Palm Beach County has long been a powerhouse in girls basketball, producing professional stars, championship-winning coaches, and unforgettable stories from the high school hardwood. Now, it's your turn to weigh in on who stands above the rest.
As part of USA Today Network's America 250 series—celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary—we're honoring the greatest American sports figures of all time. But before we look at the national stage, we're shining a spotlight on the local legends who built the foundation: the high school athletes and trailblazers who shaped communities and defined their state. This week, we turn our attention to the stars of girls basketball.
Narrowing down the list of Palm Beach County's most impactful players was no easy feat. From dominant scorers to defensive dynamos, these athletes didn't just win games—they inspired generations. Listed in alphabetical order, each standout made their mark at the high school level before reaching even greater heights in college and the pros.
Coach Frost: Building a Dynasty at Glades Central
Before the era of social media hype and national rankings, Coach Frost built one of Palm Beach County's first girls basketball dynasties at Glades Central in the 1980s and early 1990s. Under his leadership, the Raiders won 90% of their games over 10 seasons, including a jaw-dropping 100-game win streak. The only thing missing was a state title—until 1993, when Shundra Smith led a perfect 30-0 season to capture the Class 2A championship. It was the first girls basketball state title in Palm Beach County history, prompting Frost to say, "The monkey is finally off our back."
Sylvia Larkins: A Legend Among Legends
It's no exaggeration to call Sylvia Larkins the most decorated girls high school basketball player Florida has ever seen. Joining Benjamin's varsity team as a 6-foot seventh grader, she went on to score 3,612 points, play in six state semifinals, and win four state championships. Twice named Florida Miss Basketball and a two-time Class 2A Player of the Year, Larkins set a standard that few have come close to matching.
These are just two of the many incredible figures who have shaped Palm Beach County girls basketball. Now, we want to hear from you. Cast your vote and help us decide who deserves the title of all-time best!