Newsday’s yearly assessment of the leading Long Island high school girls’ basketball talents heading into the 2024-25 winter season. All statistics are from the previous season, unless specified otherwise. The list is organized in alphabetical order. Kennedy Abrahams, Portledge, 5-4, G, Jr. After transferring from LuHi, she posted an average of 18.2 points. Abrahams excels […]
Newsday’s yearly assessment of the leading Long Island high school girls’ basketball talents heading into the 2024-25 winter season. All statistics are from the previous season, unless specified otherwise. The list is organized in alphabetical order.
Kennedy Abrahams, Portledge, 5-4, G, Jr.
After transferring from LuHi, she posted an average of 18.2 points. Abrahams excels as a potent outside shooter and effectively manages an offense.
Alice Beckett, Division, 6-1, C, Fr.
Utilizing her height, Beckett notched a double-double with averages of 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Alyssa Bell, Shoreham-Wading River, 5-7, G, Sr.
Bell stands out for her agility and awareness during games. She makes swift decisions and can facilitate plays for her teammates.
Jaelynn Burgess, West Babylon, 5-10, G, Fr.
Averaging 13.5 points, she is among the premier outside shooters in Suffolk.
Mia Betancourt, Mount Sinai, 5-5, PG, Jr.
The point guard averaged 14.2 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, achieving six triple-doubles throughout the season.
Emily Brake, Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK, 5-6, G, Sr.
A reliable point guard, Brake knows how to initiate an offense and averages three steals, often tasked with defending the opposing team’s top player.
Clockwise, from top left: Kate Braun, Emily Brake, Alyssa Bell, Laila Carr, Jayla Callender, Alice Beckett, Meaghan Campbell.
Kate Braun, Smithtown West, 5-11, F, Sr.
She contributed an average of 10 points, providing size to a team aiming for a standout season.
Alex Brown, Half Hollow Hills East, 5-11, F, Sr.
With an average of 10 points and a shooting accuracy of 58%, Brown also registered 47 blocks.
Taylor Brown, Long Island Lutheran, 5-7, G, Soph.
Possessing speed to generate plays in transition, she can effortlessly sink three-pointers. Offers have already come from Michigan, Miami, and Syracuse.
Emma Burmeister, Lindenhurst, 5-6, Jr.
A capable ball handler, she not only drives to the basket as a lefty but is also a formidable shooter from beyond the arc, averaging 19.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and four assists.
Jayla Callender, Comsewogue, 5-9, G, Jr.
As a key player for Comsewogue, Callender is also an exceptional defender, averaging 12.5 points, 4.5 steals, and five assists.
Meaghan Campbell, MacArthur, 5-10, F, Jr.
Averaging 15 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks, Campbell is a defensive stalwart and vital part of MacArthur’s defensive lineup.
Laila Carr, St. Mary’s, 5-7, G, Jr.
A sharpshooter from mid-range as well as from long-range, Carr averaged 10.6 points at Half Hollow Hills West during her freshman year before transferring to St. Mary’s.
Juliana Cerasi, Wantagh, 5-11, F, Sr.
Cerasi distinguished herself with her defensive IQ, capable of guarding all five positions on the floor. The three-year starter averages eight rebounds and three steals.
From left: Shani Clark, Sandra Clarke, Julianna Cerasi.
Sandra Clarke, Westhampton, 5-5, G, Jr.
With impressive court vision and basketball IQ, she sets up teammates effectively, averaging 15 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.
Shani Clark, Bay Shore, 6-1, G/F, Sr.
Clark’s physicality and agility render her a formidable player on the court. She is a pioneering handler and showcases her dynamic play in the open court, averaging 15.5 points and nine rebounds.
Lauren Connolly, Manhasset, 6-0, F, Jr.
Providing an authoritative presence in the paint, Connolly is a tenacious shot-blocker and rebounder, contributing an average of 10 points in a 19-4 season.
Angelina Cronin, East Meadow, 5-8, SG, Soph.
Cronin averaged 11 points, five assists, and four rebounds while hitting crucial shots during East Meadow’s journey to the Long Island Class AA title.
Scarlet Cubero, St. Mary’s, 5-8, G, Jr.
Cubero distinguishes herself with her strong dribbling skills, utilizing them to create space. She approaches the basket aggressively, averaging four assists.
