- January 20th, 2006, 10:24 am
#756
One of our former Lady Flames is now in the coaching rabks in South Florida at a school that sends a ton of kids to LU:
Leonard's up to the challengehttp://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/high ... -headlines
Former high school star takes over Hollywood Christian girls' hoops
By Larry Blustein
Special Correspondent
Posted January 20 2006
As an assistant coach a year ago, Monique Leonard learned plenty about basketball. Little did this 24-year-old realize that one year later, she would be the head coach at Hollywood Christian.
Leonard, the 2000 South Florida Sun-Sentinel Palm Beach County Player of the Year as a four-year starter at Santaluces High in Lantana, has had plenty of help and guidance along the way, so it's little surprise she has been able to win nine of the first 17 games with a team that returned only two players from last year's squad.
"This has been a challenge, but one that I have been up to," said Leonard, who started all four seasons at Liberty University in Virginia. "But everything has fallen into place."
Because she is so young, there are things that Leonard learns every day. She also has found that having a support system at home from her father, Shack Leonard, a longtime Santaluces coach and teacher, has made plenty of difference.
"If my father taught me anything through the years, it's discipline makes you a better player and gives you the best chance as a teammate," Leonard said. "I lived by that as a player and now as a coach."
Although there are a number of seniors on the team this season, only leading scorer Ruth Brown has had any real varsity playing experience. That leaves centers Ebony Ragoo and Stephanie Scheir, forwards Jennifer Mason, Charity Johnson and Saboria Thomas, and guard Melissa Johnson trying to learn as much as possible this season against top-flight competition.
"The senior class we have has really learned and picked things up faster than any of us thought they would," Leonard said. "That is one of the main reasons we are still in the hunt in the district playoff race."
The junior class features forward Amber Garber and center Jessica Malloy, who returns to the team after sitting out last year as a sophomore.
Another sophomore, Katie Kelton, has carved out quite a reputation as being a clutch performer this year. So far, the Eagles' second-leading scorer has come up with winning baskets against Miami-Dade Christian and Coral Springs Christian.
"When we first came together, even though we didn't have a lot of experience, there was a feeling we all had about this team," said Kelton, a starter since her eighth-grade season. "Everyone has worked very hard, and you can see things coming together, slowly."
Rounding out the team is another player who figures to be one of the school's most accomplished basketball players over the next seven years. Sixth-grade point guard Ariah Osceola has shown, as a starter, that she will be an outstanding player for years to come.
"When people first see Ariah, they laugh because she is so small," Leonard said. "By the end of the game, they are singing her praises as a tremendous basketball player. She comes from a supportive family who never misses a game."
EVERGLADES: The girls' basketball team continues to be a surprise this season as the Gators (11-7), under veteran coach Julia Myers, have been in the middle of the pack in District 12-6A, one of the most competitive districts. Leading the way so far have been offensive stars Latonia Lopez and Brittany Bucknam. Kiesha Elliot and Lauren Simmons have also been impressive.
HOLLYWOOD HILLS: It wasn't that long ago that veteran coach Dirk Hilyard directed his boys' soccer team to the state semifinals. Although the Spartans (7-7) have stayed around the .500 mark, a number of quality players have been stepping up. Senior Christian Montano is among the top scorers in the county. Alejandro Tamayo, Max Mendoza, Leon Shaaltiel and goalkeepers Ricky Lopez and Hernando Brito also have played well.
MCARTHUR: When the boys' basketball team started 6-0, many felt that things would never last for a program that has no starter taller than 6-5. The Mustangs (12-4) have stayed at the top of District 12-6A. Coach Ray Lockhart's team has been led by Desmond Blocker, Joaquin Francis, Michael Lee, Danny Ferris and Don St. Remy.
MIRAMAR: Although the girls' basketball team (14-4) has received much of the publicity this season, the boys (8-8) have been working toward a goal of finishing over .500. Led by football standout Darren McKhan and Jamal Owens, coach Kenneth Kelly's Patriots will be a group to watch as the district playoffs approach.
NOVA: Two years removed from a state title, the boys' soccer program (8-5-2) continues to make major strides, with players such as Kadeem James, Ryan Kopp and Shaun Oliver leading the way.
WESTERN: After last year's regional final loss to powerhouse Douglas, the girls' soccer team kept that 1-0 setback as motivation this year under second-year coach Alicia Wagg. The Wildcats (8-2) have remained in the hunt, as Kristin Alioto, Jennifer MacNeill, Melissa Warren, Jessica Richardson and Diana Grana have all played well.
Larry Blustein writes a high school notes column every Friday. He can be reached at FloridaKids1@hotmail.com.
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