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 centers 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 CENTERS, NYSPHSAA SECTION V
(Listed in alphabetical order)
Alaina Davies, Midlakes, So.
A strong rebounder with scoring ability, Alaina Davies brings a well-rounded game to the Screaming Eagles’ frontcourt. First-year Midlakes head coach Keith Cieplicki will rely on Davies’ interior presence as part of a promising roster that includes creative playmaker Sophie Caswell and knockdown shooter Zoey Overslaugh. Davies’ combination of strength and scoring touch gives Midlakes a reliable option in the post as they look to compete in Section V this season.
Makenzie Davis, Midlakes, Sr.
A team-first player who continues to improve, Makenzie Davis brings leadership and experience to the Screaming Eagles’ frontcourt. “Makenzie is a great teammate and is continually improving,” said Midlakes coach Keith Cieplicki, who takes over the program this season after 38 years of coaching experience elsewhere. Davis will team with fellow post player Alaina Davies to give Midlakes a formidable interior presence.
Kinsley Gabriel, Palmyra-Macedon, So.
After a successful freshman year at the JV level, Kinsley Gabriel is making the jump to varsity. “Her ability to rebound, especially on the offensive end has separated her from others in the program,” Pal-Mac coach Dan Harris said. “She will be coming in off of the bench initially, to spell one of the two senior forwards. Her success in doing that will dictate her increased opportunities.”
Elizabeth Grbic, East Rochester, Jr.
The anchor to East Rochester’s 2-3 zone defense, Elizabeth Grbic is poised for a big junior year on both ends of the floor. Her presence in the middle of the zone was a big reason the Bombers allowed just 43 points per game last season.
Alexis Hassall, Brockport, Sr.
Alexis Hassall established herself as a defensive anchor for the Blue Devils last season, leading the team in blocks while contributing 6 points and 5 rebounds per game. The senior center provides Brockport with a much-needed interior presence alongside senior guard Lydia Childs, who averaged 18.5 points per game last season and plans to play college basketball at D’Youville. Head coach Thomas Velletri, entering his eighth season at Brockport, will count on Hassall’s shot-blocking ability and rebounding to solidify the Blue Devils’ defense.
A’Jonay Hawkins, Hornell, Sr.
After three years of steady development, A’Jonay Hawkins enters her senior season ready to expand her role. “A’Jonay has a knack for rising to the occasion, delivering her best performances in our biggest games,” Hornell coach Jim Dagon said. “Her presence in the paint on both ends of the floor continues to be a game-changer.” A powerful rebounder with improved finishing ability around the rim, Hawkins’ footwork allows her to guard multiple positions and run the floor with agility. Her low-post dominance often draws double teams, creating opportunities for teammates. Beyond her on-court contributions, Hawkins is one of Hornell’s most respected leaders who “cares deeply for her teammates, keeps everyone connected, and is often the voice that brings the group together.”
Madison Lowell, Holley, Jr.
A junior center, Madison Lowell brings “heart, grit and determination” to Holley’s lineup. “She’s a great team player and beyond coachable - a type of player every coach would dream of having,” said Holley head coach Stephany McBride.
Desiree McCormack, Holley, Jr.
Also an outstanding volleyball player, Desiree McCormack provides interior strength for the Hawks. “Des is a force with the ball. She can find small gaps and make those passes and helps with sealing the lane for offense. A great rebounder,” Holley coach Stephany McBride said. McBride is excited to work on developing her post footwork to enhance her effectiveness in the paint.
Yaimary Morales, Geneva, Sr.
An undersized center/power forward, Yaimary Morales makes up for her lack of size with a relentless style of play. She racked up 81 rebounds and 15 blocked shots last season while helping lead Geneva to 14 wins.
Mary Muller, Harley Allendale Columbia, Sr.
A versatile 5-foot-10 forward/center, Mary Muller was averaging 6.2 rebounds per game last year before she had her season cut short due to injury. “She’s a tremendous team player,” said HAC head coach Patrick Muldowney.
Leigha Pokracki, Spencerport, So.
A versatile power forward/center who has “grown a lot in the past couple of season,” Leigha Pokracki is poised for a breakout sophomore season. “She is working hard in the offseason and continues to improve her shooting and attacking ability,” said Spencerport head coach Joe Gombatto. “We expect her to have a great year offensively and defensively.”
Madison Pope, Wheatland-Chili, Jr.
A multi-skilled forward/center, Madison Pope brings size and athleticism to the Wildcats’ frontcourt. “Madison is our tallest player but also one of our best athletes. She has a great knack for using her size and athletic ability to her advantage,” Wheatland-Chili coach Chad Annis said. “This season will be an incredible opportunity for her to score more and really put the pressure on opposing teams to figure out how to guard her because she’s taller than most girls we play and much more athletic than girls that are her height. I’m predicting a big step up from Madison this year.”
Yenny Reyes, Young Woman’s/EMHCS, Sr.
A 5-foot-9 senior entering her third varsity season, Yenny Reyes brings toughness and defensive intensity to the combined YWCP/EMHCS roster. “A strong, dependable post presence, Yenny brings toughness, great hands, and a relentless defensive motor to the paint,” Young Woman’s/EMHCS coach Daruis Taylor said. “Her volleyball background translates seamlessly to basketball—her timing and leaping ability make her an excellent shot blocker and rebounder.” Taylor, entering his fifth season with the program, appreciates Reyes’ footwork and consistency, noting that “her leadership and steady presence help set the tone for the team’s success.”
Angelie Salogar, Avon, Sr.
A physical presence in the paint, Angelie Salogar had a big impact as a power forward/center last season for Avon. She averaged 7.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, including 11 games where she grabbed at least 8 rebounds.
Ali VanAmeron, Holley, Sr.
Also a standout volleyball player, Ali VanAmeron brings valuable veteran experience to the Hawks’ frontcourt. “Ali has been through a lot of seasons; I am excited to work with her more on her post footwork and getting big with the ball,” Holley coach Stephany McBride said. “She is experienced for us at the varsity level and knows the ins and outs. She will be a good grounder for our young team.”
Emerson Wandtke, Our Lady of Mercy, Fr.
Despite her youth, Emerson Wandtke made an immediate impact as an eighth grader last season, leading Mercy in both rebounding and blocks. “Emerson is a good post player who has developed a jump shot during the off-season,” Mercy coach Tom McDonough said. “She will be one of the best players in the area.” Entering his fifth season at Mercy, McDonough has high expectations for Wandtke, who teams with senior Laura Kosten (14 points per game last season) to give the Monarchs a potent inside-outside combination.