Kate Cusack, Bethpage, 5-10, F, Sr.
A fierce competitor, Cusack is an excellent scorer and aggressive rebounder, averaging 16 points and eight rebounds.
Makayla Daube, Mepham, 5-10, F, Sr.
With a commitment to Rollins College, Daube averaged 17 points and 19 rebounds, dominating the court through her athleticism and basketball intelligence.
Sofia Della Ratta, North Shore, 5-8, PG, Sr.
Della Ratta contributed 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists, in addition to averaging three steals and a block.
Kay DeRose, St. Dominic, 5-10, F, Jr.
DeRose recorded averages of eight points, six rebounds, and two steals, demonstrating a powerful blend of size and quickness.
Lauren Donaghy, Huntington, 5-10, G/F, Sr.
A sharpshooter with exceptional court vision, Donaghy is a defensive leader, averaging 15 points and five rebounds.
Maeve Downing, New Hyde Park, 5-9, G, Jr.
Downing averaged 12.7 points, highlighted by a 24-point performance in a win against Sewanhaka.
Top row, from left: Angelina Cronin, Scarlet Cubero, Kate Cusack. Middle row, from left: Payton Dulin, Lauren Donaghy, Sofia Della Ratta. Bottom row, from left: Sophia Dwyer, Monique Echols, Claire Fitzpatrick.
Payton Dulin, Baldwin, 5-9, G, Sr.
Committed to George Washington, Dulin averaged 17 points, serving as the focal point of Baldwin’s attack. Additionally, she is a lockdown defender.
Sophia Dwyer, Lynbrook, 5-10, G, Sr.
Known for her versatility and quickness, she presents significant matchup challenges.
Monique Echols, Baldwin, 5-4, G, Sr.
Echols averaged eight points for a squad that achieved a record of 16-1 and reached the Nassau Class AAA finals.
Rhylin Fehrenbach, Long Island Lutheran, 5-10, G/F, Jr.
Averaging 19 points, nine rebounds, and four assists at Victor (N.Y.) High School, Fehrenbach can create off the dribble, transition efficiently, and finish strong both at the basket and from beyond the arc.
Claire Fitzpatrick, Northport, 5-9, F/G, Sr.
Returning to Northport after a season at St. Mary’s, the Pace commit is an exceptional scorer and rebounder, with significant strength beyond the three-point line.
Kyle Finnell, Garden City, 6-0, F, Sr.
After averaging a double-double last season, Finnell dominates on both ends of the floor, excelling as a shot-blocker and at the rim.
Emily Forrester, Long Island Lutheran, 6-3, F/C, Soph.
She will bolster the middle following the graduation of two-time Newsday Player of the Year Kate Koval, showcasing outstanding footwork and capable passing from under the basket.
Paige Garguilo, Massapequa, G, 5-8, Sr.
Garguilo, an intense defender, has made a significant impact at Massapequa since entering the starting lineup.
Grace Gilmartin, Northport, 5-7, F, Jr.
An impressive rebounder and interior force, Gilmartin leads by example, averaging 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Janiya Grant, Sewanhaka, 5-10, F, Sr.
Grant, a formidable defender, dominated the boards and shot-blocking for Sewanhaka, averaging 11.1 rebounds per game.
Sanai Green, Long Island Lutheran, 6-0, G, Jr.
Green effectively uses her size to easily navigate to the basket, with the versatility to finish herself or set up teammates. She has attracted offers from elite programs such as Tennessee, North Carolina, and USC.
Bridget Hansen, Sachem East, 6-0, C, Soph.
Hansen, averaging 10.7 points and 10.2 rebounds, excels as a rim protector and primary scoring option, capable of playing in the low post and attacking from the perimeter.
Clockwise, from top left: Grace Gilmartin, Bridget Hansen, Giselle Harris, Emma Heaney.
Giselle Harris, Longwood, 5-7, G, Sr.
Averaging 15 points, five rebounds, and four steals, Harris is an athletic guard poised to play a larger offensive role this season.
Beth Healy, Kellenberg, 5-9, G/F, Sr.
Averaging 10 points and eight rebounds, the Adelphi commit had a standout performance with 22 points and 12 rebounds in her final game.
Emma Heaney, Plainview-Old Bethpage, 6-1, F, Sr.
