At the end of the 2009 basketball season, the South Broward Bulldogs were in prime position to be one of the best teams if not the best team in the state of Florida.  They had their entire team returning and were poised to make a state title run.

Then the unthinkable happened.  The Bulldogs lost four starters and the once promising season seemingly was gone.  Only problem was no one told that to lone returning starter Krystal Saunders who proceeded to have one of the best seasons any player had in the state leading the Bulldogs back to the final four and earning her lots of accolades including Florida Prospects Girls Basketball Player of the Year.

“Her role increased tremendously this year and we would have not been where we were if it wasn’t for her ability to take on the challenge.  She transitioned from just a scorer to a point guard and all around leader of the team.”  South Broward Assistant coach Richard Walker said.

Saunders definitely took the challenge.  For the season, she led the Bulldogs to a district title posting a 23-2 record including a trip to the Final Four.  She increased her average in every category averaging 22.7 points a game with 7.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game.

Coming into the year, the coaching staff wasn’t quite sure if she was ready to take the role of leader.  Sure she can score but being a leader is a lot more than scoring points.  Saunders quickly put all of their concerns to rest after the first two games of the year.

“We weren’t quite sure if she was ready to be the leader of the team to be honest with you.  We went into our first two games not knowing what to expect from her or our team and with our first two games against South Florida Powers Dillard and Nova we were really concerned.  The way she performed against that type of competition let us know right away that we were going to be ok as a team.”  Walker said.

Saunders ended her high school career last Friday when South Broward lost to Lake Mary on a 25 foot three point shot.

Saunders will begin taking the next step of her career next year when she enrolls at the University of Miami on a full basketball scholarship.

“You can’t replace Krystal Saunders.  Some shoes you can’t fill.  In her case you can’t fill her shoes, you have to file them.  She will definitely be missed.”  Walker said.