Player Comparisons To Former Stars From New England

These are not one-to-one comparisons exactly, rather a quick glance at players who have some similarities. The current high school girls are being weighed up against former stars who dominated the high school scene not too long ago. These previous high school stars just so happen to hail from New England as too! These former stars have excelled to the point where some have made it to the professional level. Nevertheless, all these players have had to go through the same grassroots scene and take similar paths. Many have got to witness these players dominate these vary scenes for years and their talents have led them enough success to get them to the next level. The current high school girls are currently walking in some big shoes that the former players have left, but many are living up to the hype. Understandably comparing some of the current players to ones they have looked to can be a lot of pressure, but these profiles should be glanced at on a curve since the task is demanding. Below is a list of 5 current high schoolers that are vastly reminiscent of some former stars from the region.    [player_tooltip player_id='299953' first='Bela' last='Cucuta'] (2026) | 5'10 CG | Tilton   Player Comparison: Taina Mair   Cucuta has a ton of Mair's game in hers. Bela has a very tight handle and elite playmaking skills, mixed with elite off the dribble shooting ability. Cucuta sports a very similar swagger in isolation situations and doesn't shy away from having the ball in pressure situations, just like Mair. The similarities are very apparent when watching Bela's facilitating prowess. She uses every option in the pick & roll while always remaining a scoring threat. Bela can slide to the off-ball position to knock don shots swung to her in the offense. The no-look dump off passes and flashy one-hand look-away passes are very reminiscent of Taina Mair.   Bela has been on a tear lately posting big displays of dominance at Spooky Nook and at the NEPSAC Scholar Showcase. Bela is expected to step in a role this year at Tilton that requires her to put her full set of offensive skills on display with star player Nay Admas leaving for Miami. Tilton has one of the most exciting girls to watch in New England.     [player_tooltip player_id='270722' first='Olivia' last='Rodrigues'] | 6'1 SG | Tabor Academy   Player Comparison: Veronica Burton   This comparison isn't 100% one-to-one due to their style of play necessarily, but rather because of the overall idea. Rodrigues's game can be compared at the next level to a player like Veronica Burton. Olivia's ability to play at a high level on both sides of the ball are similar to Burton's. Both tall and strong guards who make lasting impacts on both sides of the ball. The comparison can be seen as a bit high flown which is attributable to Rodrigues' current ability to flat out score the basketball, measured against a player like Burton who was Defensive Player Of The Year in college. However, the overall the picture and projection of Olivia at a top-level college will have similar expectations. Offensively Olvia has the 3-level scoring capabilities like Burton, but what truly makes this a great forecast is Rodrigues' ability to defend and her overwhelming defensive capabilities. Olivia can change an entire outlook of a game on defense when locked in. Rarely are there taller guards above 6'1 with the footspeed and the will to defend 90 feet away from the basket or making smaller dribbling guards turn their body. Olivia has long arms and fast hands that can get her steals in the open court, but also completely shut down opposing team's offensive threats when driving to the lane. It's this very reason why the comparison is related. Rodrigues is interchange on defense because of her height, can facilitate in the pick & roll, shoot beyond the 3-point line, overpower smaller guards to the basket and stop the opposing team's best player which resonates with a player like Burton.   Olivia is one of the best all-around prospects in New England. Her talent and ceiling can far exceed what anybody can foresee. Rodrigues has potential that is through the roof. It's hard to truly compare a talent like Rodrigues at this moment because of her advanced 3-level scoring talents and offensive skillset, but this would be a great glance at what she could be like as a professional.     [player_tooltip player_id='288652' first='Elyse' last='Ngenda'] (2026) | 5-8 CG | New Hampton   Player Comparison: Oluchi Okananwa   Ngenda has more than just a shade of Okananwa's game in hers, the comparison is almost spot on. Elyse is a tough nosed scorer that can put the ball in the basket at a very efficient rate while remaining a tremendous passer and defender, just like Okananwa. Elyse is a sharpshooter from deep range off the bounce or catching in the swing of the offense. Ngenda defends intensely and all game long. She can guard head up or while in help position at an elite level. She also has the ability to come up with a bunch of steals and deflections that lead her to easy points. After watching Elyse play in some tournaments this summer, it's clear she is one of the most versatile combo guards in the area. Her tenacious 2-way skillset is unmatched and makes her an elite prospect. Elyse doesn't have to dribble the ball excessively to get baskets. She is very structured in her scoring prowess and wastes little movement on the court. Although she does sport impressive passes in transition and dazzling euro steps on the way to the hoop, think of Ngenda as businesslike. Ngenda's game is well suited for the college game and she will make a tremendous 2-way player for whatever school she decides to choose.   