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FiveBoroSports.com All-Brooklyn girls' hoops honors
By FiveBoroSports.com April 16, 2009
South Shore coach Anwar Gladden cheers on his players during the PSAL Class AA city championship game in Madison Square Garden. Photo by Damion Reid
Guards, guards and more guards. Brooklyn is just burgeoning with great ones. Three of them – Baytania Newman, Jasmine Odom and Angel Porter – led South Shore to the PSAL Class AA city championship game at Madison Square Garden. Another – Lafayette’s Essence Hopkins – propelled her team to the PSAL Class B title. There were so many guards it was hard to find a place for them.
Of course, there were plenty of good forwards, too. Brooklyn is the capital of basketball in New York City, after all.
BROOKLYN GIRLS’ BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Baytania Newman, South Shore
The 5-foot-8 guard was the unquestioned heart, soul and leader of the team that went undefeated in PSAL league play and made its first-ever appearance in the PSAL Class AA city championship game at Madison Square Garden. Newman made every big play down the stretch of the season for South Shore. She had 18 of the team’s 35 points in the Vikings’ win against John F. Kennedy in the semifinals.
As she went, so did the team. Newman emerged as an absolute star this season and was excellent in almost every facet of the game. She was a hard-nosed defender, a good long-range shooter and got to the basket at will – and as games and the season went on, she only got better.
BROOKLYN GIRLS’ BASKETBALL COACH OF THE YEAR
Anwar Gladden, South Shore
When the season started, South Shore might have been in the conversation regarding contenders for the PSAL Class AA city championship. But the Vikings were down the list, behind teams like Murry Bergtraum, Thomas Jefferson, John F. Kennedy, Manhattan Center and Francis Lewis. Anwar Gladden got the best out of his troops, though, guiding them to the school’s first appearance at the Garden in the highest classification. He preached defense first and always put his players in the best possible position to win. Gladden is undoubtedly one of the best young coaches in the city.
ALL-BROOKLYN FIRST TEAM
G Jasmine Odom, South Shore
There might not be a better sophomore guard in the city and Odom could also be considered one of the top players at her position in the entire Class of 2011. Physically, there might not be a more fun player to watch. Odom makes every move with such fluidity – and she makes them all look easy. The 5-foot-7 off guard can shoot and get to the basket at will.
G Alicia Cropper, Thomas Jefferson
One of the top players in the city, Cropper is being recruited at the highest levels. The junior is a combo guard who can do just about everything well. She loves to get her teammates involved, darting fearlessly into the lane, drawing defenders and deftly passing it off. Next year, Cropper really has a chance to emerge as a superstar on the national level.
G Essence Hopkins, Lafayette
Hopkins might have played in the ‘B’ league, but she is no ‘B’ league player. The rock-solid senior guard is being recruited by Division I schools for her incredible athleticism, strength and finishing ability. She led the Patriots to the PSAL Class B championship and upstate to the Federation Class B tournament, where they fell to Long Island Lutheran in the semifinals. Hopkins had 31 points and 10 rebounds in the PSAL ‘B’ final and 28 points against LuHi in Glens Falls.
F Shayra Brown, Bishop Ford
Brown can take over a game in so many ways and has the ability to score in bunches. The super athletic junior, can get to the rim and finish circus shots, is electric on the fast break, can knock down the 3-ball and has great defensive anticipation. She helped lead Ford to the CHSAA Class A state final and we haven’t seen the best of her yet.
F Jessica Previlon, Midwood
There wasn’t a coach in the city who looked forward to playing Midwood and that was because of Previlon. She was a match-up nightmare for just about every team out there. Previlon was stronger and more physical than almost every small forward and quicker and more athletic than almost any power forward. At times, she carried the Hornets, who made it to the PSAL Class AA semifinals, on her back. But Previlon strength was unmatched – she didn’t mind the burden.
ALL-BROOKLYN SECOND TEAM
G Christina Hiltunen, Bishop Kearney
As Hiltunen went, so did the Tigers in many games this season. The lightning quick guard transitioned well to the point after some growing pains early. She has the ability to get into the lane and create, beat many defenses down the court and knock down 3-pointers in addition to being a tough defender. She put up big scoring numbers early and then became even more of play-making point as her teammates emerged.
G Angel Porter, South Shore
Porter didn’t get as much attention as teammates and fellow guards Baytania Newman or Jasmine Odom. But South Shore wouldn’t have made it to the Garden without the 5-foot-8, left-handed senior. Porter was steady, hard-working and the ball was always safe in her hands. Many times Newman and Odom were the beneficiaries of her fearless drives to the basket.
G Victoria Story, Midwood
If not for a pair of bad knees, Story would have been a shoo-in for All-Brooklyn First Team. But what she lacked in explosion she made up for in toughness and guile this season for Midwood. Story, who didn’t mind taking a backseat on the offensive end to Jessica Previlon, made key outside shots and always worked hard on defense.
F Rene Blake, Thomas Jefferson
If you’re an opposing player fighting for a rebound underneath with Blake, you might as well give up. Blake wants every ball whether it means crashing the boards or diving into the stands. She was Jefferson’s intangibles player, never afraid to do the dirty work. And when she did get the ball, she was strong finishing underneath.
F Michelle (Milk) Peebles, Boys & Girls
Some people haven’t heard of the 6-foot Kangaroos star, but UConn-bound Stefanie Dolson won’t forget her game. Peebles swatted two of the Minisink Valley standout’s shots Tuesday night in the Wheelchair Charities HS Basketball Classic at LIU. Peebles carried Boys & Girls on her back this season. Her best performance came early: she had 32 points in a shocking upset over Midwood in December.
ALL-BROOKLYN THIRD TEAM
G Catherine Cassidy, Bishop Ford
The senior just got better and better and made a bigger impact with each game of the Falcons' season. Cassidy came up with numerous big plays for Ford, including two huge 3-point plays in a playoff win over rival Bishop Kearney. She became the team's emotional leader and playmaker in postseason and was always one of the toughest player on the court.
G Danielle Pearson, Thomas Jefferson
There’s only one word that can describe her athleticism: freakish. Pearson can jump out of the gym and has the build of a football player. The 5-foot-6 junior can shoot the 3 to boot. Look for her to emerge next year as one of the best players in the PSAL.
G Jasmin Robinson, Medgar Evers
She made Barney Davis shake his head sometimes, but his team wouldn’t have been as good as it was without Robinson. The junior has an absolutely explosive first step and can get to the basket whenever she wants. If her decision-making can get better – that’s Davis’ biggest critique – the sky is the limit for the 5-foot-5 dynamo.
F Meaghan McGoorty, Bishop Kearney
The junior emerged late in the year as the blue collar-player in the paint Kearney had been missing in the early stages. McGoorty was relentless on the boards, muscling and out-working bigger players for boards and putbacks. She was a big reason for Kearney extending its winning streak late in the year and the Tigers earning the Brooklyn/Queens top seed in the CHSAA Class A state tournament.
F Valerie Patterson, South Shore
It was easy to forget Patterson when Baytania Newman, Jasmine Odom and Angel Porter were playing in the backcourt. But when she was needed to hit a big shot, Patterson wasn’t afraid to step up. She showed true senior leadership and worked as hard as anyone for the Vikings.
ALL-BROOKLYN HONORABLE MENTION
G Anjali Moncrieffe, Bishop Ford
G Shaniqua Reese, Thomas Jefferson
G Jodyann Pitt, Lafayette
G Simone Victor, Grand Street Campus
G Chrissy McKeever, Goldstein
F Vanessa D’Ambrosi, Bishop Ford
F Ayanna Battle, Bishop Loughlin
F Jaide Lewis, Medgar Evers
F Alyson Caiazzo, St. Saviour
F Jamecia Forsythe, James Madison
fiveborosports@gmail.com
Of course, there were plenty of good forwards, too. Brooklyn is the capital of basketball in New York City, after all.
BROOKLYN GIRLS’ BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Baytania Newman, South Shore
The 5-foot-8 guard was the unquestioned heart, soul and leader of the team that went undefeated in PSAL league play and made its first-ever appearance in the PSAL Class AA city championship game at Madison Square Garden. Newman made every big play down the stretch of the season for South Shore. She had 18 of the team’s 35 points in the Vikings’ win against John F. Kennedy in the semifinals.
As she went, so did the team. Newman emerged as an absolute star this season and was excellent in almost every facet of the game. She was a hard-nosed defender, a good long-range shooter and got to the basket at will – and as games and the season went on, she only got better.
BROOKLYN GIRLS’ BASKETBALL COACH OF THE YEAR
Anwar Gladden, South Shore
When the season started, South Shore might have been in the conversation regarding contenders for the PSAL Class AA city championship. But the Vikings were down the list, behind teams like Murry Bergtraum, Thomas Jefferson, John F. Kennedy, Manhattan Center and Francis Lewis. Anwar Gladden got the best out of his troops, though, guiding them to the school’s first appearance at the Garden in the highest classification. He preached defense first and always put his players in the best possible position to win. Gladden is undoubtedly one of the best young coaches in the city.
ALL-BROOKLYN FIRST TEAM
G Jasmine Odom, South Shore
There might not be a better sophomore guard in the city and Odom could also be considered one of the top players at her position in the entire Class of 2011. Physically, there might not be a more fun player to watch. Odom makes every move with such fluidity – and she makes them all look easy. The 5-foot-7 off guard can shoot and get to the basket at will.
G Alicia Cropper, Thomas Jefferson
One of the top players in the city, Cropper is being recruited at the highest levels. The junior is a combo guard who can do just about everything well. She loves to get her teammates involved, darting fearlessly into the lane, drawing defenders and deftly passing it off. Next year, Cropper really has a chance to emerge as a superstar on the national level.
G Essence Hopkins, Lafayette
Hopkins might have played in the ‘B’ league, but she is no ‘B’ league player. The rock-solid senior guard is being recruited by Division I schools for her incredible athleticism, strength and finishing ability. She led the Patriots to the PSAL Class B championship and upstate to the Federation Class B tournament, where they fell to Long Island Lutheran in the semifinals. Hopkins had 31 points and 10 rebounds in the PSAL ‘B’ final and 28 points against LuHi in Glens Falls.
F Shayra Brown, Bishop Ford
Brown can take over a game in so many ways and has the ability to score in bunches. The super athletic junior, can get to the rim and finish circus shots, is electric on the fast break, can knock down the 3-ball and has great defensive anticipation. She helped lead Ford to the CHSAA Class A state final and we haven’t seen the best of her yet.
F Jessica Previlon, Midwood
There wasn’t a coach in the city who looked forward to playing Midwood and that was because of Previlon. She was a match-up nightmare for just about every team out there. Previlon was stronger and more physical than almost every small forward and quicker and more athletic than almost any power forward. At times, she carried the Hornets, who made it to the PSAL Class AA semifinals, on her back. But Previlon strength was unmatched – she didn’t mind the burden.
ALL-BROOKLYN SECOND TEAM
G Christina Hiltunen, Bishop Kearney
As Hiltunen went, so did the Tigers in many games this season. The lightning quick guard transitioned well to the point after some growing pains early. She has the ability to get into the lane and create, beat many defenses down the court and knock down 3-pointers in addition to being a tough defender. She put up big scoring numbers early and then became even more of play-making point as her teammates emerged.
G Angel Porter, South Shore
Porter didn’t get as much attention as teammates and fellow guards Baytania Newman or Jasmine Odom. But South Shore wouldn’t have made it to the Garden without the 5-foot-8, left-handed senior. Porter was steady, hard-working and the ball was always safe in her hands. Many times Newman and Odom were the beneficiaries of her fearless drives to the basket.
G Victoria Story, Midwood
If not for a pair of bad knees, Story would have been a shoo-in for All-Brooklyn First Team. But what she lacked in explosion she made up for in toughness and guile this season for Midwood. Story, who didn’t mind taking a backseat on the offensive end to Jessica Previlon, made key outside shots and always worked hard on defense.
F Rene Blake, Thomas Jefferson
If you’re an opposing player fighting for a rebound underneath with Blake, you might as well give up. Blake wants every ball whether it means crashing the boards or diving into the stands. She was Jefferson’s intangibles player, never afraid to do the dirty work. And when she did get the ball, she was strong finishing underneath.
F Michelle (Milk) Peebles, Boys & Girls
Some people haven’t heard of the 6-foot Kangaroos star, but UConn-bound Stefanie Dolson won’t forget her game. Peebles swatted two of the Minisink Valley standout’s shots Tuesday night in the Wheelchair Charities HS Basketball Classic at LIU. Peebles carried Boys & Girls on her back this season. Her best performance came early: she had 32 points in a shocking upset over Midwood in December.
ALL-BROOKLYN THIRD TEAM
G Catherine Cassidy, Bishop Ford
The senior just got better and better and made a bigger impact with each game of the Falcons' season. Cassidy came up with numerous big plays for Ford, including two huge 3-point plays in a playoff win over rival Bishop Kearney. She became the team's emotional leader and playmaker in postseason and was always one of the toughest player on the court.
G Danielle Pearson, Thomas Jefferson
There’s only one word that can describe her athleticism: freakish. Pearson can jump out of the gym and has the build of a football player. The 5-foot-6 junior can shoot the 3 to boot. Look for her to emerge next year as one of the best players in the PSAL.
G Jasmin Robinson, Medgar Evers
She made Barney Davis shake his head sometimes, but his team wouldn’t have been as good as it was without Robinson. The junior has an absolutely explosive first step and can get to the basket whenever she wants. If her decision-making can get better – that’s Davis’ biggest critique – the sky is the limit for the 5-foot-5 dynamo.
F Meaghan McGoorty, Bishop Kearney
The junior emerged late in the year as the blue collar-player in the paint Kearney had been missing in the early stages. McGoorty was relentless on the boards, muscling and out-working bigger players for boards and putbacks. She was a big reason for Kearney extending its winning streak late in the year and the Tigers earning the Brooklyn/Queens top seed in the CHSAA Class A state tournament.
F Valerie Patterson, South Shore
It was easy to forget Patterson when Baytania Newman, Jasmine Odom and Angel Porter were playing in the backcourt. But when she was needed to hit a big shot, Patterson wasn’t afraid to step up. She showed true senior leadership and worked as hard as anyone for the Vikings.
ALL-BROOKLYN HONORABLE MENTION
G Anjali Moncrieffe, Bishop Ford
G Shaniqua Reese, Thomas Jefferson
G Jodyann Pitt, Lafayette
G Simone Victor, Grand Street Campus
G Chrissy McKeever, Goldstein
F Vanessa D’Ambrosi, Bishop Ford
F Ayanna Battle, Bishop Loughlin
F Jaide Lewis, Medgar Evers
F Alyson Caiazzo, St. Saviour
F Jamecia Forsythe, James Madison
fiveborosports@gmail.com