Vinnie Cammarano
Key Points
A new season brings a different energy to Apopka girls basketball. After a 7-17 campaign, coach Brittany Hardy believes the Lady Darters have a group that is more motivated, more coachable and eager to put in the work needed to turn things around.
That change has been noticeable throughout the offseason, with players regularly asking to get into the gym and find opportunities to improve.
“Well, from this season compared to last season, I have girls who want to be in the gym. Girls who are always asking me to unlock the door and get them in there,” Hardy said. “I have guards who’s eager to learn, who’s coachable. I think we’re just going to have a great season this year. It’s just I have a lot of girls who want to be coached.”
The Lady Darters return six players with varsity experience, including seniors Mikayla Wiggins, Chelsea Saint-Hilaire and Deriyon Brinson. Wiggins, junior Amari Dillon and sophomore Destiny Gelin have emerged as key leaders and performers during the offseason.
Hardy welcomes new assistant coaches Randall Lofton and Savannah McAfee as the program looks to build on last season’s finish. McAfee joins as a 2021-22 alumna, who led the girls to a 20-7 season with a district championship and a state playoff win her senior year.
Despite last season’s overall record, Apopka showed what it could do in the district tournament, upsetting Lake Brantley 57-48 in the first round. The Lady Darters will look to carry that competitive spirit into a new season with a roster that offers more options in the frontcourt.
One of the biggest differences is the team’s improved post presence. Freshman Alexia Dunbar and senior Tamara Smith join the team this season in the frontcourt. Smith, a six-foot center, is expected to fit in quickly for her first and only year in a Blue Darter uniform.
Hardy believes that presence inside can become one of the team’s biggest strengths.
“I have a six footer now, so our post presence is going to be very present,” Hardy said.
Smith is expected to play a major role, while Dunbar gives the Lady Darters another option as she begins her high school career. Saint-Hilaire has also established a role in the paint. The added size should give Apopka opportunities to compete on the boards and establish a stronger presence near the basket.
The team’s development will also depend on its guards. Wiggins, Dillon and Gelin have stood out as leaders, while Brinson has earned recognition from Hardy for her effort. With a group that has shown a willingness to learn, the coaching staff hopes to build consistency on both ends of the floor.
Apopka got an early look at that potential Tuesday, Nov. 10, against Eustis in a preseason matchup at West Orange High School. The Lady Darters showed strong chemistry, moved the ball and found open shots on their way to a dominant 61-25 victory that triggered a running clock.
The performance offered an encouraging early sign of what Hardy wants to see from her team: players working together, competing and making the extra pass.
The goal this season is straightforward. Hardy wants to see improvement in the win-loss column, but she also wants the team to establish an identity built around effort and mental toughness.
“Our expectation this year, just my expectation is just for the girls to come out to be gritty,” Hardy said. “I want them to come out with some grit, come out be hungry, come out ready to play each and every game, win or lose. But we learn from each game. Expectation this year for us to at least have a better record than what we did last year.”
The Lady Darters open the regular season at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, against Jones High School, looking to turn their offseason motivation into progress on the court.