757Teamz 2021 Girls basketball team-by-team preview
Editor’s note: Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News and Chesapeake schools canceled winter sports this week. Information on those schools’ girls basketball teams is included in this report to recognize the players.
Below is a list of other teams and players to watch (based on information submitted by coaches):
Peninsula District
Bethel
The good news is that Bethel returns four starters. Sophomore guard Jada Jackson was second team all-district after averaging 9.2 points and 4.2 steals. Zaniya Moody averaged almost six steals per game last year. The lone departure to graduation was 5-10 Paris Williams, who averaged 16.9 points and 6.8 rebounds on a team that won a regional game last year.
Denbigh
Denbigh has barely been a presence on the varsity level the past two seasons, but the Patriots are giving it a go under new coach Kareem McBean, who has more than 25 years of coaching experience at varsity, youth and recreational levels. Natasia McBride and Da’Naiyah Darnell give the Patriots experience and leadership
Gloucester
The Dukes are young, with only two seniors. They have a good shooter in senior Marlo Jenkins and a capable point guard in Ke’La Billups. Cali Vickers and Amani Marsh will also contribute on a team that is inexperienced after last year’s successful quest to reach the regional tournament.
Heritage
The Hurricanes have a new coach in Eric Scott. His top players are seniors Teniyah Crenshaw, Genesis Cater and Chamara Martin. “Learning a new system is tough enough, so I will count heavily on these three young ladies to show leadership and perform at the highest levels.”
Kecoughtan
The top returners for Thomas Woodhouse’s Warriors are Jasmine Morgan, Skylar Nettles, Kaliyah Temple and Angel Salaam. Top newcomers include Nigera Mozelle, Mikaela Lee, Madison Rumburg and Mia Suber.
Phoebus
The Phantoms are young, but have a talented senior in 6-0 Anniyha Bren, who averaged 9.0 points and 8.9 rebounds a year ago. Aliviah Hunt is back after averaging 5.2 points and 2.0 steals. Freshman Charity Nelson, a quick guard, and 5-11 Jaiden Hunter, a transfer from New York state, will also be counted on.
Warwick
Vanessa Starks begins her 20th season at Warwick with three solid returners: Alisha Sighn-Dik (11.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg), all-district selection Janiah Callaghan and Akaiya Wright. But the biggest cause for optimism is the very talented freshman class. Nalani Carter, Ayame Colson and Dejah Nunn are considered three of the best freshmen in the district, while Alana Whitby, SaNiyah Bowles, Jada Randolph and Kayla Dreher will all see minutes for the deep Raiders.
Woodside
It’s feast or famine for Mike Tallon, one of the most successful girls coaches in state and area history. His starting five returns intact led by all-district pick Amayha Boyce (19.2 ppg, 4.0 spg, 5.0 apg), Nia Williamson (10.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and London Hasket (9.6 ppg, 7.0) rebounds. There are few other players on the roster.
Hampton
The loss of three starters notwithstanding, the Crabbers will field a starting lineup with three players heading to Division I. Peninsula District Player of the Year Jayla Hearp (16.0 ppg), a junior, is pondering a slew of D-I offers, while 6-3 senior center Alonna Sellars is committed to UNC-Asheville and senior guard Danielle McTeer to William & Mary. Sellars will be joined in the post by 6-1 sophomore Tyler Johnson, a standout on Hampton Roads Academy’s 17-6 team a year ago. The backcourt will be even deeper for the defending Class 4 co-state champions as Darayan Lassiter, Kennedy Harris and Prophet Sheffield are all capable of vying for starters’ minutes.
Menchville
The Monarchs enjoyed a great regular season with only one Peninsula District loss – splitting its two games with Hampton – but their inexperience showed in a blowout loss to Lake Taylor in the Class 4 Region A tournament. With all but one starter back, and highly touted 5-10 sophomore Alexis Blake (a transfer from Lafayette) joining the fold, the Monarchs are among the state’s best in Class 4. All-Tidewater pick Kiara Beal (16.1 ppg) and All-District selection Tamiaya Santos (14.8 ppg) are the leading returners, while Ja’yah King-Johnson (8.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg), Amari Smith (7.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg) and Atania Williams (7.0 ppg) also played for the deep Monarchs.
Bay Rivers District
Bruton
The Panthers canceled their season early a year ago due to a lack of players. They’re back this year, 12 players strong, and with a new coach in Quaneshia Harris leading the rebuild.
Grafton
The Clippers tied with Warhill for the Bay Rivers District title and clinched their first state tournament appearance in six years with an upset victory over King’s Fork. The lone returning starters, Kiara Bomboy (12.2 ppg) and Nikki Gibson (10.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg) both contributed clutch plays to that victory. With Warhill sidelined because WJCC schools opted out of winter sports, Grafton is the district favorite.
