How does Lakewood Ranch compare to the six state champs that Manatee County produced
LAKELAND -- Though Lakewood Ranch didn't come home with a state title, there is talk that this team ranks as one of best all time to come out of Manatee County. It's a legitimate argument considering LaDazhia Williams is the most highly recruited female basketball player this area has ever had.
Here is a look at teams from Manatee County that have won a state girls basketball championship.
Southeast (1980-81): 33-0
Went undefeated under Buzz Narbut, and its closest game in the playoffs was by 11 points. It was led by Lori Smith, who was named a Parade Magazine All-American. The other key players were point guard Loretta Houston and the late Olivia Bradley.
Southeast (1984-85): 34-3
Gave John Harder his first state title jump-starting a career that led him to the FACA Hall of Fame. The squad was led by Countelle Bullock and Tina Brooks Hadley (name sound familiar). Bullock was arguably considered the area's best female big player until LaDazhia Williams arrived.
Southeast (1989-90): 32-1
The team featured a great backcourt. Featured guard Bev Copeland (19 ppg./8 rpg.) and Tina Parrillo (17 ppg./7 rpg.). It dominated on the boards with Teressa Martin (11 rpg.) and Keira Rozier (14 rpg.). The team lost the third game of the season and then won 30 straight, giving Harder his second title.
Southeast (2013-14): 30-1
Team won the third state title for Harder and fourth for the school. The senior-dominated team was led by DeAngela Mathis. Keshawna Robinson had the tournament of her life, winning MVP honors with combined 32 points and 17 rebounds for two games.
Palmetto (1995-96): 27-4
The area's all-time Cinderella squad won the school's only state girls basketball title. It was led by the iconic Sheila James, who made game-winning free throw in overtime for a 53-52 victory in state final.
Bradenton Christian (1996-97): 27-6
The team had size, speed and versatility with track star Kamille Bratton, post player Kelly Cook and versatile MVP Jennifer Tiona en route to winning the program's only state title.
NOTEWORTHY -- The Bradenton Christian girls also reached the state title game in 1992 and 2004 Lakewood Ranch junior Aleah Robinson, who was averaging 10.6 points per game, recently re-tore her anterior cruciate ligament in the same knee she had surgery during her freshman year LaDazhia Williams will go into her senior year with 1,418 points and 743 rebounds. Kristen Fulmer, the school's career leader in both categories, has 1,509 points and 1,010 rebounds Lakewood Ranch shot 61 percent from the free throw line for the season. Winter Haven, which converted 20 of 26 from the line, was shooting 200 free throws per day since it beat Lakewood Ranch by one point last month. Winter Haven blocked eight shots and had 13 steals in Saturday's win against the Mustangs.
This story was originally published February 20, 2016 at 11:44 PM with the headline "How does Lakewood Ranch compare to the six state champs that Manatee County produced ."