Brooklyn, NY- While we are not sure yet if New York will play winter high school sport this season, NYGHoops Report took the liberty of putting together a pre-season top 10 list. There were many more we considered who didn't quite crack our ten, showing just how truly great this class can be. We hope to run another addition at the mid-point of the season as well as one to wrap up the season. All participants must attend high school in the state of NY.
Sonia Citron 6’1 W Ursuline (Notre Dame)
Last year’s New York state Gatorade New York Player of the Year. Guided her team to a undefeated season. While capturing a Section II championship, Sonia average 23 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists per game as a junior in New York state’s highest classification. The senior was part of the USAB U16 team that captured the gold medal a few years ago. Citron’s, size to skill set ratio is rare, and allows the ability to play all five positions at the high school level.
Amari Deberry 6’4 P Williamsville South (Uconn)
The Western NY native, played last season like a woman on a mission during the post season run. For her efforts she earned several player of the year awards, in her region. During the regular season she averaged 21 points 10 rebounds 5 blocks and 3 assists. Guiding her team to 20-3 record. In the final three games she averaged 27, 14 and 6 blocks. Also, another New Yorker USAB U16 Gold Medalist. It’s not farfetched that she can average a triple double in her senior year, in points, rebounds Block or Assists.
Kimora Jenkins 6’0 G Millbrook School ( Georgia)
While not a household name, she previously attended Deer Park H.S. before making the move to boarding school and switching AAU programs. Jenkins recruitment and play took a major upward trajectory last winter. Earning her offers from power 5 schools such as UGA & WVU mid-way point of the season. NYGHoops, got to see Jenkins, ability to dominate a game on both ends of the court this past summer, twice at the NYG Tune-Up and The Prime event.
Jessica Cook 6’2 F Cicero-North Syracuse (Toledo)
Cook could have easily been a power 5 player. I watched her compete against some of the nation’s top players at Nike TOC last season. Cook has been a force on the varsity level since her 8th grade year. Not shame to say she in the second-best player in school history behind only Breanna Stewart. She carried her team to a sectional championship, in a shortened season. She finished her junior year Average 20.8 points & 12.6 rebounds. Inside/ outside player that you can run your offense around. Range to the Arc and is in the best shape of her career.
Saniaa Wilson 6’0 F Bishop Kearney HS (Seton Hall)
Wilson has been a staple in the Bishop Kearney line up as far back as her 7th grade if my memory serves me correctly. While head to head with any New York state high school opponent Wilson can be a handful. A hand injury slowed her down last summer, but don’t count her out in the POY award. Last season she was a force in Section V, averaging 15 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.7 steals. With a senior laden team this could be something special brewing in Rochester.
Ava Learn 6’1 W Our Lady of Lourdes (Purdue)
Dutches county product missed some time her freshman campaign with a broken ankle. But wasted no time making her mark on section 1, the Last two seasons season. Last year guiding her team to the sectional finals, before falling to Ursuline. She averaged 19.4 ppg, 11 rebounds & 3 blocks.. Her ability to guard / play multiple positions, IQ and shooting capabilities makes her dangerous anytime she touches the hardwood.
Melannie Daley 5’10 G Hastings HS (Northwestern)
While most of the player on this list have some kind of reputation, prior to high school Delay is different. The low-key, team first player mostly plays the role of distributor and defers to teammates. However, the bigger the game or the moment that when she takes maters into her own hand. Delay has always been a good athlete. She has improved her perimeter shooting to the point where she is a threat to score form anywhere on the floor. Last season’s team finished 16-7, this year I predict than winning sectionals in class B.
Shenn was by far one of the deepest and most talented teams in the state last season and Meghan, was the bus driver of the team. She led the team in scoring averaging 17 ppg, 4 asst and 3 spg while guiding the team to a Section 2 Championship. She connected on 63 three pointers as a junior but is more than just a spot up shooter. Huerter comes from a basketball background her dad played D1 at Siena and her older brother plays in the NBA.
Sophie Phillips 5’11 G Cambridge HS (Rhode Island)
Another member of the talented section 2, outstanding senior class. Sophie, has put together a hell of a resume. Winning regional tittle in 2018-19 and a state championship in 2019. Her skill sets and ability would demand minutes on any team in the state. Her junior year she averaged 17 points, 5 steals, 4 rebounds and 2 assists while finishing the season with 73 three pointers on 22-1 team that was favored to win another state championship prior to the season being cut short due to Covid19.
Olivia Olson 6’3 F Niskayuna HS (Providence College)
The 3rd team all-state performer Averaged a triple double her junior year, averaging 23 ppg, 15 rebounds and 10 blocks. Scary to think she is just starting to scratch the surface offensively as a player. Her presence on the boards and defensive end alone makes her an asset. Olivia’s emerging perimeter touch combined with her size and athletic ability allows her to be a presence anytime she is on the court.
Valencia Fontenelle-Posson 5’11 G Guilderland HS (Siena)
If you want to see a player that can flat out get you buckets, by any means necessary look no further. Siena got themselves a steal. I got a chance to see her several times her junior year. She faced double, triples and many junk defenses and nothing stopped her. Her last game of the year she connected on six threes in game.