802 Preseason Awards: POY Prediction
In this article:
I can’t lie, this year is a total toss-up for the POY race. We’ve got a ton of talent from all different positions and divisions 1-3 are represented. Nonetheless, if I must, here is my list, 1-5. 1. Sabine Brueck…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingI can’t lie, this year is a total toss-up for the POY race. We’ve got a ton of talent from all different positions and divisions 1-3 are represented. Nonetheless, if I must, here is my list, 1-5.
1. Sabine Brueck Sabine Brueck 5'8" | CG North Country Union | 2025 State New E , 5’8 G – North Country Union H.S. Class of 2025
It’s hard to bet against last years GPOY. Brueck’s emphatic two-way game is flush with defensive clamps, high-IQ court awareness, and a burst of speed that separates her from the pack. Sabine’s defensive capabilities on the ball and off cause so much disruption, and she’s bound to turn that into instant offense. She’s a formidable slasher, consistent shooter off the catch, and she plays with serious efficiency offensively, leaving little to be desired. Brueck was a leader to last year’s 24-0 championship squad and I could see that streak going deep into winter. As it stands, Sabine is Queen.
2. Hayden Wilkins Hayden Wilkins 5'8" | PG Saint Johnsbury Academy | 2024 State New E , 5’9 G – St. Johnsbury Academy Class of 2024
I saw Hayden’s passion, her will to win, on full display last year in the D1 Finals and Semifinals. Wilkins is a clinician out there, using her wit and shiftiness to pick apart defenses as a 3-level scorer and distributor. Defensively, Wilkins is measured yet pesky, forcing opponents into tough decisions and making them pay for anything that’s not sharply executed. Hayden’s toughness and competitive edge shine through as she thrives in the clutch and leads by example. A natural at the helm, Hayden and St. J are my favorites in D1 and Wilkins is their top player.
3. Kelli Cieplicki, 5’10 G/W – Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2024
Cieplicki is incredibly talented, yet she doesn’t rely on it. Kelli’s determination to make winning plays is always on display. She relishes tough matchups at any position, rebounds at a high rate, and does all the little things in between. Furthermore, Kelli’s offensive bag goes deep. Cieplicki’s a creator as the primary option and can knock looks at all levels or set up teammates. Plus, she’s one of the smartest off-ball players around. While Rice’s record might leave something to be desired due to talent gone prep, there are no holes in Kelli’s two-way game. She’s right in the mix.
4. Anna Moser Anna Moser 5'8" | CG Rutland | 2026 State New E , 5’8 G – Rutland H.S. Class of 2026
A young talent out of southern VT, Moser stepped into a starting role last year, and by late January, she looked like a seasoned Varsity player. Anna’s dynamic playmaking features multi-level scoring, savvy court vision, and a competitiveness that takes a lot of guts to match. On the defensive end, that same cagey mentality carries over. She wants the toughest matchup and comes with the athleticism and heart to shut them down. Anna’s mindset is focused on doing whatever is required to win, and her work ethic backs that up. She steps into the lead guard slot, which will take time to acclimate, but I’m not concerned that she’ll figure it out.
5. Sydney Perry Sydney Perry 6'0" | PF Windsor | 2024 State New E , 6’1 F – Windsor H.S. Class of 2024
Out of everyone here, Perry will probably harbor some of the craziest numbers through winter, but the D3 comp. has to be considered. Regardless, she has a relentless motor which reeled in a couple 20-20 games last year, and a couple near double-digit blocks. It’s clear, Sydney’s an absolute force around the paint. She’s an intimidator at the rim, a monster rebounder, and a physical post presence indeed. Perry’s go-to moves are powerful yet she has nice touch, her jump-shot is expanding, and she is an aware passer from the interior. If Syd avg. 20-20 and led Windsor to a 3-peat, I wouldn’t be surprised.