STARTERS
F. Demi Gilliam, Paul VI–Paul VI had yet another good season, and the main driving force behind that was Demi Gilliam. As the forward went, so did the Panthers. The James Madison commit could be absolutely dominant at times–in the post scoring against smaller defenders, as well as facilitating offense from the high post or perimeter. The six-foot-plus forward was named VISAA Division I Player of the Year.
G-F. Sravya Janapati, Paul VI–Janapati finished her high school career after being named Second Team All-WCAC and First Team VISAA this season. The physical guard handled the ball a lot for PVI and pushed the pace, though she also hit some big shots on the perimeter after moving off-ball. Janapati reached the 1,000-point mark for her career this February, and will continue her career playing for Brown in the Ivy League next season.
G-F. Sydney Moore, Virginia Academy–Moore had a massive senior season for VAA, which won yet another VISAA Division II state title. With fellow sharpshooter Sofia Caraus injured, Moore’s three-point shooting became even more crucial for the Patriots, and Moore delivered in some big games. She delivered 22 in the state title game victory over Steward, and hit eight threes in a big Academy win in January. She’ll play at Roanoke next Fall.
G-F. Sienna Bhide, O’Connell–We regarded Bhide as a good, underrated player at Broad Run and thought she’d do well after coming to O’Connell. But even we were mildly surprised how well she did. The guard averaged well into double digits, using her height and quick release to fire up three-pointers. Bhide, who will play at Mary Washington, was voted Second Team All-WCAC. Her scoring acumen certainly showed in one league contest, when she scored 30 of her team’s 48 total points.
C. Lynette Doku, Flint Hill–The 6’4″ senior delivered double-double after double-double for the Huskies this season. She averaged well over ten rebounds per game and had many great games scoring the basketball as well–we watched her go for 31 in a playoff game versus Potomac School. A true center, Doku will begin her post-high school career at Harford Community College in Maryland.
RESERVES
G. Ava Sewall, Potomac School–As a senior, Sewall was voted All-ISL after another excellent year at Potomac School. The acrobatic, tall guard once again did a lot of everything for the Panthers. She was the third-leading scorer on the team, facilitating offense from the perimeter and hitting some clutch shots. Sewall also averaged over two steals a game and is headed to the University of Maine to play next year.
G. Claire Kang, Virginia Academy–Kang made a tremendous impact for Virginia Academy after coming over from Centreville. Kang was among the area leaders in assists per game, also averaging double-digits in scoring. Her experience running the point was invaluable, as was her ability to shoot from outside.
F. Saleema Tinner, O’Connell–Tinner earned Honorable Mention All-WCAC honors this season. She has expanded her game considerably in the last few years, improving her outside shot and her ability to pass in a quick-hit offense. The 5’11” forward has always been athletic, and she will continue her basketball career at Marymount next season.
HONORABLE MENTION–Katherine Maroulis (Paul VI); Carly Sweazie (O’Connell); Lily Lizama (O’Connell); Julia Jackson (Potomac School); Madison Washington (Virginia Academy); Coever Dixon (Episcopal); Anya Everett (Episcopal); Naheema Goin (Saint Stephen’s & St. Agnes); Kate Newsome (Oakcrest); Dasia Smith (Christ Chapel); Maddie Jennings (Trinity Christian); Sarah Allen (Trinity Christian)