Battle of New York: The Next Wave

The "Battle of New York" tournament at Impact Athletic Center in Clifton Park is unique because it features high school teams playing alongside their regular-season teammates, rather than an AAU collection of players. Most teams also had their high school coaching staffs. In the late afternoon on opening day, I watched Corinth against Berne-Knox and Fair Haven, VT against Trinity, NH. Both games brought players to my attention who I feel had strong performances. Some of whom I had seen before, and a couple who were new faces.    [player_tooltip player_id='1871470' first='Molly' last='Shaver'] is an outstanding young combo guard from Berne-Knox High School. Shaver's team struggled against Corinth, but she did not. Shaver put on an outside shooting clinic. Shaver is an elite outside shooter. She has unlimited range. Her footwork and quick release are her greatest strengths. Shaver can also beat defenders off the dribble and understands how to break down defences and find open teammates for easy baskets. Shaver's court sense and vision are very strong.     [player_tooltip player_id='1894944' first='Lylah' last='Dishon'] is a rising sophomore who quietly played a key role in Corinth's successful season this past winter, and she appears to be primed to play a larger role in 2026-2027. With Whitney Cameron graduating, Dishon will be looked upon to carry more of the 3-point shooting load. Dishon is a strong ballhandler who can play the point or the two guard, although she seems more comfortable on the wing. Dishon is a solid on-the-ball defender with quick hands and feet. She sees the floor well and is an excellent passer.     [player_tooltip player_id='1894946' first='Heather' last='Pita'] was a key factor in Corinth's run to the Adirondack League and Class B championship games, and has worked hard to take the next step this winter. A rising junior, Pita could be an even bigger factor for the RiverHawks in 2026-2027. Pita is a skilled ballhandler. She has excellent court vision and distributes the ball well to teammates for easy baskets. Playing on such a deep squad, Pita was not asked to score a lot, but she is capable when called upon, often hitting big shots at key moments. She is a very good 3-point shooter and can score off the dribble. Pita has quick feet and is a scrappy defender. Her stock will rise next winter in her junior campaign.     Audry Perry is a top gun for perennial Vermont powerhouse Fair Haven Union, and was a standout for the Slaters who came across the border for "The Battle of New York." I was once again impressed by how fundamentally sound a player Perry is. Her greatest strength is her 3-point shooting ability. If given space at the top of the key, on the wing, or in the corner, Perry will shred a defense. She is a very good ball-handler and sees the floor well. Perry is an excellent defensive player whose long arms cause trouble for dribblers, especially when she is in a help position. Perry is a prospect to watch in her senior campaign.     Summer Cullen is a new face to me, but she was very impressive. Cullen is a lethal shooter from beyond the 3-point arc. Her range is unlimited. If Cullen is given just a smidgen of space, she will knock the shot down. Cullen is a very talented ball-handler. She is a strong finisher off the bounce with either hand, and seems to find a way to get her shot off, even against taller defenders. Cullen also shoots well in the mid-range and uses her spin move and other skills to create space from defenders. She always has her eyes up and knows how to connect with open teammates.     Nayeli Perez was also a new player to me, but after some research and watching her play at "The Battle of New York," I agree with all accounts that she is a player on the rise. Perez transferred to Trinity, NH, from Massachusetts and made an immediate impact in her junior season. She is a lightning-quick guard and an elite defender. Perez plays with a motor that runs on high speed every second she is on the floor. She is extremely skilled at getting to the rim off the dribble. Perez is a natural scorer who can put the ball in the hoop in a variety of ways, including knocking down jumpers downtown.

The "Battle of New York" tournament at Impact Athletic Center in Clifton Park is unique because it features high school teams playing alongside their regular-season teammates, rather than an AAU collection of players. Most teams also had their high school coaching staffs. In the late afternoon on opening day, I watched Corinth against Berne-Knox and Fair Haven, VT against Trinity, NH. Both games brought players to my attention who I feel had strong performances. Some of whom I had seen before, and a couple who were new faces.