An excellent player committed to Lafayette, Heaney averaged 21 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks, securing 1,100 career points and twice achieving over 100 blocks in a season, along with three triple-doubles last year.
Alana Henry, Amityville, 5-11, G/F, Sr.
A dominant presence both in the post and on the perimeter, Henry averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds, excelling on defense.
Bridget Hickey, Harborfields, 5-7, G, Sr.
Averaging 10.2 points and 4.3 assists, Hickey has consistently contributed over 10 points per game for the past two seasons.
Gabby Himmelstein, St. Dominic, 5-8, G, Jr.
With averages of 15.5 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals, Himmelstein is a strong outside shooter who competes fiercely for rebounds.
Charlotte Hines, Elmont, 6-0, F, Sr.
A versatile threat on both ends, Hines averaged 12 points and 12 rebounds, along with three steals and two blocks. She had an impressive game with 33 points and 23 rebounds against Roslyn.
Jada Hood, Brentwood, 5-6, G, Sr.
A six-year veteran, the combo guard excels at creating her own shots off the dribble, averaging 14 points, four assists, and five rebounds.
Olivia Jones, Long Island Lutheran, 5-11, G, Jr.
An athletic guard, Jones is poised to step up as a primary scorer and creator this season after playing a crucial role off the bench in previous years. Her exceptional scoring ability and capacity to finish at the rim have attracted interest from the nation’s top schools.
Jazmynn Julien, Whitman, 5-9, G, Soph.
As an elite defender, she will embrace a larger role this year, averaging 6.3 points per game.
Clockwise, from top left: Jazmynn Julien, Sadie Krangle, Charlotte Hines, Olivia Jones, Jalynn Kirschenheuter.
Sofia Kammas, St. Mary’s, 5-9, G, Sr.
The Adelphi commit averaged six points and four rebounds.
Jalynn Kirschenheuter, Comsewogue, 5-10, G/F, Sr.
The four-year starter poses a threat both inside and on the perimeter, averaging 12.2 points with 40 three-pointers made. She’s committed to St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue.
Sadie Krangle, Jericho, 5-7, G, Jr.
Krangle averaged 15 points and is distinguished by her keen ability to read defenses and execute plays effectively. She’s an elite passer who can score from long range.
Coco Lohmiller, Long Island Lutheran, G, 5-8, Soph.
Expected to take on a more prominent role in LuHi’s lineup this year, Lohmiller averaged 15.8 points during her eighth-grade season at Pierson before transferring to LuHi last year.
Annalyn Loiacono, Smithtown Christian, 5-3, G, Soph.
Averages of 21 points make Loiacono one of Suffolk’s top scorers, despite consistently facing double-teams. She excels as an on-ball defender.
Khaleis London, Bay Shore, 5-10, F, Sr.
A strong leader, London makes her presence known on both sides of the court, averaging 8.5 points and eight rebounds.
Clockwise, from left: Khaleis London, Annalyn Loiacono, Alyssa Lorefice.
Alyssa Lorefice, Smithtown West, 5-9, F, Jr.
Committed to Rutgers for lacrosse, Lorefice is both athletic and adaptable, averaging 12 points.
Brooke Mazzei, Lynbrook, 5-6, G, Sr.
Averaging easy points in transition, Mazzei can score from anywhere and defend the opponent’s top player. Despite injury setbacks, she led her team in all major statistics.
Reagan McCarthy, Long Beach, 5-10, F, Sr.
With a keen understanding of the game, McCarthy excels as a key rebounder and defender.
Emily McDonald, Long Island Lutheran, 5-11, G, Jr.
Expected to be among the premier newcomers for the Crusaders, the upstate Lancaster native can drive and finish at the basket while also pushing the pace effectively.
Jasmine McKay, North Babylon, 5-4, G, Sr.
Averaging 29 points and five steals, the New Haven commit is a dynamic player, earning a Newsday All-Long Island title for her leadership that led North Babylon to its first playoff win in five years.
Claire McKenzie, Mattituck, 5-10, G, Jr.
A three-sport athlete, McKenzie averaged 12 points.
Ava Meyn, Bayport-Blue Point, 5-11, G/F, Sr.
Capable of playing both on the wing and inside, Meyn recorded double-doubles in every league contest.
Alexis Mitas, Portledge, 5-5, G, Sr.