Poquoson
The Islanders were a surprise as the reached the Class 2 state tournament a year ago. With sisters Sela and Logan Pickford leading an experienced cast after averaging in double figures last year, a return trip to the state tournament is a realistic goal for the Islanders, who opened on Tuesday with the win at Tabb.
New Kent
The Trojans opened before anyone else, beating Mathews 41-33. If that game is any indication, the Trojans will lean on Aubrey Hyndshaw (19 points) and McKenna Mueller (10) for scoring.
Tabb
The Tigers split their first two games, the victory a 51-15 win over Bruton. Emelia Hay (12 points), a transfer from Florida, and Shannon Myatt (10) were in double figures for the Tigers in that game. Faith Hancock gives first-year coach Tamara Atkins – who coached most of the girls at Tabb Middle – senior leadership.
York
York’s 10 wins a year ago were the most since the 2010 team reached the state tournament and the 2011 group, which was a Bay Rivers District title contender. Taylor Harris, Allison Runnels, Becca Allen and Ashley Hung bring lots of experience back to a program that appears to be on the rise under second-year coach Cyrous Bagheri.
Eastern District
Maury
The Commodores are still young and in the rebuilding stages, but Tyonna Elliott, Arianna Mack, Maddy Dixon and Takiya Wilson will all help in that effort.
Lake Taylor
With two of the area’s best players in West Virginia recruit Ja’Naiya Quinerly (15.8 ppg, 7.4 apg, 6.4 spg) and Old Dominion recruit Ashanti Barnes (15.7 ppg, 14.0 rpg), it’s not hard to envision Lake Taylor is among the best teams in Class 4. De’aisjah Somerville will play next year on the Division II level at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. The return of Rakayla Jones, the only sophomore on last year’s roster, helps. Look for Simone Brown, Chaevelle Mason, Triniti Pratt, Tanaya Baxter and Damani Briscoe to contribute as well.
Norview
The starting lineup of Mikaya Tynes, Le’Asia Foreman, Jada Bryant, Diamond Wiggins and Marie Boykins returns intact. That’s a very good thing for a team that went 21-5 and reached the Class 5 state quarterfinals. While Coach Jonathan Wilson calls Tynes his top player, Foreman, who averaged 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks – and scored 19 points in a hard-fought loss to Princess Anne in the regional final – was good enough to earn All-Tidewater first team honors. Taylor Arthur’s return from an ACL injury adds to the Pilots’ considerable depth. Other contributors will be Taniya James, Morgan Williams, Janiya Maul and newcomers Emmani Shaw and Aniyah Burnham.
Booker T. Washington
The Bookers made a surprise run to the Class 3 Region A final last year – losing to equally surprising Lakeland in the final – and advanced to the state quarterfinals. With four starters returning, another bid for a state tournament berth seems reasonable. Kamora Hurst enters her third year as point guard,
Saniyah Glasgow (14 ppg, 12 rpg) was Class 3 first team all-state and Lakira Whaley (15 ppg) is the leading returning scorer. Jac’qmea Britt, a second team all-region selection (13.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg), and Amiyah Jordan, who averaged 12 rebounds, bring senior leadership. Quality transfers in Natalia Collier (Lake Taylor) and 6-3 Jaedyn Cook join the fold.
Wilson
The Presidents feature much more than point guard Jada Johnson (19.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 5.5 ppg) from an 18-7 team, though she would be plenty. Other returning starters include Layla Turner (13 ppg) and Sunshine Taylor (11.3 ppg, 12.3 rpg). Desire Short transferred from Lake Taylor, bringing 12.3 points per game and deep postseason experience with her. The Presidents got another transfer, AJ Richardson, who averaged 17.5 points for her school in Maryland, and go even deeper, so they’ll be a force in the deep Eastern District. Kobie Higgins, Jada Clark and Oscar Smith transfer Taniya Jackson all figure to contribute.
Beach District
Princess Anne
Even with the graduation of Gatorade State Player of the Year Jasha Clinton (15.0 ppg, 4.5 apg) and two other starters, the Cavaliers (26-1) are more than stocked enough to win an eighth consecutive state title. In addition to Aziaha James, whose 18.7 points per game are just a fraction of her value, the Cavaliers return 6-foot Michelle Ojo (9.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg), a George Washington recruit, at center. Sophomore Zakiya Stephenson (8.1 ppg) was All-Beach District honorable mention as a reserve. Reserves Alexia Lindsey and Sheraya Lane are committed to D-III colleges and the three freshmen on the roster are reportedly very talented.
Kellam
Returning experience should help the Knights improve on last year’s 13-11 record. Senior point guard Maddie Obal (10 ppg, 3.7 apg, 3.7 spg) is back after missing half of the season with a knee injury. Other returners include the leading scorer Haley Brewster (11.5 ppg), field goal and free-throw percentage leader Marisa Goodwin, rebounding leader Laynee Dimaggio, blocks leader Korinne Piper and on-ball defending ace Emily Ashcraft.
