PSAL Girls Varsity Preview Part. 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The&nbsp;<strong>Public Schools Athletic League</strong>&nbsp;basketball season commenced nearly two weeks ago. The regular season will run until early February, with intermittent breaks interspersed throughout. As always,&nbsp;<strong>South Shore</strong>&nbsp;remains one of the teams to beat. However, there are a few teams who are determined to staple their names in PSAL history.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bronx</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":822263,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_6808-2-crop-1156x759-1702562782.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-822263" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the Bronx, we have <strong>Harry S. Truman</strong>. The Mustangs were impressive last season – concluding with a 15-1 in the regular season before facing defeat in the championship. They are intent on replicating last season's success, especially with the return of two key players. <strong>Shaneka Campbell</strong> averaged 18 ppg and 17 rpg as a sophomore - according to PSAL.org . She is one of the PSAL's most versatile players. She uses her height to her advantage as her length is difficult to defend.<strong> Campbell</strong> will be the focal point offensively. <strong>Na'Asia Edwards</strong> will be the team's primary facilitator. She leads the team in assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":822265,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7269-1-crop-1053x692-1702562870.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-822265" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After going undefeated in <strong>Cortney Lovick</strong>'s first season, the <strong>Longwood Prep Legends</strong> aspire to progress to newer heights. The foundation of the team remains intact with 10 of 12 players returning. <strong>Carter</strong>'s experience will play a significant factor once again. Her first step is difficult to contain. She is relentless on both sides of the ball. The right-handed guard's effortless play was on full display at the Slinky High School Showcase earlier this month. Newcomers <strong>Zanya Berrien</strong> and <strong>Elizabeth Herrera Cruz</strong> will also play a huge role. <strong>Cruz</strong> averaged 13.75 ppg for <strong>Inwood Academy</strong> during the regular season, according to PSAL.org. <strong>Berrien</strong> is already off to a tremendous start - averaging 17.5 points and 6 rebounds in her first two games with the Legends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brooklyn</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":822267,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/4990B195-0C6D-4E99-8174-FE1029A5844A-1-crop-1140x749-1702562490-crop-758x498-1702563137.jpg?w=757" alt="" class="wp-image-822267" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>South Shore Vikings</strong> are the team to beat. After securing their seventh consecutive title last season, the Vikings seek to maintain their ongoing dominance. They won their opening game at home versus East New York Family Academy. Head Coach<strong> Anwar Gladden</strong> consistently emphasizes to his team the importance of discipline, commitment, and accountability to prevent egos from hindering the team's success both on and off the court. While <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='384798' first='Ariel' last='Little']</strong> and <strong>Yahmani McKayle</strong> will maintain pivotal roles in the team, <strong>Coach Gladden</strong> anticipates contributions from several players, including <strong>Natalie Williams</strong>, <strong>Chinyere Ukaegbu</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='926459' first='Heaven' last='Hart']</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Manhattan </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite an injury plagued season, <strong>Murry Bergtraum Lady Blazers</strong> enjoyed an impressive 2022-23 campaign. They concluded the year tied for first in their division after a 15- finish in PSAL play (24-6 overall). They are led by <strong>Jeffrey Noel</strong>, who is in his third season with the program. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='384774' first='Veralyn' last='Aviles']</strong> s ability to create separation and opportunities for others will be crucial to the Lady Blazers' success. <strong>Aniaya Burton</strong>'s versatility will also be one to keep an eye out on. Senior guard <strong>Kadidiatou Diallo</strong> is coming off an injury that sidelined her for several months. Her shot-making and experience will boost her team's morale. Three-year senior captain<strong> Briana Pellew</strong>'s leadership and experience should propel the team as well.&nbsp;The <strong>Lady Blazers</strong> are 3-0 thus far. They take on Bayard Rustin on Friday, December 15 at 4:30 pm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Queens</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Queens</strong>The <strong>Metropolitan Lady Knights</strong> consistently stand as the team to beat within the Queens district. They have won their last 36 regular season games, which is the longest active streak in the league. They are led by <strong>Yesenia Tamayo</strong>, who is in her third season with the team. <strong>Paulina Bonilla</strong> leads the team in rebounds. The junior guard/forward has embraced her role and seized every opportunity. She doesn't shy from contact and enjoys operating in the paint area. <strong>Bonilla</strong> attacks the paint with will. Her name should circulate the league in coming weeks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":822305,"width":"740px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7306-crop-1170x769-1702564497-crop-770x506-1702564753-crop-741x487-1702564807.png?w=740" alt="" class="wp-image-822305" style="width:740px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Rose Classic</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Staten Island</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":822849,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/12/IMG_7334-crop-1170x769-1702648283.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-822849" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Dorp</strong> have started strong this season. They are on a three-game winning streak after defeating <strong>Washington Irving</strong> in their last game. They also defeated last year's regular season champions Susan Wagner. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='413899' first='Jordanna' last='Schrecker']</strong> is one of the league's best. She possesses one of the smoothest jumpers in her class. Schrecker can score in an array of different ways. The junior guard went for 30 points in her previous game. The collaborative performance of both her and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='863864' first='Mya' last='Nisbet'] </strong>poses a challenge to opponents.<strong> Nisbet</strong> excels as an adept ball distributor, and as she takes on a greater workload, her skills will be showcased to the fullest. Keep an eye on <strong>Sabrina Desio</strong>. She excels as a skilled shooter - demonstrating efficient three-point making prowess. <strong>Desio</strong> contributed 21 points in their win against <strong>Susan Wagner</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->