Leading up to the 2025-26 winter season, Syracuse.com is highlighting the top high school girls basketball players in New York, Section by Section.
Our next list focuses on the top forwards in Section V.
We contacted coaches across the state and asked them to fill out a survey requesting information about their team. These lists were compiled primarily based on the information provided by the coaches who chose to respond.
If you are a New York high school girls basketball coach who did not receive the survey, email bsherman@advancelocal.com. We will continue to add to these lists throughout the season.
BEST FORWARDS, NYSPHSAA SECTION V
(Listed in alphabetical order)
Julia Belanger, Palmyra-Macedon, Sr.
A senior forward, Julia Belanger was second on the team in rebounding last season and has developed into an excellent on-ball defender who typically draws the assignment of guarding the opponent’s best player. “Julia can handle the ball well, especially in the open floor and is an excellent driver of the ball,” Pal-Mac coach Dan Harris said. “She continues to work on finishing at the rim and knocking down free throws.”
Ja’Niyah Bell, Lyons, Fr.
A 5-foot-6 sophomore, Ja’Niyah Bell was highlighted by several coaches as one of the best players in Section V. Bell, who was named 10th team Class B All-State as an eighth grader, helped lead Lyons to the Section V Class B-2 championship last season.
Cadence Brecker, Harley Allendale Columbia, Sr.
A 6-foot-2 forward, Cadence Brecker posted incredible numbers as a junior: 19.9 points, 18.2 rebounds and 5.8 blocks pre game. She will score her 1,000th career point in her first game of the season and should reach 1,000 career rebounds in the first half of the year. She is committed to play at Carleton College next year.
Jada Brown, Red Creek, Jr.
A second team All-Wayne County selection as a sophomore forward, Jada Brown was highlighted by several coaches as one of the best players in the section.
Ava Buczek, Elba, Jr.
After gaining varsity experience as a sophomore, Ava Buczek is set to step into a starting role this season. “Ava is one of our hardest working players we have,” Elba coach Charlie Pangrazio said. “Ava is a great ball handler, passer and shooter. She also is in the gym as much as she can to improve her skills. We’re expecting her to score more this season and become a team leader.”
Natalie Capel, Geneseo, Sr.
A multi-sport athlete, Natalie Capel is a defensive stopper and relentless rebounder for the Blue Devils’ basketball team. “Natalie always defends the other team’s best post player. She never stops pursuing the ball and is our best rebounder,” Geneseo coach Marley Grimsley said. “Natalie gives her all every game giving her teammates multiple extra possessions. She is a key piece to our team’s success. Most of all she’s an even better person off the court.”
Kylie Clement, Webster Schroeder, Sr.
Kylie Clement has developed into one of Webster Schroeder’s most reliable performers and a recognized talent throughout Section V. Clement’s work ethic and competitive drive have been praised by coaches who have faced her.
Cara Elrod, Greece Athena/Odyssey, Jr.
A versatile forward, Cara Elrod is poised for a big junior year. “She’s a strong attacker to the basket, capable ball-handler, strong rebounder, solid defender and good at reading passes for steals,” Greece Athena/Odyssey coach Nicholas Droegmoeller said. Her versatility allows her to impact games in multiple ways for the Thunder.
Raegan Evingham, Hornell, Jr.
A “relentless competitor on both ends of the floor,” Raegan Evingham averaged 10 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals and 4 deflections per game as a sophomore. “Raegan’s impact goes far beyond the stat sheet,” Hornell coach Jim Dagon said. “She plays every position offensively and defensively, giving us incredible flexibility in our rotations. She’s always the first to hit the floor for a loose ball and leads the team in nearly every hustle category.”
Sofia Falleti, Notre Dame Batavia, Sr.
Named to the Section V All-Greater Rochester team, Sofia Falleti was a dominant force last season, averaging 22.0 points and 9.6 rebounds per game as a junior. “She can play with her back to the basket, or face up. She’s a multi-faceted, all-around talent with hard working effort and drive to be the best in the section,” Notre Dame coach Vinny Falleti said.
Diamondnik Foster, Young Woman’s/EMHCS, Jr.
A 5-foot-9 junior, Diamondnik Foster is entering her second year of basketball and has already proven to be a major force. “She can stretch the floor, rebound with power, and has a deep offensive bag that makes her tough to guard,” Young Woman’s coach Darius Taylor said. “With the addition of a true center this season, Diamondnik will shift to her natural power forward position, giving her the flexibility to defend all five positions. Her athleticism and growth make her a matchup nightmare.”
Jorja Gray, Spencerport, Sr.
Also a standout flag football player, Jorja Gray brings a complete skill set to the Rangers’ frontcourt. “Jorja is a senior power forward that has the complete package. She can handle the ball, shoot, rebound and play solid defense,” Spencerport coach Joe Gombatto said. “We expect her to reach her 1,000-point milestone this season. She is a leader and role model for the rest of the girls on our team.”
Avery Hoffman, Gananda, Jr.
A highly skilled forward, Avery Hoffman averaged about 20 points per game as a sophomore. “She can pass and handle the ball well, and is an active defender with quick hands,” Gananda coach Karin Meuwissen said. “I expect her to have a great year - potentially leading scorer, definitely leading rebounder. She is one of the best athletes I’ve coached with her natural abilities.”
Nellie Koronas, Perry, Sr.
After averaging 9 points, 9 rebounds and 2 steals per game as a junior, Nellie Koronas is ready for a big senior season. “Nellie is a forward who can handle the ball and put it down on the floor. She is one of the top two-way players in the league this year and is expected to have a double-double almost every game day,” Perry coach Parker May said. “Nellie is a great defender down low who anchors our defense and can guard out on the perimeter, which is a big benefit for any forward. Offensively, Nellie should have a big year down low as she has strong footwork and great vision.”
