After graduating five key contributors from last season’s team that reached the Class 6A region finals, Bloomingdale used the summer league to start putting the pieces together in the starting lineup. 

The Bulls also wanted to know how much the roles would change among the returners, all while competing against some of the best teams in Hillsborough County. 

They accomplished what they wanted by gaining experience, forging an identity and boosting confidence that culminated with a team title. 

Last week, Bloomingdale beat Class 4A defending region finalist Academy of the Holy Names in the semifinals, then beat Class 3A defending region semifinalist Tampa Catholic in the championship game of the summer league.

The top two returning scorers, Noelle Mengel (14.9 points per game) and Izellah Kendrick (9.7) led the Bulls this summer, especially in the final two games. 

Mengel was named MVP of the league. 

“Very pleased overall,” Bloomingdale coach Joel Bower said of his team’s performance this summer. “I think by the end of (last) month we started to figure things out and now know what we can focus on in the fall. 

“We played our best games of the summer in the playoffs against two really good teams. Noelle Mengel and Izellah Kendrick were outstanding, and we have very good players around them that have settled into their roles. I think winning was important for us to continue to believe we can be one of the better teams in the county in 2023-24.”

Plant’s Tanner Strickland named Dottie McGahagin winner

Two-sport standout Tanner Strickland was selected as the Dottie McGahagin winner as the top girls basketball player in Hillsborough County this past season. 

The Panthers’ star, who will be playing soccer at Kentucky in the fall, led the basketball team in assists (3.3 per game) and was second in points (11.9 per game). 

She also helped Plant go a combined 104-15 during her four-year tenure with the program, including a region final appearance this past season. 

Sickles’ Beckham Hockley commits to Saginaw Valley State

One of Hillsborough County’s top scorers made her college plans official last month. 

Beckham Hockley, who led Sickles in scoring with an average of 18.4 points per game this past season, decided on Saginaw Valley State. 

She announced her commitment on social media. 

The first team Western Conference selection led the Gryphons to an 18-8 record and a Class 7A region quarterfinal appearance.