There were three area girls basketball teams that made the state semifinals last season — Brooks DeBartolo, Clearwater and Plant. 

The Panthers won the 7A state title, the first in school history. The Tornadoes (5A) and the Phoenix (3A) both lost in the semifinals.

It is a new season. Teams can look quite different from a year ago, especially with players graduating — or transferring. The paths to make another deep playoff run can change, too. The districts and classifications are new this season. 

So does the trio of area teams that made it last season have enough to return to Lakeland? Here is a breakdown. 

Brooks DeBartolo

The Phoenix made the state semifinals for the second time in school history thanks to the playmaking ability of three seniors  — Amarie Godwin, Brionna McClinton and Triniti Youngblood. — all of whom were selected as McDonald’s All-American nominees. That trio has graduated, but Brooks DeBartolo was able to fill some of those voids thanks to the addition of transfers Tyra Kennedy (Hillsborough) and Alaina Williams (Tampa Bay Tech). They will team with Jaela Davis to form a solid nucleus. On Tuesday, the Phoenix opened the season with a 73-43 victory over Steinbrenner. Davis led the way with 21 points. Brooks DeBartolo stayed in the same classification and is in a challenging district (3A-5) that includes Carrollwood Day and Seffner Christian. 

Clearwater

The Tornadoes played as well as any area team down the stretch last season. They won 17 straight games to reach the state semifinals for the first time since 2007.Though Clearwater lost to American Heritage in the semifinals, the team took solace in knowing they had nearly everyone back. Those returning include Liv Fuller, So.(13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists per game), Beckham Hockley (14.6 points, 3.0 assists per game), Ace Sturdivant, Fr. (9.3 points, 3.7 assists, 3.0 rebounds per game) and Kyleigh Welsh, Jr. (7.5 rebounds, 4.4 blocks per game). That’s not all. The Tornadoes got a boost with the addition of Pinky Sturdivant, one of the best freshman guards in the state. Clearwater, which opens its season tonight, are still in Class 5A and are an overwhelming favorite to not only return to the state semifinals but also contend for the school’s first title. 

Plant

The Panthers made history last season by winning their first state title. They were led by guard Nyla Jean (Georgia State) and forward Kendal Cheesman (Vanderbilt), both of whom are already off to stellar starts in their college careers. The loss of that dynamic duo hurts, but Plant still has plenty of depth to remain a contender. “We have a lot of work to do but we are really excited about the season,” Plant coach Carrie Mahon said. “We are actually deeper than we were last season, but we have 35 points and 15 rebounds to make up. Our juniors and seniors have really matured, and we added a pretty tough freshman. The girls are ready for the journey.” The Panthers, who are still in 7A, opened the season Tuesday with a 59-15 victory over Wharton. Morgan Sieper led Plant with 16 points, seven assists and five steals.