Freshman MVP and more: 29 Cape Cod high school girls basketball players to watch

Winter is coming, and no, I'm not referring to Game of Thrones.

The winter season for Cape Cod sports is back this week, which means it's time for athletes to hit the hardwood for the basketball season.

Last season, nine Cape Cod teams made the postseason for girls basketball. For the second straight season, Mashpee went the furthest as they made the Round of 8 in consecutive seasons in Division 4. The No. 8 Falcons (highest ranked Cape girls team) beat No. 25 Bay Path RVT 64-38 in the Round of 32, and then went on to defeat No. 9 Case 53-39 in the Round of 16. Their season ended as they lost in the Round of 8 to the Div. 3 state champion No. 1 Cathedral.

Sandwich and Bourne also made it to the Round of 16. Other teams that made the postseason were Falmouth, Dennis-Yarmouth, Monomoy, St. John Paul II, Upper Cape and Cape Tech.

Here are some players to keep an eye on in the 2023-24 season to help their respective teams to get back, or make, the postseason.

Raeghan Blake, Bourne

Blake started last year as a freshman at power forward, and is ready for a breakout year in her sophomore season.

"Blake came on strong in the second half of last season. She has the ability to play the post or the wing. She is a high level scorer, good ball handler, and fierce defender," Coach Steve Wenzel said.

Paige Meda, Bourne

The junior shooting guard (third-year starter) is ready to follow up a season where she led the South Coast Conference with 17.6 points per game, and was a finalist for the league MVP. She also led her team in points, free-throw percentage, steals and charges taken.

"She is an extremely quick player with a high basketball IQ who sees the court well. She is an unselfish basketball player who can score from all three levels. A lockdown defender and true team leader," Wenzel said.

McKinley Wenzel, