Last week, The Oregonian/OregonLive took a look into what girls basketball in the Portland Interscholastic League will look like in the 2024-25 school year.
Now, it’s time to take a quick look at the league’s top stars.
Samarah Massey, junior, Benson
Massey was a huge part of competitive Astros squads in each of the last two seasons. Now one of the team’s oldest players, she’s suddenly the veteran of the bunch. The guard has carved out a nice role for herself through fantastic finishing ability and defensive tenacity. She was named to the all-league second team as a sophomore.
Londyn Dyton, sophomore, Benson
Dyton, another guard, is rising through the state rankings. She brings “phenomenal defensive energy,” according to coach Precious Alex, and the staff is ready to see what sort of impact she can make on that end for the Astros.
Jayla Lackey, freshman, Benson
Alex said the program’s entire freshman class has impressed early, and will continue to do so. Lackey, a 6-foot-1 post might be the best of the bunch. She’s already receiving Division I interest and Alex said she will be “exciting to watch this year,” as she follows in the footsteps of the graduated Mahogany Chandler-Roberts.
Bijou O’Connor, senior, Cleveland
O’Connor is the Warriors’ only returning starter as well as the roster’s lone senior. Coach Poeko Waiwaiole called her a “dynamic offensive player, especially in transition, and one of the best defensive guards in the city.”
Charlotte Gardner, junior, Cleveland
Due to Cleveland’s lack of experience, the Warriors will be looking for new contributions across the board. Gardner is an excellent candidate to make a leap, having seen some significant varsity experience last season. Waiwaiole noted her excellent shooting ability and decision making.
Hazel Allen, senior, 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.
Kate Reed, junior, Franklin
The Lightning’s only player that landed on the all-league teams last season graduated. Reed is another excellent option to help fill that void. Like Allen, she’s got experience in the program and has blossomed into a leader here as a junior.
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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