STARTERS
F. Louis Volker, Paul VI-A fantastic finish to great high school career for the steady Volker, the backbone of this year’s state champion PVI team. Noteworthy three-pointer at the buzzer to defeat Ireton in the WCAC quarters, plus the usual (minimum) 14 and 8-type work game in and game out. The talented defensive-minded Volker will play at Missouri St. next season.
F. Lyndsey Costigan, Flint Hill–Volker is an extremely versatile player, as is Lyndsey Costigan of Flint Hill, a girl who wears many hats on the basketball court. Strong and tall enough to hold her own inside, she is also a very good ball-handler and shooter from deep. But what we love most about her is her hustle and willingness to get on the floor.
G. Mary Pennefather, Seton–If it seems like Pennefather has been tearing it up forever, it’s because she kind of has–playing and exceling on Seton’s varsity since she was an eighth grader. A tenacious competitor, three-point whiz, and over 2,000-point career scorer, it is going to be really hard imagining Seton without her.
G. Joi Williams, Virginia Academy–Williams led Virginia Academy to the VISAA Division II state title this season as she had yet another fantastic year. The guard is relentless putting pressure on defenses, and can pile up points with this best of ’em from outside and attacking the basket. This year she made strides as a facilitator for her teammates as well, which will help her at the next level (Radford).
G. Brooke Batchelor, Paul VI–Batchelor was another key component in Paul VI’s continued dominance this season. Her prolific three-point shooting helped open the lane area for both PVI’s posts and the other guards. The NYU-signee was an intelligent and underrated defender as well, making a living jumping passing lanes and poking the ball from ball-handlers.
RESERVES
G. Elena Bertrand, Virginia Academy–Bertrand proved an ideal running mate for Williams in the VAA backcourt. Her superior ball-handling ability helped the Pats pick up the pace, and more often than naught Bertrand provided double-figure scoring.
F. Cai Smith, Virginia Academy–The athletic wing did this year what she’s been doing for years on the varsity level: providing solid defense, rebounding, and getting to the rim on offense. Smith will play at Randolph College next season.
G. Abigail Cooch, Bishop Ireton–Cooch was in our minds a somewhat underrated component for Ireton this season, providing stability and leadership. The combo guard scored when she needed to, always taking shots within the flow of the offense. She’ll play at Denison next year.
G. Jamie Velandria, John Paul the Great–Another NOVA guard who had an excellent season was Jamie Velandria of John Paul. The crafty floor general averaged double figures on the season and although a smaller player, still got it done driving the lane and finishing. We love her quick hands, too.
G. Anna Kunzwiler, Paul VI–Kunzwiler is Stetson-bound to play basketball next year. She’s a talent who we sometimes get confused with Batchelor, since both have a quick-release efficient three-point shot. Kunzwiler is also a very intelligent player who seems to always make the smart pass.
G. Nya Mason, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes–Mason was again an impressive facilitator for the Saints this season, setting up teammates with her pinpoint passing and creating her own shot frequently. Of course, the all-ISL selection often created her shot by simply taking the ball from opponents on defense.
G. Ji-Young Hartman, Trinity at Meadow View–We didn’t see any Trinity games this year, but we were more than aware of Hartman, a taller guard that can bury the three in rhythm like nobody’s business. For her efforts this season, Hartman was named VISAA Division III All-State.
HONORABLE MENTION
Norah Burgess (Seton), Kerrigan Westbay (Virginia Academy), Sophia Carlisle (O’Connell), Caelen McCormack (Potomac School), Lucy Palma (St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes), Zora Brantley (Christ Chapel), Mariella Silvia (Flint Hill), Victoria Crofford (Paul VI)