High school girls basketball team-by-team previews

A girls basketball team-by-team preview mostly taken from forms submitted by area coaches.

Bay Rivers District

Grafton

The Clippers, a state semifinalist last year, were impressive in a 47-30 season-opening win over a Lafayette team expected to do well in the Bay Rivers this season. The Clippers’ starting lineup of Nikki Gibson (10 ppg, 10 rpg), Kiara Bomboy (15 ppg), Zariia America (13 ppg), Alyssa Talayumptewa (7 ppg, 7 rpg) and Maesyn Blaylock (7 ppg, 7 rpg) returns intact.

Lafayette

Bill Tose, a longtime area boys and girls basketball coach - and college-level coach at the Apprentice School - begins his first season at Lafayette. With highly regarded Alexis Blake to go with Lexus Foster, Mariah Blake, Olivia Branson, Jasmin Piggott, Sienna Gilliam and Adriana Lightfoot, Tose should guide the Rams into the top half of the BRD.

Poquoson

Sisters Logan and Sela Pickford were the stars in leading the Islanders into the Class 2 state tournament in 2020. Their final season together started on a high not Tuesday as the Islanders defeated York 42-36. Poquoson will look to finish in the top four of the Bay Rivers and make another run at a state tournament berth.

Smithfield

The Packers beat Jamestown 56-9 in their first game under new coach Derrick Gatling. Hopes for Class 4 state contention are high thanks to two transfers. Jayla Hearp, the do-it-all guard who averaged 16 points in helping Hampton earn a share of the 2020 Class 4 state title is one. Kyla Abraham, a 6-5 Baylor recruit who averaged 13.5 points, 10 rebounds and 10 blocks for her Florida high school last season, is the other. Freshman Dynasti Pierce will help Hearp with the ball-handling.

Tabb

The Tigers took their lumps in a 4-8 season last year, but graduated only one senior and their experience showed in a 36-27 season-opening win over Warhill as Autumn Powell notched a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Lena Shandor, Tiana Thomas, Shayla Dawson, Emelia Hay and Indiya Anderson-McCoy will also play key roles on a team Coach Tamara Atkins says “has lots of potential to be competitive.”

Warhill

The Lions were 21-2 overall and tied Grafton for the district title with a 17-1 BRD mark two years ago, but did not play last year because of COVID. Longtime Warhill coach Bingo Brungot acknowledges the team is inexperienced but says the talent is there for the Lions to be good when they develop chemistry. Probable starters are Lanyia Williams, Aiyanna Morning, Akeylah James, Eileen Hutfles and Comfort Akpan.

York

The Falcons’ 6-4 record last year might look modest, but, as it is their first winning record in 10 years, it is more evidence that the program is on solid footing under third-year coach Cyrous Bagheri. Giving unbeaten Grafton a tough game was another good sign. Bree Whittaker, Linsey Taskey, Becca Allen, Ashely Hunt (13.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 4.2 apg, 4.0 spg), Allison Runnels, soccer standout Audrey Atwell and transfer point guard Alonni Wells give Bagheri talent and experience to continue the improvement.

Beach District

Bayside

William Walker, the Marlins’ sixth-year coach, describes his team as young experience-wise, but with good quickness and strength in his guards, particularly Mya Decastro and Jessie Ware. Jaliyah Hamilton is a good shooter, Alicia Bryant adds versatility and 6-2 senior Azaria Conyers gives the Marlins size and length in the post. Mikaila Savoy and Aailiyah Turner, up from Bayside Middle School, add youthful depth.

Cox

Shannon Drury returns to coach the Falcons after an eight-year break. She says the team is young and rebuilding, but learning quickly. Jamauria Hill, Kathryn Edgar, Ramey Bower, Maddie Mascitti and Sorenity Hopkins are the projected starters.

First Colonial

FC coach Lemort Smith says even though his players are mostly young “they show a lot of promise.” They are: Cyntiah Braden, Jemma Eleby, Jada Eleby, Sophia Moore, Perrin Battafarano, Katie Royle, Jolie Day and Anaiya Holman. Braden scored 26 points in the 60-27 season-opening win over Hickory, while Jada Eleby added 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Green Run

Solid defensive play and strength in the paint give George James III reason for optimism. The starting five of Imoni Jefferson, Imani Worley, Hannah Smith, Keyandra Ware and Jasmine Serrano will get help off of the bench from Reignah Lawson, Makiyah Bright, and Namyah Surgeon.

