By Dave Brousseau - BCAA Writer
FORT LAUDERDALE – During last seasons playoff run the Nova Titans girls basketball team completely relied on then sophomore guard Jaelynn Housey.
She averaged 24 points and seven rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. In two games in the BCAA Big 8 Tournament she scored 78 points.
During the 2024-25 season, the Titans aren’t all about Housey as others have contributed.
That was the case on Wednesday in the quarterfinal against Coral Springs at Fort Lauderdale High as three other players scored in double-figures during a 69-16 victory.
Nova (18-4) advances to the Big 8 semifinals against the Northeast/Pembroke Pines Charter winner on Friday at 4 p.m.
Housey was her usual self with a team leading 18 points. I’Yan Tyrell scored 15, while Ke’mora Evans added 14 and Nayell Firmin pitched in 10 points.
“She’s a special kid, both on and off the court,” Nova coach Jason Hively, said of Housey. “I think she is the best player in the state, and I mean that seriously.
We do have a little more support system around her this season, but the key has been the nucleus on defense. This has been a team unselfishly.”
Housey and support system was a big part of the Titans reaching Big 8 for the 19th time in 21 seasons.
“I do feel more comfortable on the floor this season because we are a more well-rounded team,” said Housey. “It’s definitely important with the help in scoring, but what takes a win is a win and I’m here for it.”
The Nova girls have reached the tournaments championship game 10 times, winning the title three times with the las time coming in 2018.
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 68, CORAL SPRINGS CHARTER 19: Led by Sayaniz Zaldivar with 15 points and Ron’neisha Thomas with 14 points, the Raiders rolled to the easy victory.
Aquinas (14-7) advances to the Big 8 semifinal game against Thursday’s Blanche Ely/Cypress winner on Friday at 7 p.m.
The 49-point victory was the largest of the season and most since defeating Ocala Forest 94-53 (41 points) on Dec.28.
Dave Brousseau can be reached on X at @dbrouss76 – or via e-mail at:
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