Currently Ngenda has offers from over 5 different schools. New Hampton is looking to have a great upcoming season with Elyse being at the head of the regime. Excited to see what's next for Elyse this upcoming season and the rest of the summer.     [player_tooltip player_id='481354' first='Brooke' last='Nunnally-Gardner'] (2026) | 6'0 PF/C | Dexter Southfield   Player Comparison: Aliyah Boston   Nunnally-Gardner's game is very similar to Boston in her high school days. Brooke is a low post powerhouse that uses her physical strength and stature to her advantage. Dominating the paint and overpowering defenders is a main staple in BNG's game just like Boston's. Brooke has some post moves, but her work is done early in the shot clock after setting screens or just fighting for position to get an easy entry pass to her. Once the space is created and BNG is in position, good luck stopping her from getting a basket. She does an excellent job of making herself available after sealing her defender. Nunnally-Gardner works perfectly in pick & roll situations as well as any halfcourt screening scenarios. Although she does draw a bunch of attention down low, when receiving the ball, she does look for shooters and can face up a bit when presented the opportunity. Defensively BNG is a monster on the defensive glass. She plays superb defense using the rule of verticality and being physical.   Brooke is a player that has been compelling to watch contribute to the success of Dexter Southfield. She will surely be bringing in some offers from some top-notch schools in no time.     [player_tooltip player_id='270725' first='Ava' last='Black'] (2025) | 5'11 CG/Wing | Tabor Academy   Player Comparison: Kayla Lezama   [player_tooltip player_id='270725' first='Ava' last='Black'] is a multifaceted combo guard/ wing talent that can have a major impact on the game. Black is an exceptional player that adds to her team's success by contributing winning plays on the regular, like Kayla Lezama did when she was in high school. Ava's game is reminiscent of Lezama's because of their similarities in creating off the perimeter with limited dribbles. The both share great scoring potential beneath the 3-point line, although Black may shoot it a bit more and more efficiently. They are both greatly gifted athletes that lead their teams in multiple categories. Never too high, never too low, Black seems to always make the right play when needed. She is a skilled shooter and prime bucket-getter driving to the basket. She absorbs contact and finishes craft layups. Ava creates space with simple, yet effective moves that allow for the lanes to open up so she can knife her way to the rim. The comparison becomes a bit of a stretch due to Ava's ball handling skills which she uses to help break presses and facilitate when defenders are making it hard for the point guard to run the offense. She sports a nice pullup jump shot that she uses decisively, depending on what the defender is making available. As a defender, Black is a willing and tough-minded player that sets the tone. Black has a bit of a competitiveness to her on defense that allows her to stay active and engaged throughout the game.   Black is a stellar player and has committed to Vanderbilt after having a plethora of schools calling for her. Black played exceptionally at Gym Rat and she showed why she is one of the most premier players on the East Coast. One of the better multiskilled players in all of New England, Ava is looking to bring Tabor far next year. Tabor has an excellent team coming back next year and she will be looked to carry a big responsibility for the squad.

These are not one-to-one comparisons exactly, rather a quick glance at players who have some similarities. The current high school girls are being weighed up against former stars who dominated the high school scene not too long ago. These previous high school stars just so happen to hail from New England as too! These former stars have excelled to the point where some have made it to the professional level. Nevertheless, all these players have had to go through the same grassroots scene and take similar paths. Many have got to witness these players dominate these vary scenes for years and their talents have led them enough success to get them to the next level. The current high school girls are currently walking in some big shoes that the former players have left, but many are living up to the hype. Understandably comparing some of the current players to ones they have looked to can be a lot of pressure, but these profiles should be glanced at on a curve since the task is demanding. Below is a list of 5 current high schoolers that are vastly reminiscent of some former stars from the region.