Kellam

The Knights were a credible 6-2 this past season, but the top six players graduated and leading returning scorer Erin Cason is sidelined with a knee injury. Alyssa Abroneaux is the only junior in a starting lineup that also features freshman point guard Molly Spain and sophomores Morgan Lacoy, Mackenzie Whitehead and Hope Williams. Arboneaux scored 20 points to lead Kellam to a 58-44 win over Cox. Williams added 12 points and 10 rebounds as Molly Spain recorded 11 points and six assists.

Kempsville

Sophomores dominate a starting lineup that includes point guards Makayle Goodman and Kiyah Fitchett, wings Chaise Hannibal and Zakyah Lindsay, and post Kenya Ramsey. Senior Safyah Carr and junior Jatori Jones, both guards, add experience. Chiefs’ coach Darryl Moore says “Expect Kempsville to get back to (its) winning ways this season.

Ocean Lakes

The Dolphins won a region title in 2019, but dropped to 8-15 in 2020. They return from COVID with a mix of youth and experience. The starters are Kabria Ross, Tahmiah Thomas, Callie Clarkson, Gracieuse De Souza and Brooke McNair. Key reserves are Allison Ragudo and Ashley Bush.

Landstown

The Eagles finished 3-3 in the shortened season a year ago. Yvette Sandler (9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.2 apg, 3 spg), Ella Brown 4.8 ppg) and Emmilee Osbourne are the key returners from that team. “Yvette and Ella will lead our team” Eagles coach Vic Rosada said. “Both ladies had a great offseason. Emmilee has committed to taking the next step in her development.”

Princess Anne

The Cavaliers are led by a talented sophomore nucleus of 6-0 Chloe Beddingfield, 5-9 Tinasia Spencer and 5-9 point guard Celeste Bailey joining 5-9 senior McKenna Harris (7.9 ppg), Dozier expects his team to be good this season and dominant again by next. Cox transfer Anasia Olds was second-team All-Beach District last year, while Jasiah Olds sat out with a knee injury. Harris had 11 points and 11 rebounds the 58-39 win over Landstown.

Salem

The SunDevils finished 7-2 a year ago and return one of the Beach District’s best players in guard Quiana Vazquez, a 5-6 senior who averaged 16.4 points, 4 assists and 3 steals. Elyseia Brown, a 5-8, junior, improved over the summer after posting solid numbers (12.3 ppg, 7 rpg) last season. Inayah Lendow, Morgan Joquin and Wisdom Banks will also start.

Tallwood

Tallwood opened with a 57-32 win over Green Run. Savana Cruz scored 18 points and tallied six assists for the Lions, while Tatiana Brown had 10 points, 14 rebounds and five assists. Talijah Lassiter notched nine rebounds.

Eastern District

Booker T. Washington

New coach La’Shay Johnson says the Bookers are working hard to make a return to the state tournament after doing so for the first time in school history in 2020. Newcomers Janiyah Rayeford and Teneasha Davis join a group of returners including Kamora Hurst, Lakira Whaley, Jalia Wislon, Tyasia Watson and Genesis Kalua.

Churchland

Not a power of late, Churchland should be on the rise under first year coach Kevin Walton, who guided Veritas Christian to a private school state championship game two years ago. He’ll build around freshman point guard Jadah White, who already has an offer from Division I Coppin State. Starting guard Haivynn Kovach and her sister, reserve Alexia Kovach, transferred from Kempsville, while small forward Renea Bland transferred from Manor. Center Jordan Evans, 6-2, and power forward She’Miya Scott-Boone round out a potentially formidable lineup.

Granby

New coach Antonio White is predicting “huge improvement” this season because of his players’ dedication. Top players include Taj-Zhane Dixon, Harleigh Henderson, Jariyah Hoskins, Ariauna Brown, Alexis Caudell and freshman Sophia Still.

Lake Taylor

Saundra Sawyer has guided the Titans to four Class 4 state titles since 2010. The Titans move to Class 3 this season with only one varsity-experienced player in Rakyla Jones (8 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg, 3 spg), who will be joined in the starting lineup by Makiyah Williams, Damani Roscoe, Avanni McDaniel and Tanaya Baxter. Lake Taylor might take more time to jell because it is inexperienced, but the Titans should be a serious contender to earn one of two state tournament spots out of Region A.

Manor

Roger Smith’s cast is different from the one that reached the 2020 Class 4 Region A quarterfinals, but it’s a good one. Junior point guard AJ Richardson is stacking up mid-major offers after a good summer with Boo Williams’ 10th-grade team in the EYBL. Backcourt mate Desire Short, a Lake Taylor transfer, can handle the ball, shoot 3s and get to the rim. Sophomore Jada Clark gives the backcourt a defensive standout, while 6-2 center Daria Hunter is poised for a breakout senior season.

