Player of the Year: Bria Smith Christ The King
The dynamic freshman did not just fit into the varsity, she carried the program to the state Federation Class A crown, scoring a game-high 32 points in the final. The slashing 5-foot-11 wing had her ups and downs - all freshmen do - but the Royals’ leading scorer got better as the year went on. As a freshman, Christ the King Coach Bob Mackey said Smith, who scored 22.4 points and grabbed 5.4 rebounds per game, might be the best to ever don a Royals uniform. Her future - and the Royals’ for that matter - is bright. “She can be one of the best players we ever had,” Mackey said. Not bad company, considering the school has produced such talents as Chamique Holdsclaw, Clare Droesch, Sue Bird and Tina Charles.
Coach of the Year: Dom Cecala Archbishop Molloy
He walked into a sinking ship, a talented team languishing in fifth place. All Cecala - who remained as the jayvee coach, leading them to the city crown - did was guide the Stanners to their first ever Brooklyn/Queens Division I crown, beating Christ the King twice. He instilled confidence into a team lacking it, made them into a come-from-behind squad that never said die. Message to Molloy: Hire this man.
All-Queens First Team
Amanda Burakoski Mary Louis
The multi-talented 6-foot St. John’s-bound wing did not enjoy quite as special a season as a year ago, but she is still one of the city’s elite talents. Dealing with the pressure of heightened expectations as an upperclassman, Burakoski, who averaged 16 points and three steals per game, handled it gracefully, coming on late to lead an inexperienced group. Her 22 points in the Hilltoppers’ season-ending Brooklyn/Queens semifinal loss to Molloy could be a sign of a remarkable senior season to come.
Kelly Guerriero Archbishop Molloy
The sharp-shooting sophomore saved her finest moments for the biggest spots - the two victories over Christ the King and the Catholic State final loss to St. John the Baptist. Like a microwave, she can heat up in an instant. When going well, Guerriero was the Stanners top threat with her limitless range and soft touch around the basket
Jael Pena Christ the King
Did not enjoy the senior season many predicted, but emerged down the stretch as the vocal leader and unsung hero for the state Federation Class A champions. Had her best games in the state playoffs, including a season-high 23 points in the state Federation semifinal win over Curtis.
Kelly Puwalski Mary Louis
As gritty as they get, the 5-foot-5 guard was the Hilltoppers’ backbone. Known for suffering court burns as much as her offensive production - which was a constant, too, averaging 11 points per game - Puwalski filled the void left by Casey Shevlin. The Bentley-bound guard was integral in another superb season for Mary Louis.
Kerri White Archbishop Molloy
In a sea of underclassmen, White (8.9 PPG) was a calming influence. The 5-foot-10 Manhattan recruit did not put up mammoth numbers, but simply made winning plays, whether it was knocking down free throws, grabbing key rebounds or shutting down the opposition’s top offensive threat.
