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 overall players in Section V, as listed by the coaches.
We contacted coaches across Section V and asked them to fill out a survey requesting information about their teams, as well as who they think the best players in the section are entering the 2025-26 season. This list is compiled solely based on the information provided by the coaches who chose to respond.
If you are a Section V 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.
Here are the 23 players the coaches highlighted as the best in the section.
BEST PLAYERS, NYSPHSAA SECTION V GIRLS BASKETBALL
(Listed in alphabetical order)
Addison Bree, Waterloo, Sr.
The Waterloo standout has earned recognition from multiple coaches across Section V as one of the region’s premier talents. A varsity player since eighth grade, Bree helped lead Waterloo to the 2023 Class B State Championship and joined the 1,000-point club as a junior. Last season, she averaged 15.2 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds per game while leading the team in steals and deflections.
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.
A multi-skilled guard, Ava Buczek turned heads as a sophomore and is set to step into a starting role as a junior. “Ava is a great ball handler, passer and shooter,” Elba coach Charlie Pangrazio said. “She also is in the gym as much as she can to improve her skills. I’m very excited to see her perform this season.”
Lucy Bush, Pittsford Sutherland, Jr.
Mentioned by opposing coaches more than any other player, Lucy Bush (5-foot-9 guard) was the MVP of the Section V Class A tournament last season and earned first team All-Greater Rochester honors. She averaged 17.7 points and 4 assists per game as a sophomore.
Taylor Carnevale, Clyde-Savannah, Sr.
Taylor Carnevale has become the focal point of Clyde-Savannah’s offense, demonstrating exceptional scoring ability that has caught the attention of coaches throughout the section. One of the top returning scorers in Section V, Carnevale averaged 21.9 points and 4 rebounds per game last year and eclipsed the 1,000-point milestone.
Lydia Childs, Brockport, Sr.
The Brockport standout has earned respect from coaches across the section for her all-around game. A senior shooting guard, Childs averaged 18.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game last season for the Blue Devils. Childs plans to continue her athletic career at D’Youville College.
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.
Jordyn Dyring, Hornell, Sr.
Highlighted as one of the best players in the section by multiple coaches, Jordyn Dyring averaged 18.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals per game last season. In the playoffs, her scoring rose to 22.8 points per game. “Jordyn’s ability to score the ball often overshadows her incredible defensive ability and her unselfish play,” Red Raiders coach Jim Dagon said. “She guards all positions on the floor and always matches up with the opponent’s top scorer.” Dyring plans to attend SUNY Canton to play basketball next season.
Aniyah Eldridge, East Rochester, Sr.
The East Rochester star point guard has garnered attention for her dynamic style of play and ability to take over games. A two-year captain, Eldridge is East Rochester’s leading returning scorer (15 points per game) and has already reached the 1,000-point milestone.
Sofia Falleti, Batavia Notre Dame, Sr.
Falleti received multiple mentions from coaches as one of Section V’s premier players. Named to the Section V All-Greater Rochester team, she 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.
Shelby Geer, Palmyra-Macedon, Jr.
Geer has established herself as a cornerstone player for Palmyra-Macedon and one of the section’s top talents. A big-time shooter who has developed her ability to take defenders off the dribble, Geer is poised for a big junior season. “Shelby will play an important role in our ability to stretch the defense and create driving lanes for other players,” Palmyra-Macedon coach Dan Harris said.
Jorja Gray, Spencerport, Sr.
A senior power forward who is closing in on 1,000 career points, the Spencerport standout has established herself as one of the section’s most impactful players. Gray’s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ allows her to affect games in multiple ways. “She can handle the ball, shoot, rebound and play solid defense,” Spencerport coach Joe Gombatto said.
Aaliviah Green, Eastridge, So.
Green received multiple nominations from coaches across the section, establishing her as one of Section V’s most respected talents. A 5-foot-7 combo guard, Green averaged 23.4 points per game and made a program record 70 3-pointers as a freshman. She was named fifth team Class A All-State — the only freshman from Section V to earn All-State honors.
Loren Green, Aquinas, Jr.
The Aquinas standout was one of the most frequently mentioned players in our head coach survey. A fifth team Class AA All-State selection as a sophomore, Green’s elite skill set and leadership make her a standout combo guard. She has led Aquinas to back-to-back Section V championships, and almost led the Little Irish to their first NYSPHSAA State Championship (they lost a 50-48 heartbreaker to Baldwin in the 2025 Class AA title game).
Vanessa Guerrero, Wheatland-Chili, Jr.
One of the best shooters in the section, Guerrero averaged 12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals per game last season. “She is the best shooter on the team and looks to expand her scoring role inside the three-point line,” Wheatland-Chili head coach Chad Annis said.
Avery Hoffman, Gananda, Jr.
A multi-skilled forward, Hoffman was highlighted by several coaches as one of the section’s top players. She 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.”
Petra Hunt, Pittsford Sutherland, Jr.
Along with teammate Lucy Bush, the 5-foot-9 Hunt was highlighted by multiple coaches for her outstanding play. She averaged 20.3 points per game last season and hit a school record 84 three-pointers, earning 12th team Class A All-State honors.
Braelyn Isaman, Keshequa, Jr.
Highlighted by several coaches as one of the best players in Section V, the 5-foot-7 combo guard led Keshequa to a 19-1 record as a sophomore and was named first team All-Greater Rochester.
Calla McCombs, Bloomfield, Sr.
A 5-foot-10 forward, McCombs was mentioned by more than one coach as one of the best players in Section V. She eclipsed 1,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds during her junior season.
AJ Orr, Aquinas, Sr.
A 5-foot-7 combo guard, the Aquinas star was highlighted by multiple coaches as one of Section V’s elite players. Her partnership with teammate Loren Green has created one of the section’s most formidable duos, helping Aquinas compete at the highest level. Orr nearly recorded a triple double in Aquinas’ 50-48 loss to Baldwin in the 2025 NYSPHSAA Class AA state championship game. She finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists.
Tessa Rodwell, York, Sr.
Rodwell has developed into one of York’s most reliable performers and a recognized talent throughout Section V. A 5-foot-7 combo guard, Rodwell eclipsed 1,000 career points during her junior season.
Brea Smith, Elba, Sr.
Smith received multiple mentions from coaches, establishing her as one of Section V’s most respected talents. A senior captain, Smith averaged 11 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks per game last season. “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.
Jahzell Strong, YMCP/EMHCS, Sr.
Strong was identified by coaches as one of the section’s standout performers. A dynamic 5-foot-5 point guard and three-year captain, she led Class B1 in scoring last season with 24 points per game. “She controls the tempo, creates for her teammates, and thrives in big moments,” Young Women’s head coach Darius Taylor said.
