South Shore and Bishop Loughlin again set the standard in the borough.
The Vikings dominated the Public School Athletic League from start to finish en route to handling Francis Lewis for a second-straight city title. Loughlin matured as a team and took a step forward as a program, reaching its first Brooklyn-Queens Division I championship, where it lost to Christ the King.
Grand Street, despite an up and down season, returned to the Public School Athletic League Class AA semifinals and Boys & Girls reached the quarterfinals. Poly Prep brought home the Ivy League title before falling short in the state title game. Bishop Kearney reached its fourth-straight Division II final in the Catholic league before dropping it to Monsignor McClancy.
Brooklyn’s talent was again there for all so see. Here are the one who stood out above the rest:
Player of the Year
Selena Philoxy, South Shore
The Television and Films transfer had no trouble with the jump from the B to the AA division. Philoxy was the most versatile and impactful forward in the city, averaging 11 points and 10.5 rebounds during the regular season and improving on that in the playoffs. She gave the Vikings the perfect inside-out weapon to fill the void left when Brianna Fraser graduated.
Coach of the Year
Chez Williams
Williams saw his team falter down the stretch last season, but this year, it soared. The Lions coach pushed all the right buttons with his team after losing star Zaria Dorsey to a torn ACL before the season. This group matured to beat Christ the King to close the regular season before reaching the program’s first Brooklyn-Queens Division I diocesan championship game.
First Team
Guard Jai Moore, Midwood
The Niagara-bound guard lived up to the billing as a Division-I player. She was the Hornets’ best player every time she stepped on the court, and she was productive on both ends of the floor. Moore, a dead-eye shooter, averaged 22.8 points per game and 5.7 rebounds.
Guard Kaisah Lucky, Grand Street
Lucky held the inexperienced Wolves together as they meshed young talent with new veteran faces. The St. Peter’s-bound guard was the heartbeat of another semifinal run. She dropped in 16.7 points and grabbed five rebounds per contest — all while taking over the game when needed.
Guard Destiny Philoxy, South Shore
The sophomore guard played well beyond her years for the Vikings, averaging 8.1 points per game and 3.5 assists. Philoxy was the motor to the Vikings’ attack, and she never shied away from a big moment during South Shore’s run to consecutive Public School Athletic League titles.
Guard Milicia Reid, Bishop Loughlin
Reid had the best season of her career and was a big reason why the Loins were more cohesive. The junior grew more comfortable in her role and averaged 15 points, 5.8 rebounds, and five assists per contest for Loughlin, which reached its first Brooklyn–Queens Division I title game.
Forward Lynette Taitt, Bishop Loughlin
The junior wing came on strong during Loughlin’s late-season push and became a force on both ends of the floor. Her hustle and heart changed a lot of games. Taitt averaged 11 points, 5.2 rebounds, and three steals per contest to form quite a duo with Reid.
Second Team
Center Alisha Machado, Medgar Evers
The senior big was the leader and the glue for an improved Cougars team this season. Machado set a fine example by averaging 13.5 points and eight rebounds per contest. Her presence in the paint and in the locker room will be missed.
Forward Skydajah Patterson, Bishop Loughlin
Patterson gave the Lions a physical presence around the past and filled in seamlessly when Zaria Dorsey was lost to injury. The senior dropped in 11.7 points per game and 8.1 rebounds.
Guard Kania Pollock, Boys & Girls
The freshman made quite an impact for the Kangaroos right out of the gate. The versatile wing averaged 11.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per contest. Her future is bright.
Guard Asianae Johnson, Grand Street
The sophomore was a bundle of energy and an explosive scorer for the Wolves. Her speed made her a tough cover and allowed her to score 10.5 points and 3.4 assists per game.
Guard Alexis Sykes, Nazareth
Sykes put together her best season in a Lady Kingsmen uniform. She picked up her scoring and became a true leader on the court. The junior guard averaged 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
Honorable Mention
Guard Lauren Duggan, St. Saviour
Guard Melina Ferotovic, James Madison
Guard Katie Marquardt, Fontbonne Hall
Guard Kelly O’Donnell, St. Edmund
Forward Kailey O’Grady, Bishop Kearney
Forward Nina Rice, Van Arsdale
Forward Erykah Russell, Nazareth
Guard Earlette Scott, South Shore
Guard Lauren Seagers, Boys & Girls
Forward Shanniah Wright, Poly Prep