There are plenty of compelling storylines as teams take the floor for upcoming LCAC, CCAC, and Private 8 tournament finals.
Plenty of the area’s top teams will face off against each other, giving more insight into how far some of these squads might go in the postseason.
Here is how The News-Press and Naples Daily News have ranked the top teams and where each team falls in the FHSAA standings. The rankings take into account results through Jan. 14.
FHSAA ranking: 17
Analysis: Head Coach Emily Lines has the Lions out to their best start in program history. The team split their meetings with ECS, and a rematch is likely at next week’s Private 8 tournament. Junior Eslynda Bouzi, who transferred from Golden Gate, is leading the team in scoring and steals.
FHSAA ranking: 36
Analysis: The reigning state champions haven’t had it easy to start this season, facing one of the toughest schedules in Class 2A. Still, they are outscoring opponents by an average of 15 points. After dealing with an injury, senior guard Maddie O’Berski has returned to the lineup in the last handful of games.
FHSAA ranking: 38
Analysis: The Stingrays are continuing to build under head coach Nikita Carty. Despite a season-ending injury to transfer Sofiia Kiritsa in the season opener, the team has posted several solid wins, including an overtime win against Gateway High. Seacrest has played the fourth strongest schedule in Class 1A, according to the FHSAA rankings.
FHSAA ranking: 82
Analysis: The Cougars have wins against Aubrey Rogers, Estero, Gateway Charter and played ECS close in a 56-51 loss. Junior Casey O’Connell is hitting 45 percent of her field goals, 38 percent of her 3-point attempts, and 82 percent of her free throw attempts while also leading Canterbury in rebounds and blocks.
FHSAA ranking: 81
Analysis: The second-year program is unbeaten against CCAC opponents heading into Thursday’s tournament final against Gulf Coast. Freshman Ella Johnson and junior Angelina Insana combine to average of 28 points a game while junior Maddie Hamisch is cleaning up on the boards.
FHSAA ranking: 122
Analysis: Head coach Mark Woodruff has kept the Sharks consistently among the best in the area, and this season is no exception with the team’s two losses coming against Aubrey Rogers and Monsignor Pace. Senior Lilly Fultz is one of the best shooters in the area, averaging 17 points a game and sniping from beyond the arc at a career-best rate.
FHSAA ranking: 114
Analysis: The Eagles stumbled out of the gate to start the season with losses to Palmetto Ridge and Gateway Charter but have righted the ship, avenging the loss to the Griffins, beating Bishop Verot, and hanging tough with ECS and Seacrest Country Day. The defense is limiting opponents to 35.6 points a game with senior guards Thatiyana Holiday and V’Davrielle Johnson each averaging 3 steals a game.
FHSAA ranking: 88
Analysis: The Vikings have started the season credibly, and the upcoming Private 8 tournament will reveal more about Alissa Schenk’s squad. Averaging 18.6 points a game, senior guard Cameron O’Halloran has recorded 20 or more points in 10 games this season.
FHSAA ranking: 168
Analysis: The Red Knights will enter Thursday’s LCAC title game against Gateway on a 12-game winning streak. It hasn’t been the most challenging schedule, but North recorded quality wins against Oasis and Estero. Senior guard Bianca Iten is averaging 16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists.
FHSAA ranking: 191
Analysis: The Celtics’ record might not reflect what John Wholihan’s group is capable of this year. The team has gone up against the area’s best, including Seacrest Country Day, Canterbury, Aubrey Rogers, and First Baptist twice, but they are still looking for a signature win. Junior Mylee Van de Wouw leads the team in scoring and rebounding.
First Five Out: Gateway Charter, Estero, Lely, Oasis, Palmetto Ridge
