Bynum Leads Lady Sharks In Breakout Season Despite Early Postseason Exit
For the Miami Dade College women’s basketball team, the 2025–26 season was defined by resilience, chemistry and a dynamic backcourt leader.
At the center of that success was sophomore guard Jazmyne Bynum.
Her consistent scoring and evolved playmaking helped guide the Sharks to a 19–12 record and an 11–7 mark in conference play, earning the team a berth in the Florida College System Athletic Association’s DI Women’s Basketball Championship.
But the Lady Sharks journey for a state title fell short on March 12 when the team lost to Chipola College, 101-49, in the quarterfinals.
Despite the frustrating ending, Bynum, who was named Conference Player of the Year, had an impactful season. She averaged 20 points per game while shooting 35% from the field—along with 5.4 assists and 4.1 rebounds—emerging as one of the team’s most complete players.
Bynum, who was born in Chicago, developed her game at Hyde Park Academy High School and comes from a basketball family. Her uncle, Will Bynum, played for the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards of the National Basketball Association.
“My uncle always tells me to keep working hard no matter how little you are,” Bynum said. “Don’t let your height bring you down.”
Primarily known as a shooter, Bynum expanded her offensive game this season and developed into a multifaceted scorer while taking on the role of being the team’s primary point guard.
“At the beginning of the season I wasn’t really a dominant scorer — I was more of a shooter,” she said. “In practice I learned to be a three-level scorer.”
Bynum’s chemistry with forward Meredith Venner became an integral part of MDC’s offense. Venner averaged 17.9 points per game on 50.9% shooting, along with 12.5 rebounds and three assists.
“Everybody knows she’s a great player,” Venner said about Bynum. “She’s really smart and has a high IQ, and that’s the way I like to play. We connect really well in games and in practice.”
The duo’s partnership was especially noticeable during a key conference matchup against Daytona State College earlier in the season. During a decisive run in the second half, the pair repeatedly connected on pick-and-roll plays and quick reads that helped the Sharks seize momentum.
“Ever since that Daytona game when we had that run in the third and fourth quarter, we just clicked,” Bynum said. “It was like a two-man game between us.”
Head coach Susan Summons credited the team’s success to both talent and chemistry.
“They’ve been like a group of sisters,” Summons said. “It’s all about helping them reach their potential and getting them to believe in themselves.”
The Sharks’ season included several comeback victories, including rallying from a 13-point deficit against Eastern Florida State before winning in overtime and a 20-point comeback against Palm Beach State.
Despite the momentum and confidence heading into the postseason, the Lady Sharks’ run came up short after a tough loss to Chipola in the state tournament. For Bynum, the result was disappointing, but it didn’t take away from the sophomore’s mindset.
“I just keep shooting,” Bynum said. “I’m not going to bring myself down if I miss. Even if my three isn’t falling, I keep attacking the basket, shooting the mid-range and getting to the free-throw line.”
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