Kempsville
The Chiefs lost six players to graduation from a 19-4 team, while another key player transferred. Still, the cupboard is far from bare with the return of Maria Burns-James (9.3 ppg), 6-1 center Mia Daniels and point guard Makayle Goodman. Freshman newcomers Chaise Hannibal, Zakyah Lindsey and Kenya Ramsey will impact immediately.
Landstown
The Eagles boast experience and leadership in Nyasia Hawkins and Pariz Minor, and have lots of talent in a sophomore class led by point guard Peyton Curney. Sophomores Julia Anderson and Yvette Sandifer give the Eagles depth handling the ball and defensively. Anderson is also a good shooter. The Eagles have plenty of potential, but can they realize it in a shortened season?
Southeastern District
Grassfield
Grassfield returns two of its best players, guard Elise Wilson, who ran the offense, and Meadow Dyke, the team’s most consistent scorer.
Indian River
The biggest reason for optimism is the return of junior Yazmine Brown, who led the area in scoring last year at 25.6 points per game. Back also is second-team All-Southeastern District pick Sandra Mason as well as sophomore Nalani Simmons, who was honorable mention all-district. Fortunately for the Braves, all return next year, along with Anya Williams.
Hickory
Hickory looks to improve on its difficult 2019-20 season and point guard Kassidy Hudson, who averaged 21 points per game is a big reason. Alaina Martinez is a junior and, like Hudson, will look to continue the program’s improvement.
Oscar Smith
Four key returners include Ricayah Morning (8.0 ppg), Arianna Thomas (7.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg), Kendee Matthews (12.0 ppg) and Vernaja Whitehurts (10.0 ppg). Newcomers Kayla Moore figure to contribute.
Lakeland
Are the Cavaliers ready to contend for a state title or are they a year away? They won the Class 3 Region A title and a state quarterfinal game last year with a roster of seven sophomores and four freshmen, and all are back. Ke’monye Canady (14 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 5.0 spg), point guard Jaelyn Brown (14.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.0) and Kianna Gray (11.0 ppg) put up the big numbers last year for the guard-oriented Cavaliers. Sophomore center Nyeisha Savage (8.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg) is poised to break out, though, and many others gained valuable experience during the surprise state title run.
King’s Fork
A close loss to Grafton in the Class 4 Region A semifinals cost the Bulldogs a state tournament berth, but the talent and experience is on hand for the Bulldogs to contend for a state tournament run. Niyah Gibson (12.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 3.0 spg) and Ashwanti Williams (7.2 ppg, 15.0 rpg) give the Bulldogs quality in the post. Arlisha Boston (9.3 ppg, 6.0 apg) provides a steady hand at point guard.
Western Branch
The Bruins graduated eight seniors from the team that made the Class 6 state semifinals last year – All-Tidewater selection Crystal White (North Carolina A&T) among them – but the drop-off won’t be precipitous. Correyain Wright (11.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg), a senior who’s committed to Delaware State, is back along with senior Cayla Copeland (11.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg). Bruins’ coach Jarvis Green also sees good things for Comari Mitchell, a freshman move-in from Richmond “who can really score, defend and do a little bit of everything.”
Independents
Nansemond-Suffolk Academy
The Saints suffered a huge loss from last year’s VISAA state runner up in the graduation of Alivia Giles. But everyone else is back, including all-state selections in Cammy Reid (13.0 ppg) and Maren Council (9.0 ppg, 6.5 apg). Alyssa Waddy (7.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg), Emma Conrad (6.5 ppg, 5.0 apg) and Mallory Mizelle add experience as the Saints attempt to match the success of their 23-5 season of a year ago.
Catholic
The 4-3 record is deceiving because all three losses have been to unbeaten Richmond-area school Saint Gertrude. After averaging 16.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.0 steals and 3.0 assists last year for Kempsville, Cate Carlson is on fire for the Crusaders, averaging 23 points and 12 rebounds in a three-game stretch last week. Taylor Ethridge is averaging 8.7 points and Jorah Eppley 8.2 points for veteran coach Larry Bowman’s Crusaders, who should be in the top three of the TCIS.
Greenbrier Christian
All-TCIS selection Rachel Castine (12.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 4.0 apg) is the top returner as Greenbrier looks to improve on its five wins of a year ago. Sisters Chloe Belford (7.9 ppg) and Eden Belford (7.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg) give the team a presence inside. Freshman Lisa Hodge returns, while Cayden Thomas, Kendall Burris and Katerina Gibson give Greenbrier punch off of the bench.
Marty O’Brien, 757-247-4963, mjobrien@dailypress.com