Maury

The Commodores are looking to capture a little of that Princess Anne magic in new coach Shareese Grant, an assistant for the Cavaliers’ state champions this past season. Her top players project to be Arianna Mack, Tyanna Elliott, Takiya Wilson, Myla Parker and Ariyanna Cardwell.

Norview

The Pilots, Class 5 state quarterfinalists in 2020, are missing Hampton University recruit and 2020 All-Tidewater selection Le’Asia Foreman (12 ppg, 4.0 rpg), sidelined by a knee injury. Guard Diamond Wiggins, 5-11, and 5-10 forward Jada Bryant return from the 2020 Class 5 state semifinalists. As freshman Leyla Minor and Jazmin Smith debut on the wings, Pariz Minor and Taniya James return experience. Taylor Christful, a 5-5 sophomore, will run the show at point guard.

Peninsula District

Bethel

Guard Jada Jackson (15.6 ppg, 4.0 spg) and point guards Ashley Johnson (8 ppg, 5 apg) and MyKia Bates (5 ppg, 4 spg) assure the Bruins of a solid backcourt. Freshman point guard Taylor Coleman and sophomores Milan Brewington and Jacqueilla Henry make the backcourt that much deeper.

Denbigh

That the Patriots have a team this year is good news after they canceled midstream two seasons ago because of a lack of players. Denbigh coach Kareem McBean’s lineup includes Jamia Quiles, Zarah Rivera, Shay Cary, Fantasee Carey and Wisdom Ames, with versatile Calah Brown expected to provide key minutes off of the bench.

Gloucester

The Dukes have a new coach in Susan Eaton, who inherits only four returners from the only Peninsula District team to play any games last season. Her guard-heavy lineup includes Amari March, Sydney Taylor, Gabby Davison, Rylie William and Cori Morgan.

Hampton

Crabbers coach Shanda Bailey likes her “young, aggressive” team’s chances of reaching the state tournament. She’s certain high-flying 6-1 freshman Kaliya Perry will join the program’s gallery of Division I recruits. Senior point guard Prophet Sheffield will run the show. Dajenelle Linton-Robinson, a 6-foot transfer from Hampton Roads Academy, brings strength in the post. The graduation of two Division I recruits, and the transfer of another, might make a repeat of the 2020 Class 4 state title difficult, but the Crabbers should contend for a state quarterfinal berth out of Region A.

Kecoughtan

Third-year coach Thomas Woodhouse will start juniors Jasmine Morgan, Angel Salaam and Jaya Walker, along with sophomores Mikaela Lee and Nigrera Mozelle. The

Menchville

The Monarchs went 20-3 two years ago and matched eventual Class 4 state champion Hampton by losing only one district game. Freshmen on that team were Kiara Beal (16 ppg, 7 rpg), highly touted Amari Smith (9.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg), Atiana Williams (7 ppg), Keylee Harrison (6 ppg, 5 rpg) and Hailliey Thomas (4 ppg), all juniors now and ready to make the leap into the state tournament. Jayleen Hallums will see lots of action, too.

Southeastern District

Hickory

Hawks’ coach Shauna Geary says the addition of freshmen Charlotte Petchel, California Brugioni and Gabriela Almodovar-Saunders, all of whom will play a lot, will make for an improved team. They’ll team with leading returning scorer Kassidy Hudson, leading rebounder Alaina Martinez and forward Sandy Emergy, all seniors in a lineup featuring youth and experience.

Indian River

At 6-1, Dalana Taylor has the size and talent to draw some recruiting interest. A’nya Williams and Sandra Mason are, like Taylor, seniors, while Aaliyah Shepard and Ella Pretlow are juniors, so the Braves are a mature group. Offensive ace Lehlah Speller-Henderson and Akira Bogan are the most talented young players.

Grassfield

Coach Alan Jones’ team is mostly young. Seniors Elise Wilson, Mya Morris and Meadow Dyke will be counted on to provide experience and leadership for the Grizzlies.

Great Bridge

Seven upperclassmen return. Among them four-year starters Ryan Rored and Courtney Spence, and Asha Murray and Jasmin McCloud, also started for the Wildcats’ 13-10 team two years ago. Junior Natalie Gardea and sophomores Olivia Bowes and Iris Martin are pushing for starting spots, so the Wildcats could be a sleeper in what is expected to be a crowded race for the two state spots from Class 4 Region A.

