Advertisement

HomeTeam Hot Shot winners: Parker Conitz and Milahnie Perry

One is a key starter that couldn’t miss last week; the other makes the most of her moments off the bench.
 
Seminole High basketball player Parker Conitz is averaging 21.9 points per game so far this season. (Courtesy of Seminole High)
Seminole High basketball player Parker Conitz is averaging 21.9 points per game so far this season. (Courtesy of Seminole High)
Published Jan. 21, 2019

A closer look at our players of the week:

Parker Conitz, Seminole

Last year, Conitz put up modest numbers, averaging 11 points per game. Those numbers were expected to increase significantly with Conitz taking on a larger role.

As the only returning player on varsity, Conitz was being counted on not just to provide points but also leadership for Seminole, a consistent playoff contender.

The junior has done both.

This season, Conitz is averaging 21.9 points per game.

Last week was perhaps his best of the season. Conitz had 29 points, including five 3-pointers, in a win over Countryside. He followed that by scoring 35 to beat Palm Harbor University and finished the week by scoring 28 in a victory over Sickles at the Keith MacCollom Shootout his team hosted.

“My shot has been feeling really good,” Conitz said. “So has my first step getting to the basket. My teammates also have done a good job getting me the ball.”

Conitz has had other notable performances, scoring 30 against Strawberry Crest, 26 against Naples and 25 against St. Petersburg.

Now, those points are helping the Warhawks win. After starting 5-5, Seminole has won six of its past seven, including three straight.

“We just love to play together and have really good chemistry,” Conitz said. “Everyone knows their roles.”

Carrollwood Day's Milahnie Perry is a freshman in a stacked lineup, but still sees key minutes off the bench. (RODNEY PAGE | Times)

Milahnie Perry, Carrollwood Day

During the Patriots’ current 17-game win streak, they have rarely been tested.

But last Thursday night’s game at Brooks DeBartolo was different. Carrollwood Day trailed by nine at halftime, something they haven’t done all season. Baskets weren’t falling and there were defensive lapses.

Somebody had to spark the Patriots in the second half. That turned out to be Perry.

The freshman guard came up with some big shots in what turned out to be a 68-50 win. She converted a three-point shot after a nice drive to the hoop. And she drilled a 3-pointer that gave the Patriots a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.

She ended the game with 11 points, all in the second half.

“For a while I didn’t really have much confidence in my shot,” Perry said. “But I kept putting in the work and my shot got better. Now I have confidence.”

Carrollwood Day is full of experienced players who have been with the team for at least three years. Perry is the rare freshman who gets minutes off the bench.

“Even though you come off the bench you can contribute,” Carrollwood Day coach Karim Nohra said. “Milahnie is proof of that.”

Carrollwood Day won four games last week. Perry contributed in each of them, but especially against the Phoenix. She knows her role this season and hopes she can continue to contribute.

Stay updated on Tampa Bay’s sports scene

Subscribe to our free Sports Today newsletter

We’ll send you news and analysis on the Bucs, Lightning, Rays and Florida’s college football teams every day.

You’re all signed up!

Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.

Explore all your options

“That’s what I’m supposed to do,” she said. “I want to do anything I can to help this team win.”