- December 20, 2024
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Ocoee girls basketball player Dakara Merthie is a bucket. With an average of 20.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.4 steals per game last season, the transfer from Lake Mary High earned offers from Albany State and Southern Miss as just a sophomore. Merthie’s production led Lake Mary to an appearance in the FHSAA Class 7A, Region 1 finals and a 22-8 record.
Beyond her pedigree as a college hoops prospect, Merthie also has established herself as a record-breaker. Last season, she broke the Lady Rams’ single-season scoring record of 591 points — and combined with her output as a freshman, when she averaged 15.3 points a night, Merthie is just 12 points away from reaching the 1,000 points scored mark in her young career.
The junior hooper has joined the Lady Knights for the 2024-25 season, where she will immediately fill a huge need for coach Marcus Spencer as Ocoee’s two leading scorers from last season’s 20-6 team, that won the Class 7A, District 3 championship — Micah Hannah and Paris Triplett, who combined for 23.3 points a game during the 2023 season — have graduated.
Merthie will join senior guard Jayla Weiser in the Knights to make one of the most dangerous backcourts in West Orange County.
Age: 16
Sport: Girls Basketball
Grade: Junior
School: Ocoee High
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
I am blessed; it is such an honor.
What do you like the most about basketball?
Basketball is very therapeutic, and it is an outlet for me.
What is your goal for this season, for yourself and the team?
My personal goal for this season is to be a better version of myself than I was last year. My goal for the team is to make it to Lakeland for the final four and play with no excuses. We need to be giving 100% effort at all times.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from basketball?
To be disciplined on and off the court.
Who is your favorite athlete?
My favorite player is A’ja Wilson.
Is there someone you try to model your game after?
I don’t really model my game after anyone. I just go out and play the game I’ve been consistently working on.
Favorite basketball memory?
When I scored 591 points to break the single-season scoring record at Lake Mary High last year.
What’s your go-to pregame meal?
Pasta.
What’s your go-to pregame hype song?
I don’t have a specific song, but anything Rod Wave!
What is your favorite non-sports hobby?
Going to the beach; anything with being outside.
What is your favorite subject in school? Why?
My favorite subject would be science. I think it’s cool to learn about the planet we live on.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island? Why?
I would take my phone, a basketball and food — that’s all I need to survive!
What is your favorite movie?
“Love and Basketball,” because it’s just real life to me and a good movie overall.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
I would have dinner with Dawn Staley, because I personally think she has opened so many doors for us in the women’s basketball world.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
To always live by Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
Did I live up to my expectations?
Who is your favorite superhero?
Spider-Man, because he gets to swing around New York City.
Who is your favorite supervillain?
Venom; I just think he’s pretty cool.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I wish I could teleport, so I could go anywhere at any time.
If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go?
Hawaii, Dubai and Tokyo.
If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?
A golden doodle. They provide therapy to others, and I feel like we give off the same energy.
What is your most controversial food take?
I eat liver.
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Pineapple DOES NOT belong on pizza!
