The path to being one of the county’s best players is usually one that comes with high accolades and expectations straight out of middle school. The subject of this week’s player spotlight Ga’khari Lacount burst onto the scene seemingly out of nowhere last year for Miami Coral Park and first year head coach Alex Ordoqui. Lacount averaged 24.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 7 rebounds per game last season. 

“My favorite basketball memory has been my growth the last two years”, said Lacount. “It has been seeing myself develop with hard work from nothing into something as a basketball player. My strengths are shooting on and off the dribble, creating for my teammates, help defense, and I am a smart player.”

Lacount began to gain notoriety last summer playing in team camps with Coral Park and in travel basketball with the Miami Runnin’ Rebels. He was the featured player for both teams and emerged as a great scorer and lead guard.

“I have never seen anyone will themselves into becoming a great player like Ga’khari has,” said Ordoqui. “His 9th grader summer he joined a Rebels’ team AJ Gomez (Coral Park assistant coach) was coaching and was the 8th man at the beginning. He helped the team with hustle and defense. His journey the last couple of years from high energy role player to elite shot making point guard and one of South Florida’s best players has been amazing. He has put in countless hours. I can not imagine that anyone out works him.” 

The 6’1 point guard was instrumental in turning Coral Park, a program that had won five games combined in the previous three seasons, into a playoff team. He was one of the county’s leading scorers and had breakout performances against some of South Florida’s top teams (45 points vs Slam, 30 vs Gables, 28 vs South Miami, 28 vs Oxbridge). 

“Ga’khari was outstanding for us last season,'' said Ordoqui. “We moved him to point guard full time in early January and he just exploded. He scored 45 points vs Slam and never looked back. It was truly special to watch the season he put together last season.”

Lacount played travel basketball season this summer with the Miami Runnin’ Rebels and Miami Triple Threat. He displayed his emerging ability to shoot off the dribble and his ability to facilitate and create easy baskets for his talented teammates. With Miami Triple Threat, he acquired interest from NJIT, Bryant University, and Robert Morris in the HoopGroup Jamfest in Atlantic City and Spooky Nook. 

“I have been offered by Lynn University and I have interests from other schools,” said Lacount. “I am looking for a school where I am the best fit. I want a school that I can play at, work hard, and help the team win.”

The 2nd team All-County guard leads his team into the new 7a District 15, which features Coral Gables, Miami High, Columbus, Miami Beach, and Miami Southwest. It is expected to be one of the toughest districts in the city.

“My goals headed into my senior year is to have the best season out of my 4 years of highschool and to help take the team as far as I can. I feel great about Coral Park this year. If we stay committed and play with all we got, we have a chance to take it as far as possible.”

Lacount seems poised for a huge senior year and will look to try and lead the Rams to the school’s best season in school history. He is one of Miami’s top players and will make whichever college he decides to go to very happy for the next four years.

Check out Lacount junior season highlights below.