day. She averaged over 8 points per game across 22 contests. Martin has plenty of playing experience to fit right in on her new team. Peterson is a player I’ve mentioned in the past. I think she has potential for a big season given her size in the frontcourt.
As you can tell, the Tigers are very deep and can run out multiple rotations. They will be tough to beat over 32 minutes and throughout the season, per usual. Opponents are going to have to bring their A++ game to beat them. Bottom line…the Tigers will be right back in the mix for another state championship
For any South Florida Prep Hoops girls news or information…please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.