NYSSWA All-Stars From Section 2 Who Return in 26-27 Class AA

The New York State Sportswriters Association recently announced its New York all-star teams for 2026. Several players from Section 2 were selected at the various levels. Many of the all-stars are seniors who will move on to the college ranks. However, several talented underclassmen will return in 2026-2027. Here is a look at some of the NYSSWA all-stars from Section 2 Class AA who will return next season in Class AAA.    [player_tooltip player_id='1279848' first='Amaya' last='Harris'] was named a NYSSWA fifth-team all-star. Very impressive for a 9th grader. It's hard to fathom that Harris is only a freshman, as she plays with skills and maturity beyond her years. Harris is an outstanding shooter both from 3-point territory and the midrange. She is an elite ball-handler with a loaded selection of moves she uses to shake free from defenders. Harris has a fantastic spin move in the lane. She is a physically strong player who can finish through contact. Harris has a size advantage over other point guards, which allows her to overpower defenders and score easily inside. She has superior court vision that makes her an outstanding passer.     [player_tooltip player_id='934564' first='Elizabeth' last='Kearney'] was named to the NYSSWA 7th team as just a sophomore. Kearney helped lead Bethlehem to the Section II and Regional titles, and a trip to the state championship game. Kearney is an outstanding shooter. She can connect for 3-pointers from any spot on the floor consistently. Her range is unlimited as she routinely hits shots from well beyond the arc. Kearney runs the floor well and is a strong finisher in transition. Her anticipation skills make her an excellent defender. Kearney also rebounds very well from the guard position.       Any college coach will tell you, talented post players are difficult to find in the Capital District. That's why Kiana Tiernan is going to be such a coveted player to watch. The freshman was named a NYSSWA honorable mention player, but she is just getting started. Tiernan is a walking double-double. Her size and abilty to finish inside are the strengths of her game. Tiernan runs the floor well and has uncanny agility for her size at such a young age. Her moves after she catches the ball on the block are quite accomplished already. Tiernan is a powerful player who is a nightmare matchup for opponents.     [player_tooltip player_id='1862030' first='Natalie' last='Birmingham'] of Niskayuna High School is the total package. Birmingham can literally do it all, and equally well. Birmingham is a three-level scorer. She is a lethal 3-point shooter. Birmingham can beat defenders off the dribble and finish with either hand. Birmingham can pull up in the midrange and use a variety of moves to create space from defenders. Her movement without the ball is elite. Birmingham runs the floor and finishes well in transition. She is a solid on-the-ball defender and a very good passer.     [player_tooltip player_id='1867230' first='Mia' last='Natale'] of Amsterdam was a NYSSWA honorable mention selection. Natale is a pure scorer. She went over the 1,000 point mark this season as only a sophomore. Natale is already a next level shooter from behind the arc. She had seven three pointers in a 34 point game against Queensbury. Natale can put the ball in the hoop a variety of ways. She is a very good ballhandler that understands how to create space between herself and defenders. Natale has excellent court vision to find open teammates. She can put the ball on the floor to drive by the defense and score at the rim. Natale also utilizes an effective spin dribble to create shots.     Taniyah Montforte was named an honorable mention NYSSWA all-star out of Burnt Hills High School. Montforte is a super-quick point guard. She is a superior ballhandler with the ability to get to the basket with ease. Montforte's footwork is elite. She is an outstanding defender with extremely swift hands that create multiple steals. When she has the ball in her possession, she uses her speed to pull away from defenders to score easy buckets. Montforte is tremendous off the dribble. Her first step is nearly unstoppable. She is a strong finisher in the lane and knows where to find her teammates to dish the ball off.

The New York State Sportswriters Association recently announced its New York all-star teams for 2026. Several players from Section 2 were selected at the various levels. Many of the all-stars are seniors who will move on to the college ranks. However, several talented underclassmen will return in 2026-2027. Here is a look at some of the NYSSWA all-stars from Section 2 Class AA who will return next season in Class AAA.