BASKETBALL TEAM

Monroe County prep basketball closed on Feb. 1 when Marathon, the final Keys team standing, was defeated in the second round of playoffs.

The Dolphins earned the honor of county champs this season, defeating both Coral Shores and Key West twice. Marathon finished with a record of 11-10, and though they lose their top scoring threat, they return two of their top three athletes in scoring, rebounding, stealing and blocking next season. Key West finished 1-14, with a win in a home matchup against Coral Shores. The Conchs return their top three scorers next season and will likely reap the benefits of experience from their struggles as a young team this season. Coral Shores finished 9-7 and has great potential for next season; the team graduates just three of 15 on its roster. Most stat leaders will return for the ’Canes, making for some enticing Monroe County girls basketball matchups next year.

From all of us at the Keys Weekly, congratulations to the 2023 All-Keys Girls Basketball Team.

ZIAMORA CARTWRIGHT SENIOR, KEY WEST CENTER

Conch senior Ziamora Cartwright kept her team in multiple games with aggressive rebounding and blocks this season. Coach Shonta McLeod explained that Cartwright “was the leader of this team on and off the court, especially with her defense and rebounds this season.” While the Conchs will miss their starting center, McLeod added, “I hope nothing but the best in her future.”

GRACE LEFFLER SOPHOMORE, CORAL SHORES FORWARD/GUARD

Coral Shores’ Grace Leffler averaged 9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game this season. The ’Canes used her height all over the court, playing Leffler in just about every position. Defensively, she was a game-stopper for opponents. “She was our secondleading scorer, consistently making teams pay when they doubleteamed others whether she was playing inside or on the perimeter,” said Mandozzi. “Grace developed so much as a player over the course of the season.”

JAILA HICKS FRESHMAN, KEY WEST FORWARD

Jaila Hicks made huge strides in her basketball career this season. She started on the junior varsity squad, was called up to the varsity team, and ended her season on the All-Keys team. The freshman forward showed that she was able to do anything her coach asked on the court, earning one of the top spots in shooting percentage, points per game, steals, assists and rebounds.

“She showed us that she had what it takes to be a varsity player as a freshman, averaging about 5 points per game and grabbing rebounds and steals,” said McLeod.