By LEE TOLLIVER |
The Virginian-Pilot
BEACH DISTRICT
HIGH FIVE
Bayside G Takerra Parsons, a 5-9 sharpshooter led South Hampton Roads public schools in scoring last season as a freshman.
First Colonial G Ladeja James, a 5-9 sophomore, played a key role in the Patriots’ return to Beach prominence last season.
Landstown G Gabrielle Swinson, now a junior, pushed the Eagles into the Eastern Region playoffs last year and was the Beach Defensive Player of the Year.
Princess Anne G Justyce Swango helped the Cavaliers to a Group AAA runner-up finish and takes on the leadership role this season.
Salem C Tyshara Fleming, one of the top post players in South Hampton Roads, will guide the SunDevils on another playoff run.
PREDICTIONS
(Last season’s record in parentheses)
1. Salem (25-2 overall, 10-0 Beach District) With 6-5 C Tyshara Fleming (8.9 ppg, 13.4 rpg, 5.8 blocks) in the middle, the SunDevils feature one of the region’s tallest lineups. Khadijah Kelly (5-10) joins her to lead a group of seven returners from last year’s Beach regular-season championship team that will feature no starter under 5-8.
2. Princess Anne (27-4, 9-1) The Group AAA runner-up Cavaliers’ run of four straight state finals could be in jeopardy with the loss of All-Tidewater Player of the Year Galaisha Goodhope (Old Dominion) to graduation. PA’s hopes will be left in the hands of several juniors. Freshman Danyael Goodhope is Galaisha’s younger sister and will help continue the Cavaliers’ high-paced, pressure defense. Janayla White, a 6-1 center, Morgan Cooper and Alexis Platt are returning seniors.
3. Landstown (17-9, 9-3) Gabrielle Swinson (15.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg) was part of last year’s “super sophomore trio” and finished as the top defensive player in the league. She also can score, averaging nearly 16 ppg. At 5-10, Amaya Ransom (9.2 ppg) is one of the tallest guards in the area. Briona Mathews is the lone senior… Read More