The FAMU Development Research School (DRS) girls basketball team
successfully defended its 2A state championship with a 53-24 triumph over the
Academy of the Lakes. It is the third state crown for Head Coach Ahmad Aliyy, who has led
the program since 2004. His Baby Rattler hoopers previously claimed the 1A
championship during his first year as head coach.
Aliyy had strong accolades for his six graduating seniors.
“Some of them don’t play every game or don’t get a lot of
minutes,” Aliyy told the Tallahassee Democrat. “But they still practice and
they are requested to work just as hard as those who do play a lot of minutes.
They’re very important to our team. We’ve been together a while and we’ll miss
them. They’re an integral part of our program.”
The six seniors on the championship team are Kiani Sims,
Chelsei Thomas, Aaliyah Barrington, Mikala Williams, Cayla Pennywell, and
Katelyn Stevens.
LaKaris Salter (pictured in the warmup) led the team with 18
points and 11 rebounds.