Miami, FL – For years, many of South Florida’s most talented athletes had to travel north to Orlando, Tampa, or even out of state just to get the exposure they deserved. But this past weekend, that narrative began to shift. Florida Nation Basketball, in collaboration with The Shoe Circuit, brought a landmark exposure workout event to Miami — and it delivered a masterclass in what the future of Florida girls’ basketball can look like.

Elite Coaches, Elite Pedigree

Guiding the day were some of Miami’s most decorated basketball minds. Carlyle “Slim” Lewis, the legendary 10-time state champion and current head coach at Miami Country Day, set the tone with his trademark energy and detail. Alongside him, Greg Farias, a six-time state champion at American Heritage, and Malena Benitez, head coach at Gulliver Prep, rounded out a coaching staff rarely assembled under one roof. Their combined championship pedigree turned the workout into more than just drills — it was a true teaching environment, blending skill, intensity, and mentorship.

A Who’s Who of South Florida Talent

The gym was packed with some of the brightest stars in the region:

  • Arianna Robinson (Miami Country Day)

  • Charm Peltier (Miami Country Day)

  • Jadore Hayes (North Miami High)

  • Daija Thomas (American Heritage)

  • Sarah Renee Ingraham (American Heritage)

  • Emma Esparza (Palmer Trinity)

  • Aubreigh Pumphrey Solomon (Archbishop McCarthy)

  • Isabell Aloisio (American Heritage)

  • TJ Ariche (Miami Country Day)

  • Mikayla Brown (Gulliver Prep)

  • Ysamar Pimentel (North Broward Prep)

  • Rayna Benoit (North Miami Senior High)

  • Kristijana Carattini (American Heritage)

  • Erin Tabatabaei (St. Thomas Aquinas)

  • Emani Joseph (Miami Country Day)

  • Kennedy Dela (Miami Country Day)

  • Kimora Marseille (Miami Country Day)

  • Kayla Smith (American Heritage)

  • Myah Ray (Cooper City High)

  • Trejor Street (Suncoast School)

  • Carly Lewis (Miami Country Day)

  • Armani McFadden (Miami Country Day)

    and many more!

This collection of talent represented nearly every corner of South Florida — from powerhouse programs like American Heritage and Miami Country Day to hidden gems at Cooper City, North Broward Prep, and beyond.

A Masterful Day of Basketball

From start to finish, the event was fueled by intensity. Players went through advanced skill stations, competitive matchups, and situational breakdowns — all designed to showcase not just talent, but basketball IQ, effort, and adaptability. The mix of mic’d-up coaching moments, sharp defensive drills, and live play created a showcase atmosphere that felt every bit as professional as the top-tier national events many of these athletes usually travel hours to attend.

The players matched the coaches’ energy. Some impressed with their shooting, others with their creativity, and still others with sheer grit. The competitive edge was palpable, with each athlete knowing this was their stage to prove they belong in the conversation with the nation’s best.

Changing the Culture

What made the day truly special wasn’t just the drills, the competition, or even the names in attendance. It was the cultural shift it represented. For the first time, South Florida players didn’t need to leave their home gyms for legitimate exposure. With the Shoe Circuit’s platform and Florida Nation’s vision, the message was clear: the spotlight can shine here, too.

As the echoes of the final whistle faded, the impact lingered. South Florida girls’ basketball had just experienced something rare — an event that blended exposure with education, and competition with culture. For the players who attended, it was more than just a workout. It was a sign that the future of Florida hoops is not only bright, but it’s being built right here at home.