After transferring from St. Anthony’s, Mitas averaged 11.8 points. Considered a potent outside shooter, she enters her fifth season of varsity play, having competed for Portledge in eighth grade.
Amelia Moore, St. Anthony’s, 6-2, C, Sr.
A formidable size presence, Moore excels at rebounding and shot blocking in the paint while also running the floor to create offense. She notably scored 27 points and grabbed 15 rebounds against Harry Truman.
Top row, from left: Emily McDonald, Jasmine McKay, Brooke Mazzei. Middle row, from left: Ava Meyn, Alexia Mitas, Amelia Moore. Bottom row, from left: Gabby Nicolini, Kate Nelmes, Maya Motherway.
Maya Motherway, St. Anthony’s, 5-8, G, Jr.
Before transferring to St. Anthony’s, Motherway averaged 12.3 points at East Rockaway, showcasing strong shooting skills and the ability to penetrate the rim.
Kate Nelmes, Syosset, 5-8, G, Sr.
This point guard consistently faces the toughest matchups, bringing immense energy to the team.
Gabby Nicolini, MacArthur, 5-9, F, Jr.
Nicolini led her team in three-pointers, while also contributing eight rebounds per game.
Ava Orbon, New Hyde Park, 5-7, G, Sr.
Averaging 14.7 points, Orbon peaked at 23 points during a playoff game against Bethpage.
Kyla Orlando, Mount Sinai, 5-8, SF, Sr.
Orlando, who averages 15.3 points, seven rebounds, and four steals, poses a threat on both ends and has been on varsity since ninth grade, playing a key role in Mount Sinai’s 11-1 league record.
Sarah Owen, Floral Park, 5-10, F, Sr.
Capable of playing any position, Owen’s leadership enhances her teammates’ performances, averaging 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Mia Padula, St. Dominic, 5-8, G, Jr.
A standout passer with strong court vision, Padula averaged 12 points, eight rebounds, and six steals.
Daelyn Palmore, Southampton, 5-5, G, Sr.
Pacing her team for two straight seasons, she notched 15 points as the squad’s leading scorer.
Leila Paz, Carey, 5-5, G, Sr.
A four-year varsity player, Paz averaged 18 points and six assists, expertly managing the offense.
Clockwise, from top left: Ava Orbon, Sarah Owen, Leila Paz, Giavanna Randazzo, Ryan Reynolds, Sky Priester.
Sky Priester, St. Mary’s, 5-6, G, Sr.
With averages of six points and five assists, Priester serves as a crucial facilitator and formidable defender.
Giavanna Randazzo, Babylon, 5-10, F, Jr.
Randazzo’s versatility allows her to play effectively both inside and out, providing a challenging matchup for defenders. She helped Babylon secure its first league title since 1978.
Charlotte Rathjen, South Side, 6-1, G, Sr.
After sitting out last basketball season due to injury, Rathjen averaged 7.7 points as a sophomore and is now committed to North Carolina for lacrosse.
Ryan Reynolds, Cold Spring Harbor, 5-10, F, Sr.
Reynolds’ speed and agility make her a critical defender for the Seahawks, averaging seven rebounds and five steals.
Emma Robins, Division, 5-11, F, Sr.
Averaging 17 points and nine rebounds, Robins is just seven points shy of reaching 1,000 career points as of Wednesday.
Destiny Robinson, St. Mary’s, 6-1, F, Jr.
Robinson achieved averages of 12 points and 12 rebounds, tallying 51 blocks during the season. She has already received offers from Syracuse and Hofstra.
Cassandra Rohan, Stony Brook School, 6-1, C, Sr.
With an average of 15.7 points, Rohan showcases athleticism translated from volleyball to basketball. A volleyball commit to Iona, she had seven games with 15 or more rebounds, notably posting 27 points and 21 rebounds in the NYSAIS Class B quarterfinals.
From left: Destiny Robinson, Cassandra Rohan, Zahara Saintyl.
Zahara Saintyl, Uniondale, 6-0, G/F, Jr.
With averages of 13 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, she combines size and athleticism in her third season on varsity.
Sam Schneider, Syosset, 5-9, G, Jr.
Schneider averaged 16 points while boasting a shooting percentage of 60% in an 18-2 season, culminating in a Nassau Class AAA championship.
Toni Smith, Baldwin, 5-10, F, Sr.
