The 2026 school year is coming to an end, which means now is a great time reflect on the 2026 season. We will begin our review with the Private and Charter schools of the Hillsborough County Public Schools Western Conference. There are no coaches voting system for first or second team players for Private/Charter schools in the county so we will be highlighting team performances and individual player leaders of each team instead.
SEFFNER CHRISTIAN
Record: 13–10
Top Players:
Nevaeh Lee (Jr) PPG: 28.5, RPG: 2.9, APG: 1.3, SPG: 2.8
Kennedy Williams (Jr) PPG: 7.4, RPG: 1.4, APG: 0.3, SPG: 0.6
Camila Dishmey (So) PPG: 5.6, RPG: 3.0, APG: 0.0, SPG: 0.5
Seffner Christian in year two under Head Coach Jamie Turner finished 13–10 behind a dominant scoring season from Nevaeh Lee (Jr), who carried the offense at 28.5 PPG and established herself as a premier talent in Hillsborough County. The Crusaders will look to elevate next year as Navaeh Lee (Jr) will be joined by returning starters Kennedy Williams (Jr) and Camila Dishmey(So).
BAYSHORE CHRISTIAN (District Champions, Class 1a Playoff Appearance)
Record: 14–8
Top Players:
Elizabeth Lockhart (Fr) PPG: 16.4, RPG: 4.6, APG: 2.1, SPG: 4.8
Aaliyah Davis (Fr) PPG: 10.6, RPG: 6.0, APG: 1.4, SPG: 1.8
Natalie Walker (Jr) PPG: 9.6, RPG: 7.4, APG: 3.1, SPG: 5.1
Bayshore Christian posted a strong 14–8 record under second year Head Coach Donald Pippin powered by a balanced trio of young standouts. Elizabeth Lockhart (Fr) led the way with 16.4 PPG and nearly 5 steals per game, while Aaliyah Davis (Fr) and Natalie Walker (Jr) provided scoring, rebounding, and disruptive defense to round out a well‑rounded lineup.
TAMPA CATHOLIC (District Champions, Class 3A Elite 8 Appearance)
Record: 24–7
Top Players:
Ashley Knox (Sr) PPG: 19.2, RPG: 6.2, APG: 1.9, SPG: 1.7
Kelsey Sharpe (Sr) PPG: 15.9, RPG: 2.5, APG: 3.4, SPG: 3.9
Kimora Green (Jr) PPG: 9.6, RPG: 4.0, APG: 1.5, SPG: 1.6
The Tampa Catholic Crusaders had a historic season under 1st year Head Coach Kevin Knox finishing with a 24-7 record and winning their district championship! The Crusaders were led by four year starter and Hillsborough County’s Dottie McGahagin Girls Basketball Player of The Year award winner Ashley Knox (Sr) and playmaker Kelsey Sharpe (Sr). The Crusaders will be replacing Coach Knox with assistant Coach Scott Jankes who will have rising senior Kimora Green (Jr) to build with next year.
BERKELEY PREP
Record: 17–6
Top Players:
Lila Grace Strain (Jr) PPG: 13.8, RPG: 4.9, APG: 2.5, SPG: 2.9
Molly Taylor (So) PPG: 11.4, RPG: 6.9, APG: 1.9, SPG: 3.0
Izzy Aves (So) PPG: 7.8, RPG: 3.1, APG: 1.0, SPG: 2.5
The Berkeley Prep Buccaneers led by Head Coach Beth Lauteria in her 9th season at the helm had a record breaking season securing 17 wins for the first time in maxprerps era. Coach Lauteria broke her previous record win total of 15 in 2018 thanks to the grit, defense, and balance behind Lila Grace Strain (Jr) and Molly Taylor (So). With Izzy Aves (So) flying around the court, the Buccaneers play fast, tough, and together. All three players are expected to return which makes Berkeley Prep one of the most experienced teams for the 2027 seaon.
