McLean #20
McLean's Elizabeth Dufrane has an exceptional shooting stroke for anyone, let alone a freshman.

2016-2017 All-NOVA girls freshman team

Elizabeth Dufrane, McLean–One of the prettiest shooting strokes of anyone around–we’re not just talking “for a freshman” or “on the girls side,” either. Led a solid Highlanders team in scoring at around 11 points a game, going for 25 points on four three pointers against both Annandale and Flint Hill. Even on off-shooting nights makes her presence known.

“Elizabeth is hard-working and shows up every day to compete. Whether it’s practice or a game, she plays at a very high level and challenges her teammates to do the same.”

–McLean coach Jen Sobota

Aaliyah Pitts was a strong presence for Woodbridge.
Aaliyah Pitts was a strong presence for Woodbridge.

Melanie George, Fairfax–Teamed with fellow freshman Sam McNaughton to comprise the Rebels’ very young but talented backcourt. Attacks the rim and gaps in the defense well. Needs some improvement in her shot but can hit the three and shoots free throws at around a 75% clip. Hits the boards and works hard on defense. Averaged 10 a game to lead the team in scoring. Hudl highlights here.

Aaliyah Pitts, Woodbridge–An extremely strong rebounder (almost eight per game) for her age. Provided double-doubles on a few occasions for a strong Woodbridge team, such as when she went for 18 points and 13 rebounds in a playoff loss to Ocean Lakes. Not entirely without range on offense–if she develops that part of her game further could become dominant. Hudl highlights here.

Anna LeMaster, Stone Bridge–Scored 23 points in her first career game against Stuart and never let up, reaching double figures in an astounding 20 games. Exploded for 31 points in a game versus Broad Run. Converted on over 85% of her free throws. Hudl highlights here.

“Anna brought a competitiveness and edge to our team this year that I think had been missing in the past. She definitely made some ‘freshman mistakes’ but played with such a confidence and fearlessness that it really pushed her and her teammates to be successful. She is a lot of fun to be around, she demands a lot from herself and pushes herself and her teammates to be better players. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with her and to her growth and our growth as a program over the next few seasons.”

–Stone Bridge coach Kyle Linder

Bri Johns, Edison–A clutch shooter, Johns hit more threes on the year than she did twos for the young Eagles. Didn’t shy away from tense situations despite her relative inexperience. Guard capable of playing excellent defense who will continue to improve with more playing time. Had 20 points in an early season loss to Tuscarora. Fellow freshman Charlotte Jewell was rookie of the year in Conference 13 and could have easily made this list as well.

Don’t forget–Megan Kenefick (Oakton); Sam McNaughton (Fairfax); Abby Pesansky (Woodson); Kirah Johnson (Westfield); Bella Edwards (Robinson); Gabbi San Diego (South County); Charlotte Jewell (Edison); CiCi Harris (Edison); Isabellah Middleton (Tuscarora); Madisen Kimble (Park View); Vanessa Laumbach (Woodbridge); Ny Clark (Freedom-Woodbridge); Josie Rodas (Hylton); Amari Faust (Falls Church); Vanessa Gardiner (Lee); Emiko O’Cadiz (Stuart); Luisa Lambo (Stuart); Ashley Pandelides (Potomac Falls); Abigail Neff (Broad Run); Megan Stevenson (Loudoun Valley); Aurea Gingras (Paul VI); Maikya Simmons (O’Connell); Ajia James (O’Connell)