A couple of years ago, there was a buzz throughout the high school hoops world when Candace Parker dunked a basketball during a game. While many called her the first girls to accomplish such a feat, it soon turned out that another high school sophomore, Sylvia Fowles of Edison High School in Miami, Fla., had previously thrown down a couple of dunks herself.

Since then, Parker and Fowles have been linked as two of the top players in the Class of 2004. While Parker is sidelined by a knee injury this summer, Fowles continues to hone her game in summer camps and AAU ball while gearing up for her senior year at Edison.

An intimidating post player who excels on the defensive end of the floor, the 6-5 Fowles was described by OldGoldPress.com as possessing "the body of a linebacker with hands designed for basketball" after her performance at this summerıs Nike Camp. Other observers have lauded her agility and athleticism, which no doubt contributes to her fierce shot-blocking and blocking-out skills.

As a junior, Fowles helped lead Edison to a 30-5 record and the Florida Class 6A championship. In the title game, she poured in 32 points, grabbed 21 rebounds and blocked six shots as Edison topped Deerfield Beach. For the season, Fowles averaged 21.1 points and 15.6 rebounds per game.

Besides attending the 2003 Nike All-American camp this summer, Fowles was also selected for the 2003 USA Basketball Development Festival. This spring, she was picked for the Miami Heraldıs Class 6A-5A First Team and also named a fourth team Parade Magazine All-American. "It's always a big honor to be recognized in that elite class of players," Edison coach Denise Novak told the Herald after Fowles' Parade honor. "She should have a monster season next year."

Fowles has yet to decide on her college, but she reportedly has narrowed her choices to three schools: Florida State, Louisiana State and Tennessee.

Article written by Gball Associate Editor Jim Catalano.

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