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South Shore star heading to Seton Hall

South Shore star heading to Seton Hall
Photo by Ken Maldonado

One of the top high-school basketball players in the city is officially off the market.

South Shore standout Selena Philoxy committed to Seton Hall last week after making a visit to the school, and the dominant forward is nothing short of thrilled with her choice.

“I just liked everything about it,” Philoxy said. “The coaches were great, the assistant coaches, it was all good. I think I can fit right in.”

Philoxy was a force to be reckoned with on the court last season, leading South Shore to a second-straight Public Schools Athletic League class AA title. She averaged a double-double in her first season at South Shore — transferring in from Academy for Careers in Television and Film in Queens — with 11 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.

It was more than enough for Seton Hall to take notice.

“Seton Hall came to all the games,” Philoxy said. “They really just followed me everywhere, and they were calling almost every day.”

Philoxy — who played for the Lady Choz Amateur Athletic Union team this summer — also considered Siena and received offers from Albany, Manhattan, and Georgia State before committing to the Pirates. Still, it wasn’t easy making the final decision. After all, this one choice would dictate her entire college career.

Philoxy also knew, however, that signing with Seton Hall would open up plenty of basketball opportunities, including the chance to compete in the Big East. That helped make the decision a bit easier.

“It was a lot harder than I expected it to be,” Philoxy said. “I didn’t want to say ‘no’ [to other schools], but then I didn’t want to give up the biggest chance that I had and that was at Seton Hall.”

The Pirates wrapped up the season 23–9 last year, earning a No. 8 seed in the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament.

Philoxy is anxious to add her mark to Seton Hall’s recent string of success and has already developed a relationship with her future teammates, meeting the squad on her visit. She expects to play either a three or a four once she joins the Pirates’ roster — a positional change she made during the amateur season this summer.

Philoxy isn’t lacking for confidence either — certain that she’ll be able to make the transition to the college game with ease.

“My right hand makes all the difference,” Philoxy said. “Most people can’t stop me. It’s my right hand and my ability to pass.”

But before Philoxy officially becomes a Pirate, she’s got a bit of unfinished high-school business to tend to. South Shore came up short of a state title last year, falling 67–51 in heartbreaking fashion to eventual champion Ossining in the New York Federation semifinals.

Now that her college future is set, Philoxy is focused solely on making sure her senior season culminates with a state championship.

“The decision is a lot of weight off my shoulders,” she said. “Now I only have to focus on bringing a chip back to school again. I have to be a leader, get us back to the Garden. We’re coming after states now.”

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