Erin Marone, Churchville-Chili, Sr.
A senior leader, Erin Marone has developed from a post specialist into a versatile forward who can play inside and out. “The focus has been on developing post skills early on in high school - now she can play in the post and shoot on the wing. Good 3-point shot and aggressive,” Churchville-Chili coach Stephen Shepanski said. “She is a genuine person who prioritizes the team and our program. A true foundation setter for a program that is working on turning the corner.”
Lily McBride, Geneseo, Sr.
A 5-foot-10 forward, Lily McBride brings natural talent to Geneseo’s lineup. “She’s an incredibly gifted basketball player that impacts play on both ends of the court. She makes things look so effortless,” Geneseo coach Marley Grimsley said. “She will make a huge impact on our season this year.”
Calla McCombs, Bloomfield, Sr.
A 5-foot-10 forward, Calla McCombs was mentioned by multiple coaches as one of the best players in Section V. Also a standout volleyball player, McCombs eclipsed 1,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds during her junior season.
Mia Nasca, Hornell, Sr.
A third-year varsity player, Mia Nasca stepped into an elevated role as a starter last season. “Mia’s strengths as a player include her three-point shooting ability, her ability to drive the nail and collapse the defense, and her communication on the floor — especially on the defensive end,” Hornell coach Jim Dagon said. “Mia is the emotional spark for our team. Her attitude is infectious — a mix between intensity, competitiveness, fun, and ‘all for one and one for all.’ That attitude has become our team’s identity.”
Shelby O’lear, Webster Thomas, Sr.
Entering her second year on varsity, Shelby O’lear enters 2025-26 with “high expectations” from the Titans coaching staff. Her development will be crucial for Webster Thomas as they look to compete in a challenging Monroe County division.
Gwyn Panek, Waterloo, Jr.
Waterloo’s leading rebounder last season at 7.0 per game, Gwyn Panek is poised for a big junior year. Her versatility and rebounding ability will be counted on again this season for the defending sectional champions. Panek, who averaged 12.8 points last season, “also handles the ball really well” according to Waterloo coach Michael Bree.
Leigha Pokracki, Spencerport, So.
Only a sophomore, Leigha Pokracki has shown significant growth over the past two seasons and is in line for a big year. “She is working hard in the offseason and continues to improve her shooting and attacking ability,” Spencerport coach Joe Gombatto said. “We expect her to have a great year offensively and defensively.”
Mia Rountree, East Rochester, Sr.
A two-year captain, Mia Rountree brings versatility to the Bombers as a forward who can play multiple positions. “She’s a dynamic player, plays aggressive forward defense and then is a guard on offense,” East Rochester coach Liz Davis said. “I expect her to lead and provide stability to our defense.”
Simone Scharvogel, Byron-Bergen, Sr.
A knockdown shooter, Simone Scharvogel will move into the starting lineup as a senior for the Bees. “She’s our best outside shooter,” Byron-Bergen coach Rick Krzewinski said.
Alexis Smith, Hornell, Jr.
Despite standing at just 5-foot-2, Alexis Smith takes on some of the toughest defensive assignments for Hornell. “Lexi has fully embraced the role of a tenacious defender and ‘dirty work’ player, doing whatever it takes to help the team win,” Hornell coach Jim Dagon said. “She’s fast, physical, and relentless — the kind of player every coach wants on the floor in critical moments. After putting in significant work this offseason to develop her three-point shot, Lexi is poised to have a major impact on both ends of the court this year.”
Brea Smith, Elba, Sr.
A senior captain, Brea Smith is coming off a strong junior season where she averaged 11 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks per game. “Brea is a strong inside presence that can handle the ball and shoot the 3 with the best of them,” Elba coach Charlie Pangrazio said. “We expect Brea to pick up her scoring and rebounding this season. With her basketball IQ and skills, she will help lead us to our team goals.”
Brynn Stackhouse, Elba, So.
After a productive freshman season, Brynn Stackhouse is expected to take on a much larger role this year. “Brynn is a very well-rounded player. She can move well and is a force under the rim,” Elba coach Charlie Pangrazio said. “Her role will surely change this season. She will be moving into a starting role and we expect her to bring her points and rebounds way up this season to help us win ball games.”
Whitney Thrush, Wheatland-Chili, So.
After averaging 8 points and 6 rebounds as a freshman, Whitney Thrush is poised for big things in 2025-26. “Whitney is the purest basketball player on the team. She has been fine-tuning her game from a very young age and you can tell because her fundamentals are stellar,” Wheatland-Chili coach Chad Annis said. “There is no doubt that she will take on a very important role for us this season and our team will be much better for it.”
Delaney Wilson, Brighton, Sr.
A four-year varsity player and two-year starter, Delaney Wilson serves as a senior leader and versatile post/guard for the Barons. “She is our strongest rebounder and outworks most teams on defense,” Brighton coach Kelly Weeks said. Wilson is committed to play Division I lacrosse at Wofford College.
Georgia Wirth, Palmyra-Macedon, Sr.
An honorable mention All-Greater Rochester selection last season, Georgia Wirth will be counted on for leadership on and off the floor in 2025-26. “Georgia is arguably our most important player. Her basketball IQ, her ability to see the floor, read defenders, pass the ball or be in a position to make a steal on defense is second to none,” Pal-Mac coach Dan Harris said. “She can handle the ball against pressure and shoot when left open as well as drive the ball to the rim.”
Aubry Young, Palmyra-Macedon, Fr.
At 6-foot-1, Aubry Young brings size and shooting ability to the Red Raiders. “She is continuing to work on her strength, speed and toughness. But she will play an important role in helping defend and rebound,” Pal-Mac coach Dan Harris said. “Her offensive skills will enable her to see considerable time this season.”