Lakeland

The Cavaliers reached the Class 3 state semifinals in 2020 with a team of all freshmen and sophomores. Returners Jaelyn Brown (14 ppg), Kemonye Canady (14 ppg), Kianna Gray (11 ppg), and Nyeisha Savage (8 ppg, 8 rpg) were among the stars of that run. Jamauri Demiel and Janjah Artis starred in the region semifinal win over Park View that clinched that first state berth.

Nansemond River

The Warriors will look to improve on their 2-19 record of two seasons ago, but do so with just three girls who have played on the high school level. Probable starters are Layla Stewart, Ryan Bendixen, Zyana Guyton, Abigail Lockhardt and Tabitha Boyd, as Portsmouth Christian transfer Haley Nelson and Tennessee transfer Da’siah Downs add depth.

Oscar Smith

Likely starters for the Tigers, 9-12 two years ago,, are Kennedee Matthews, Mykayla Elliot, Ocean Lakes transfer Jamison Kruger, Kylah Moore and Aaliya Price. Jalyn White comes from Bayside to a team that returns eight players from two years ago and could be a surprise in the Southeastern District.

Western Branch

Jarvis Green is 30-6 in two seasons with the Bruins, who reached the 2020 Class 6 state semifinals before winning the 2021 Chesapeake high schools spring league with an 8-1 record. The starting lineup, a mix of experience and youth, is Sharyiah Montgomery, Morgan Williams, Addyson Carver, Miyah Copeland and Comari Mitchell, who averaged 24 points in the Chesapeake league.

Private schools

Catholic

Division I prospect Cate Carlson has averaged more than 20 points the past two seasons and will get strong support from a starting lineup that returns intact. Jorah Eppley, Taylor Ethridge, Lexa Hunter and Grace Vaughan return from last year’s 11-4 team. Landstown transfer Julianna Anderson, point guard Jamesa Parker and forward Joselyn Johnson provide reinforcement off of the bench for a team looking to make a deep run in the VISAA Division I state tournament.

Hampton Roads Academy

The Navigators opened last week with a 53-30 win over Portsmouth Christian. Alex Warren led way with 27 points and 12 steals, while Lexi Pabon had 11 points and four assists. Warren, a transfer from Bruton who has signed to play for Winston-Salem State, is a quick defender and good finisher at the basket. Pabon has a nice shot, while freshman Jah’Mela Pearson gives the Navigators a strong post presence. Sophomore Zoe Tankersley and freshman Maddie Sablan will contribute.

Isle of Wight Academy

Chargers coach Paul Munford says his team has experience and a tremendous upside. Seniors Lily Williams, Lily Jones, Andrea Savage, Abby Byrum and Hannah Willman are projected to start. The help they get from sophomores Kaitlyn Springle, Kate Holland, Nora Pye, Resse Upton and Jenna Willette could determine how good the Chargers become.

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy

The Saints return six seniors who played significant roles on the 2019-2020 team that went 23-5 and reached the VISAA Division II state final. They are Cammy Reid (16.5 ppg), Maren Council (6.0 ppg), Alyssa Waddy (6.4 ppg, 11 rpg), Emma Conrod (4.0, 5 apg), McKinlee Goodloe (7 ppg) and Abby Conrod. Sophomore Kayla Kosiorek will add depth off of the bench. “They are hungry to get back (to the state final),” N-SA coach Kim Aston says of her upperclassmen.

Norfolk Academy

NA coach Neil Duffey said the team will be inexperienced in the wake of heavy graduation losses, but will be athletic. He expects center Jessica Ezieme, combo guards Lauren Weinstein and Natalie Fowler, and guards Sarah Jacobs, Gabby Harvey and Abby Smith to get lots of playing time.

Norfolk Christian

Norfolk Christian coach Michael Fariss says his team will be less experienced than some opponents but “They might surprise.” Michelle Luhunga had 30 points in a game last season before exiting with an injury and Irene Were will be playing Division III basketball next season. Emma Wool, Jizelle Holland, Christal Harris and Paige Milligan will provide support.

Walsingham Academy

Most return from a team that reached the VISAA state quarterfinals two years ago, led by high scorer Nicole Hagopian, who averaged 23.0 points and made 46% of the 3s she attempted. Julia Wilson (9 ppg, 10.5 rpg), Sarah Newman (11 ppg, 8 rpg), Becky Villeda, Noelle Kokolis and Clara Riggs also return. Elizabeth Hamner and Hailey Diggs will contribute.

Marty O’Brien, 757-247-4963, mjobrien@dailypress.com. Twitter @MartyOBrienDP.