Girls basketball: Team-by-team preview

By Steven Ryzewski
| 9:53 a.m. November 20, 2014

SIDELINE SCENE: Next coach at UCF must recruit better locally

Sports

Basketball has returned to Central Florida, and girls basketball season has tipped off and is rolling along. To help our readers get up to speed on what to expect in the girls hoops scene this winter, here’s a look at the “need to knows” for each local varsity program:

Central Florida Christian Academy

Coach: Charlita Williamson (first year)

Current record: 0-0

2013-14 record: 9-18

Key returners: Zoe Spears, Alex Brinson, Aubrey Muench

Talented newcomer: Sarah Leach

Coach says: “We need to stay focused offensively and play defense the entire game.”

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Dr. Phillips

Coach: Anthony Jones

Current record: 0-2

2013-14 record: 15-8

Key returner: Jah-Nay Anderson

Coach says: “I only have one reserve player left from last year’s team. This is truly a rebuilding year. … This is going to be a challenging stage for us.”

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Foundation Academy

Coach: Deborah Pennick

Current record: 0-2

2013-14 record: 2-14

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Ocoee Knights

Coach: Gina Solano

Current record: 0-2

Coach says: “Our focus this season is to win our district tournament and get into the playoffs. We have a young team and many new players, so they will have to learn to play together and learn their roles on the team.”

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Olympia

Coach: Robert Carmody (first year)

Current Record: 2-1

2013-14 record: 10-15

Key returners: Taylor Hair, Umesha Beckwith, Trenisha Johnson

Talented newcomers: Marissa Robateau and Ni’Dericka Rainey

Coach says: “We have to get used to playing with each other. We have plenty of talent that needs to gel as the season goes on. We look to compete for our district championship and once again get into the regional tournament.”

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West Orange

Coach: Misty Cox (fifth year)

Current record: 1-1

2013-14 record: 13-10

Key returners: Ciara Thompson, Thai Floyd, Dynasty Carter

Talented newcomers: Daija Kiser and Alex Wacker

Coach says: “It will be important for us to work hard, play team ball and have our five sophomores grow and mature quickly on the court. We are young in bench depth.”