Not many players earn a starting varsity position when they're in seventh grade. But not many players are as good as Erlana Larkins.

The 6-2 forward has started for The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach, Fla., the past five seasons. In that span, the Buccaneers have won three Class 2A state titles, including this season, and have at least made it to the semifinals each of those years.

Larkins came up with a clutch performance in the 2003 championship game, scoring 31 points and collecting 26 rebounds as Benjamin topped P.K. Yonge H.S., 73-43. That was icing on the cake, after a season in which she averaged 21.8 points, 12.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 3.7 steals per game.

According to Benjamin Head Coach Mike Terry, "Erlana played at a high level consistently for the whole season. Sometimes she plays just as hard as she has to, but in games that are important she steps up to a different level. What she did in the state finals was a pretty impressive show."

In March, Larkins was named Florida's Miss Basketball, edging out one of Gball's previous High School Heroes, Dorian Williams of Ribault H.S. in Jacksonville. Larkins was also named Florida's Class 2A Player of the Year for the third year in a row and was again selected to the Class 2A All-State team. She also was named to Parade's All-American fourth team.

According to an observer for Rivals.com, Larkins has few weaknesses in her game besides free-throw shooting. She's a quick player for her size, and can dominate in the paint or step outside to hit the three-pointer. Plus, she's a team player with an infectious personality.

Heading into her senior year, Larkins is uncommitted to a college. In the past, she has expressed interest in Connecticut, but after her successful junior season, it's likely that she'll have her pick of many top-flight NCAA Division I programs around the country.

First, though, she'll be hoping to lead Benjamin to its fourth state championship during her six seasons as a varsity player. She'll also be aiming to pass the 3,000-point mark for her high school hoops career.

Article written by Gball Associate Editor Jim Catalano.

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