Building the Future: Lecanto High Girls Basketball Shows Promise in 2025 Season
The 2025 winter season was a pivotal chapter for the Lecanto High School Girls Basketball team, one marked by new leadership, youthful promise, and the emergence of future stars. With a largely new roster and an entirely new coaching staff, Coach Michael Kelly stepped into his role facing both challenges and opportunities. What unfolded over the course of the season was a story of growth, resilience, and the building of a strong foundation for the future.
Leading the Charge: Young Stars Step Into the Spotlight
Despite the youth of the team, several players made significant contributions that fueled Lecanto’s success this season. At the top of the scoring charts was junior guard Bryleigh Florio, a dynamic offensive force and the undisputed scoring leader for the Panthers. Her standout season was punctuated by a milestone achievement — surpassing 1,000 career points, a rare and impressive feat that speaks to her skill, consistency, and leadership on the court.
Coach Michael Kelly had high praise for Bryleigh, noting her as a “phenomenal offensive player” and a central figure in the team’s development and competitiveness this year.
Complementing her in the post was Aleena Borgus, who dominated the glass and made her presence known in the paint. As the team’s leading rebounder, Aleena had a huge impact, especially in controlling tempo and providing second-chance opportunities.
Freshman Sophie Barbieri was another revelation this season. Described by Coach Kelly as a “do-it-all player with good size,” Sophie brought versatility, basketball IQ, and a level of composure uncommon for a first-year player. Her impact was immediate and substantial, showing that the future is bright with her in the lineup.
On the defensive end, Shawna Griffin emerged as a key contributor. Known for her athleticism and tenacity, Shawna became a defensive anchor while also offering a strong offensive presence. She proved to be the perfect counterpart to Bryleigh, creating a more balanced attack and tightening the team’s performance on both ends of the floor.
A Season of Transition: New Beginnings and Bright Spots
Reflecting on the season, Coach Kelly described it as a positive step forward for a team in transition. “Overall, I believe it went well,” he said. “We had a very young team, a brand-new coaching staff, and lost a large portion of seniors.”
Despite these early-season challenges, the Panthers showed strong signs of development. Under Coach Kelly’s guidance, the players improved their basketball IQ, grew closer as a unit, and laid the groundwork for a more unified and strategic team identity.
The most significant team accomplishment came in the form of a district game victory — a huge morale boost and turning point that demonstrated the group’s ability to compete under pressure. Individual milestones like Bryleigh Florio’s 1,000-point achievement added to the season’s highlights and celebrated the individual talent within the team.
Development in Motion: Freshmen Find Their Footing
Among the team’s most promising narratives this year was the rise of its youngest members. Alongside Sophie Barbieri, fellow freshman Kassidee Florio also emerged as a player with significant upside. Both rookies were consistent contributors, showing poise beyond their years and making an impact in high-pressure situations.
Their development throughout the season was a testament to their work ethic and the supportive environment fostered by Coach Kelly. Their performance not only elevated the team’s ceiling in the present but also set the stage for what could become a powerful duo in the coming years.
Handling Adversity: A Team Tested and Toughened
Like many teams in a rebuilding year, Lecanto faced its fair share of adversity. From tough losses to moments of inconsistency, the season tested the Panthers’ mental toughness and resilience. According to Coach Kelly, there were times when the team’s fortitude was “battle tested,” but to their credit, the players often responded with growth.
“For the young team we had, they exceeded my expectations in overcoming moments,” he shared. The team grew closer, more cohesive, and more determined with each passing week — a clear indicator of the culture Coach Kelly is building.
Senior Send-Off: A Quiet Departure
Unlike many programs that are driven by upperclassman leadership, this year’s Lecanto squad did not rely heavily on senior players. Coach Kelly noted that while senior leadership was limited, the two seniors on the roster contributed when available and provided occasional boosts to the team.
That lack of veteran presence meant the younger players had to mature quickly — and in many ways, that accelerated growth may become an asset in the seasons ahead.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for the Panthers
As the 2025 season fades into the rearview mirror, Coach Kelly is already focused on the future — and there’s plenty to be excited about. With a core group of talented underclassmen returning and an incoming class with even more potential, the Lecanto Girls Basketball program appears to be on the verge of something special.
“The young team excites me,” said Coach Kelly. “We have a larger incoming class with talent as well. Just continuing to build the team atmosphere and chemistry.”
Developing that chemistry will be a priority in the offseason, as well as refining the team’s offensive strategy. While the Panthers were one of the top defensive teams in their district, Coach Kelly plans to work on offensive execution, playmaking, and efficiency in order to become a more well-rounded and dangerous squad next year.
Stats and Tracking Progress
For fans and followers looking to stay updated on Lecanto’s progress and individual statistics, the team’s season stats can be found on MaxPreps, where player highlights and game results are regularly posted.
Conclusion: Building Blocks for Success
The 2025 Lecanto High Girls Basketball season may not have started with lofty expectations, but under the leadership of Coach Michael Kelly and fueled by a passionate, young roster, it became a season filled with growth, learning, and glimpses of a very promising future.
With stars like Bryleigh Florio, Aleena Borgus, Sophie Barbieri, Shawna Griffin, and Kassidee Florio already making their mark, and new talent waiting in the wings, the Panthers are building something special — and the best may still be yet to come.
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