The Oregonian/OregonLive examined last week what Portland Interscholastic League girls’ basketball would look like in 2024–2025.
It’s time to quickly review the league’s best players.
Junior Samarah Massey, Benson
In both of the previous seasons, Massey played a significant role in the Astros’ competitive teams. She’s suddenly the team’s veteran, while being one of the oldest players. The guard’s outstanding finishing skills and defensive perseverance have allowed her to carve out a pleasant place for herself. As a sophomore, she was selected to the all-league second team.
Benson sophomore Londyn Dyton
Another guard, Dyton, is moving up the state ranks. Coach Precious Alex says she brings incredible defensive intensity, and the staff is eager to see what kind of impact she can have for the Astros on that end.
Freshman Jayla Lackey, Benson
According to Alex, every student in the program has made an early impression and will keep doing so. A 6-foot-1 post like Lackey might be the best of the lot. Alex stated that she will be thrilling to watch this year as she follows in the footsteps of the graduated Mahogany Chandler-Roberts, and she is already attracting Division I interest.
Senior Bijou O. Connor of Cleveland
O’Connor is the only senior on the team and the only returning starter for the Warriors. Coach Poeko Waiwaiole called her a dynamic offensive player, especially in transition, and one of the best defensive guards in the city.
Charlotte Gardner, Cleveland, junior
Cleveland’s inexperience means the Warriors will be searching for fresh contributions from all areas. Gardner, who gained a lot of varsity experience the previous season, is a great candidate to advance. She had outstanding shooting and decision-making skills, according to Waiwaiole.
Senior Hazel Allen, Franklin
Allen, a wing/guard, is one of the few players who returns with experience and familiarity within the Lightning program and a team leader who will have plenty on her plate in 2023-24.
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Franklin and Kate Reed, junior
The Lightning s only player that landed on the all-league teams last season graduated. Another great choice to help close that gap is Reed. She has program experience and has developed into a leader here as a junior, just like Allen.
Ava Nguyen, freshman, Franklin
Nguyen has impressed Franklin s staff enough already that she s projected to hold a solid role at the point guard position. Outside shooting is her strength and will help her acclimate to the high school game early on.
Karina Franco, senior, Grant
Franco led the Generals in both scoring and rebounding last season. The wing made the all-league second team as a junior. Karina is a wing who can handle the ball and shoot, coach Mary Beth-Snell said, defend the post and wing.
Ana Sherlag, senior, Grant
Sherlag oscillates between the wing and forwards spot, has a high basketball IQ, and often defends post players, said Beth-Snell. An honorable mention all-league player a season ago, she is one of the Generals five returning starters.
Charlotte Wilson, sophomore, Grant
Wilson, a sophomore guard, started last season and is the team s primary ball-handler entering the year. Beth-Snell said she has a great feel for the game and makes our offense go while being a strong defensive presence.
Siri Lindsey, junior, Lincoln
Lindsey sets the tone for the Cardinals, said coach Brent Reed. The junior is an excellent defender who can shoot from the outside and makes all the little hustle plays for Lincoln.
Evie Littrell, senior, Lincoln
Lincoln is young this season, but optimism for the season ahead begins with excellent team speed and outside shooting ability. Littrell brings both, and especially stands out for her perimeter shot, said Reed.
Hannah Greene, sophomore, Lincoln
Greene, a wing, is one of the Cardinals’ risers. She brings a long frame, said Reed, and can do a bit of it all on offense. Reed and his staff, which is entirely new this season, have high expectations for the sophomore.
Abrianna Lawrence, senior, Jefferson
Lawrence is a leader for the Lady Democrats and has blossomed into one of the elite guards in Class 6A. Her speed and finishing ability make her a nightmare matchup, and her defensive spirit is contagious for a team that prioritizes havoc on that side of the ball. She made the all-league first team last season and led Jefferson in assists.
Chauncey Andersen, senior, Jefferson
Andersen is among the state s most talented scorers. With excellent size and a tight handle, she s not afraid to take it into the heart of opposing defenses where she can convert in any number of ways. She led the team in scoring as a junior and joined Lawrence on the all-league first team.
Leila Nunez, senior, Jefferson
Nunez, another integral member of the Lady Democrats stellar junior class, serves as the team s interior presence. She led the team in rebounding a season ago, using her size to create matchup issues on both ends of the court. Offensively, the all-league first team forward is capable of stepping out and knocking down three-pointers.
Autumn Hart, senior, Wells
An all-league second team wing last season, Hart can play all five positions and is an intriguing piece for the Guardians. Coach Glen Coblens said she can score in multiple ways, can handle the ball and is a great defender.
Claire Dixon, senior, Wells
Wells was in the middle of the pack in the PIL last season, but with change at the top, there s reason to believe they could keep climbing this winter. Dixon will be crucial to that potential surge, acting as the team s floor general. Coblens said she has improved her shooting since last season.
McKenna Reed, senior, Wells
Reed is the team s top post player. On offense, she can hurt defenses with her jump shot. On the other side, she s proven herself one of the program s better defenders, said Coblens.
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