This year, higher latitudes meant better records in girls basketball. Up in Tavernier, Coral Shores went 13-6, with six of those wins coming in a mid-season streak. The Lady ’Canes won their opening district game, but fell in the semis to South Homestead. While they will graduate two starters, the Hurricanes have plenty of talent left on their roster to come back for another winning season next year.
Marathon had an even 10-10 record, including a pair of wins against Key West and a split with Coral Shores. The Fins graduate just one senior this year, making for a potentially explosive 2024/25 season.
Key West had a challenging year, finishing with a 0-16 record. The Lady Conchs did prove they were on the right path, though; they came within 4 points of a win twice this season. Their closest games were against Marathon and Coral Shores, proving that when a rivalry game was on the line, they could rise to the challenge and give Conch fans a lot of hope for next season.
Photos by Barry Gaukel, Doug Finger
MVP
Brooke Mandozzi
Senior, Coral Shores
Guard/Forward
Described by the Coral Shores coaching staff as “a warrior,” Mandozzi battled through injuries as well as double and triple-team situations to score an incredible 19.6 points per game for the ‘Canes. “She just found a way to make winning plays for us,” said head coach Jarrod Mandozzi. The relentless senior had a 61% field goal percentage and averaged 8.5 rebounds and 3.7 steals per game, making her a force to be reckoned with offensively and defensively.
Elena Eubank
Junior, Marathon
Point Guard
Eubank has been a staple on Marathon’s varsity lineup for four years, serving as a captain since she was a sophomore, and still has a season of eligibility to go. The talented junior uses her athleticism to outhustle opponents on both sides of the ball. Eubank is both physical and dependable, giving every game her all.
Makayla Hann
Senior, Coral Shores
Guard
Averaging 6.4 points per game offensively plus 4.7 steals and 4.3 deflections per game defensively, Makayla Hann is capable of big things on both sides of the court. “She really came into her own and was our team leader in both steals and three-point percentage,” said coach Mandozzi of Hann’s skills.
Lilee Gage
Freshman, Key West
Power Forward/Center
Just a freshman, Lilee Gage tore up the court this season, putting other teams on notice that Key West girls basketball is most definitely on the upswing. The 5’10” power forward had multiple double-double games this year, and all indicators point to her becoming a powerhouse in the next few seasons.
Marti’Yana Kilbourne
Junior, Marathon
Forward
Marathon’s Marti’Yana Kilbourne put in the work in the offseason to hone her skills for a strong junior campaign. Kilbourne was key in rebounding for the Fins, using her aggressive style and commanding strength to reclaim loose balls. Though only 5’6”, Kilbourne’s presence on the court is much larger.
Grace Leffler
Junior, Coral Shores
Guard/Forward
Hurricane hoopster Grace Leffler’s well-rounded play was key for Coral Shores throughout the season. The junior averaged 8.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game for the Lady ’Canes, making her a jack of all trades and giving her team a lot to look forward to during her senior season.
Olivia Gibson
Senior, Key West
Center/Power Forward
Key West senior Olivia Gibson has been a rock for the Lady Conchs, serving as captain of a pair of very young teams the past two seasons. Gibson’s 5’11” height gave her the advantage in the paint, but her hustle and determination are what set her apart. Her leadership helped steady her teammates during a rebuilding season.
