TALENT RICH
Section V girls basketball teams set to contend in each class
When the 2022-23 girls basketball season came to an end at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy last March, no New York state region had more representation on the season's final day than Section V.
Three teams (Webster Schroeder, Canandaigua and Waterloo) reached their respective championship games, a feat matched only by Section I (Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, Westchester counties). However, Section V's two championship winners led New York state.
While each season promises surprises and breakout teams, many of last year's top teams return a wealth of talent that'll be reluctant to relinquish their crowns.
The lone guarantee: Section V will present quite a challenge for opposing sections when NYSPHSAA tournaments begin in March.
Here are teams expected to contend 2023-24:
Section V girls basketball, Class AAA
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Defending champion: N/A
Class AAA makes its girls basketball debut this winter, marking New York state's first classification addition since 2004. Section V features six teams eligible for sectional play.
Of the teams making the jump from AA to AAA, Fairport (13-7 in 2022-23) returns the best record. However, the Red Raiders must contend with the loss of two all-state selections from last season following the graduation of Bella Pucci and Ella Meabon.
Edison Tech could also present a challenge. Gabriela Lopez, who averaged over 17 points per game last season, is the team's top returner.
Section V girls basketball, Class AA
Defending champion: Webster Schroeder Schroeder, the defending NYSPHSAA champion, returns almost its entire roster from last season's title-winning team. While reigning All-Greater Rochester Player of the Year selection Mariah Watkins will miss the season,
See BASKETBALL, Page 3C