Brooklyn produced one of its best girls’ basketball seasons in recent history this year. South Shore won the program’s first Public School Athletic League Class AA crown and become the first Brooklyn school to do so since Paul Robeson in 1991. The Vikings beat borough rival Grand Street Campus in the final.
Over in the Catholic League, Bishop Loughlin put the rest of the city on notice. The young Lions squad was arguably the city’s best team until it struggled a bit down the stretch. Nazareth, on the other hand, used a late charge to capture the CHSAA state Class A title and state Federation Class A crown. St. Edmund won its first diocesan title since 2002 and Brooklyn College Academy took home the public schools’ Class B crown.
Plenty of great players made this historic season happen, and here is a look at the borough’s best:
All-Brooklyn Girls’ Basketball Player of the Year: Brianna Fraser, South Shore
The Maryland-bound forward finished her four years as a Viking with the best season of her career. Fraser was named the first McDonald’s All-American in school history on her way to leading South Shore to its first PSAL Class AA city title. She went on to score a Federation tournament record 46 points in a semifinal loss to Christ the King. Fraser carried the Vikings in the playoffs and averaged 16 points and 11 rebounds in league play.
All-Brooklyn Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year: Anwar Gladden
Gladden, who is in his 13th season coaching the Vikings, finally ended years of frustration. South Shore had lost in its first five trips to the city title game before finally bringing home the crown this year. Gladden softened his approach this season and perfectly blended his talented underclassmen and experienced veterans around Brianna Fraser. South Shore won 12-straight games at one point.
All-Brooklyn First Team:
Guard Amanda Cruz, South Shore
Brianna Fraser may have dominated the scoring column for the Vikings, but Cruz was equally important. The senior orchestrated the offense, kept turnovers down and was one of the league’s top defenders. South Shore wasn’t the same team with Cruz (8.6 points and 4.0 assists) in foul trouble against Christ the King.
Forward Shanique Edwards, Grand Street
The Nazareth transfer’s presence led Grand Street to become a city title contender. The skilled junior averaged 14.7 points and 11.8 rebounds during the regular season. She scored 25 points in a quarterfinal win over Midwood. Edwards’s toughness inside made her a handful to deal with and gave the Wolves the post star it lacked.
Guard Niya Johnson, Nazareth
Johnson came into her own this year after Nazareth graduated five Division I players. The junior guard averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds per game, but did her best work in the playoffs. Her leadership raised the game of her teammates as Nazareth won the state Federation Class A crown.
Guard Milicia Reid, Bishop Loughlin
Reid immediately became the leader of a talented young Lions team after transferring from Murry Bergtraum. The sophomore averaged 14 points and 4.8 assists per game and was usually the catalyst of big Lions runs. Loughlin earned a second-place finish in Brooklyn-Queens.
Guard Darieli Abreu, Grand Street
The senior returned to form after a car accident cost Abreu her entire junior season. She averaged 15 points and four assists during the regular season despite a slow start. Her fearless play provided and stellar example her to teammates during a run to the city final.
All-Brooklyn Second Team:
Guard Kiana Clark, Bishop Loughlin
Clark established herself as one of the best playmaking and shooting guards in the city. The senior averaged nine points, three assists and three steals per contest. She also took on the task of being the veteran voice on a young Lions club.
Forward Zaria Dorsey, Bishop Loughlin
The talented freshman game the city a taste of what is to come. Dorsey can dominate the paint and step out and hit the mid-range jumper. She averaged seven points and five rebounds per game during a season that showed how promising a player she is.
Forward Erkyah Russell, Nazareth
Russell found her confidence late in the season and Nazareth became a much different team because of it. Russell was the most-valuable player in the state Federation Class A tournament after tallying 17 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in the title game.
Forward Danielle Patterson, Medgar Evers
The super sophomore continued to show why she is one of the city’s best all-around players. Patterson averaged 17 points and seven rebounds a game and led Medgar Evers to its first-ever Class AA playoff victory.
Guard Jai Moore, Midwood
Moore is one of the city’s unheralded stars. The junior can flat-out shoot and score from anywhere on the floor. The athletic wing averaged 15 points and four rebounds per game in league play.
Honorable Mentions
Guard Arelis Cora, Grand Street
Guard Kyla Formey, Midwood
Guard Shalix Hines, Nazareth
Forward Alexandra Jacques, St. Edmund
Center Jen Kaye Bishop Kearney
Guard Ashley McDonald, South Shore
Guard Kellie O’Neill, St. Edmund
Forward Skydajah Patterson, Bishop Loughlin
Guard Kania Pollack, Boys & Girls
Forward Shanniah Wright, Poly Prep
