IMG Academy’s girls basketball team is on a quest to claim their second Chipotle national championship in the past three years.
Their first step begins in Las Vegas with the prestigious Border League from Oct. 2-4.
“It’s exactly what we need right now,” IMG coach Frank Oliver Jr. said. “Going to Vegas to play some talented teams with different styles from us. I want to see how we communicate when we’re uncomfortable. I want to see how we respond to adversity. I want to see whether we can execute when another talented team is trying to take away what we do well.”
IMG won the national title in 2025 and followed it by winning its first nine games of the 2025-26 season.
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Unfortunately,
injuries derailed the Ascenders hot start, and they limped to a 16-8 finish.
Things are different this season. Senior guards Jessie Moses (ranked No. 45 on the 2027 SportsCenter NEXT 100) and Madeline Mignery (No. 48, Florida commit) are healthy after missing their junior seasons.
Moses and Mignery are two of five Ascenders players on the top 100.
Jayla Forbes, a 6-foot-7 post player, is No. 14 and committed to Texas. Forward Miciah Fusilier (No. 17) is committed to Baylor. Wing Neveah Roberson (No. 58) is a Virginia commit.
Junior forward Jordyn Ellis and junior point guard Kamora Moore are ranked No. 33 and No. 39 in the 2028 class.
“We’re watching confidence meet preparation,” Oliver said. “Young ladies are back fully healthy and ready to go, and we added some major piece to the puzzle. We’re really excited about this group.
“This team is poised to make a serious run at the Chipotle National Championship this year.”
The Ascenders have graduated all the players from the 2025 championship squad, but Oliver likes the makeup of this squad.
It’s a blend of experience, talent, size, speed and athleticism that make IMG deep and difficult to play against.
“What makes this team different is balance,” Oliver said. “We don’t have to wonder where the production is going to come from. Our challenge isn’t finding enough talent, it’s turning the talent into connectability. Our balance is what’s going to hurt other teams.”
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Healthy IMG Academy girls basketball team chasing national title
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