Noted for her rebounding prowess, Smith is a key player on the interior, averaging 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Maggie Spehr, Cold Spring Harbor, 5-4, G, Sr.
An all-around player, Spehr consistently finds herself in the right place, making smart decisions on both ends of the court.
Kayla Solomon, St. Mary’s, 5-8, G, Jr.
Part of St. Mary’s state championship team as a freshman, Solomon averaged eight points during her sophomore year. As an eighth-grader at Central Islip, she averaged 17.9 points before her transfer to St. Mary’s.
Kate Sweet, Westhampton, 5-9, G, Soph.
Her defensive skills significantly contributed to Westhampton’s 21-3 overall record, averaging 12 points, six steals, and four rebounds.
Savannah Swords, Long Island Lutheran, 6-2, G/F, Jr.
A prominent figure for Team Canada’s silver medal in the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup, Swords is set to take on a larger offensive role following the graduation of three Newsday All-Long Island players.
Top row, from left: Toni Smith, Kayla Solomon, Sam Schneider. Middle row, from left: Ella Tantillo, Savannah Swords, Kate Sweet. Bottom row, from left: Emma Toner, Tiana Thompson, Jasmine Taylor.
Ella Tantillo, East Islip, 5-5, G, Sr.
She averaged 11.2 points and is expected to be a crucial piece for East Islip.
Jasmine Taylor, Westhampton, 5-10, F, Jr.
Taylor averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds, playing a pivotal role in Westhampton’s success over the last two seasons.
Tiana Thompson, St. Mary’s, 5-8, G, Jr.
Thompson is proficient with the ball and is aggressive when driving to the basket, averaging seven points and three assists.
Emma Toner, St. Anthony’s, 5-8, G, Sr.
As a versatile athlete, Toner averaged 11.4 points and received recognition as the CHSAA defensive player of the year, capable of defending almost any player and possessing a strong outside shooting ability. She is committed to Lafayette for lacrosse.
Hayley Torres, Centereach, 5-3, G, Jr.
This thoughtful point guard makes effective decisions on the court while averaging 12.3 points and 7.2 rebounds.
Allison Twible, East Meadow, 5-11, PG, Sr.
Averaging 18 points, six assists, and five rebounds, the Pace commit was honored as a Newsday All-Long Island selection after helping East Meadow capture the Long Island Class AA championship.
Ava Vadyak, Sayville, 5-4, G, Sr.
Vadyak averaged 17.8 points, including 21 points in a playoff matchup against Bayport-Blue Point.
Clockwise, from left: Brianna Verga, Ava Vadyak, Allison Twible, Sofia Vasselman.
Sofia Vasselman, Commack, 5-7, G, Sr.
A five-tool athlete, the Geneseo commit impacts play on both sides of the floor, averaging 16.5 points, scoring 71 three-pointers, and grabbing 110 rebounds. A Newsday All-Long Island second-teamer, she thrives in crucial moments during games.
Brianna Verga, Whitman, 5-9, F, Sr.
A reliable forward, Verga has contributed solidly on both ends of the court for several years, averaging 6.2 points and five rebounds.
Angela Williams, Brentwood, 6-0, F, Sr.
Talented and versatile, the St. Thomas Aquinas commit can guard multiple positions and is a strong communicator, serving as the centerpiece of Brentwood’s offense.
Zaniyah Williams, Long Island Lutheran, 5-7, G, Jr.
Williams shines at creating plays, running the floor, and assisting teammates, drawing interest from top schools such as Maryland, Michigan, and Duke.
Courtney Xippolitos, West Islip, 5-5, G, Sr.
With an average of 14.7 points, Xippolitos ranks among the top in Suffolk for her free throw and three-point shooting capabilities.
Courtney Xippolitos, left, and Gianna Zawol.
Jolie Yablon, Bellmore JFK, 5-5, G, Sr.
An adept passer, Yablon can counter various defensive strategies effectively. With considerable experience, she can drive to the basket, pass accurately, and shoot proficiently from all areas on the floor.
Gianna Zawol, Kings Park, 5-7, G, Sr.
Zawol is a defense-oriented player capable of finishing strong at the rim from multiple angles, averaging 11.6 points.
Ava Zicchinelli, Miller Place, 5-8, F, Sr.
She averaged 12.3 points and has committed to playing softball at Molloy.