PATEL
Record: 5–13
Top Players:
Xiomari Matthews (Jr) PPG: 8.8
Emerald White (So) PPG: 8.7
Neveah Davis (Sr) PPG: 7.6
The Patel Trailblazers in year one under Head Coach Wilvitta Pingle went 5-13. Patel’s trio of Xiomari Matthews (Jr), Emerald White (So), and Neveah Davis (Sr) keeps the Trailblazers competitive with steady scoring. This group brings energy and effort every time they hit the floor.
ACADEMY OF THE HOLY NAMES
Record: 19–7
Top Players:
Jaye Coleman (Jr) PPG: 13.4, RPG: 5.4, APG: 0.5, SPG: 1.4
Gabriella Teixeira (Sr) PPG: 12.6, RPG: 3.9, APG: 2.0, SPG: 1.5
Autumn Steele (Fr) PPG: 11.6, RPG: 3.5, APG: 0.9, SPG: 1.3
The Academy of Holy Names Jaguars were led by Head Coach Issac Mapson to a 19-7 finish. The Jaguars were able to show a 6 game win increase from the 2025 season. The Jaguars roll behind a smooth, balanced attack led by Jaye Coleman (Jr) and Gabriella Teixeira (Jr). With freshman standout Autumn Steele (Fr) emerging fast, the Jaguars are stacked with firepower.
BELL CREEK ACADEMY (District Champions, Class 2A Playoff Appearance)
Record: 14–12
Top Players:
Gigi Ortiz (7th) PPG: 11.2, RPG: 0.8, APG: 0.9, SPG: 1.6
Emily Quirindongo (So) PPG: 9.8, RPG: 2.5, APG: 1.2, SPG: 1.3
Charlee Allen (Fr) PPG: 8.9, RPG: 10.9, APG: 1.7, SPG: 4.1
The Bell Creek Panthers in year two under the tutelage of Head Coach Joe Cooper finished the season 14-12 with a District Championship. Bell Creek is powered by rising stars, including 7th‑grade standout Gigi Ortiz and defensive force Charlee Allen (Fr). With Emily Quirindongo (Fr) adding scoring punch, this squad is young, hungry, and fearless. Look for the Panthers to be a force in Hillsborough County during the 2027 season.
SLAM (Sports Leadership & Management) (Class 2A Playoff Appearance)
Record: 18–6
Top Players:
Skylar Payne 8th PPG: 20.3, RPG: 5.9, APG: 3.7, SPG: 3.7
Qiana Arlt Fr. PPG: 18.0, RPG: 3.4, APG: 3.8, SPG: 5.8
Jillayah McClendon Fr. PPG: 14.5, RPG: 5.0, APG: 3.7, SPG: 4.5
The SLAM Spartans, led by Head Coach Bryan Kelley in his first season at the helm, had their most successful season to date finishing 18-6. The Spartans are powered by one of the youngest, most electric trios in the county. Skylar Payne (8th), Qiana Arlt (Fr), and Jillayah McClendon (Fr) fill up every column of the stat sheet, driving an impressive 18–6 season with scoring, playmaking, and relentless defensive pressure. This squad plays fast, fearless, and with a swagger that makes them a threat every night.
BROOKS DeBARTOLO COLLEGIATE
Record: 9–14
Top Players:
Hannah Palakkat (Fr) PPG: 15.0, RPG: 5.6, APG: 2.0, SPG: 2.8, BPG: 0.8
Jaidyn Chukukere (Sr) PPG: 6.0, RPG: 3.0, APG: 1.8, SPG: 2.8, BPG: 0.4
Lyric Jones (So) PPG: 4.8, RPG: 1.9, APG: 1.0, SPG: 3.3
The Brooks DeBartolo Phoenix were led by Head Coach Nick Rogers in his second season at the helm. The Brooks DeBartolo might not have had the flashiest record 9-14, but this squad brings heart, hustle, and a young core that refuses to back down. Hannah Palakkat (Fr) sets the tone as a fearless freshman bucket‑getter, while Lyric Jones (So) brings defensive pressure that changes games. The Phoenix will be replacing Coach Rogers for the 2027 season.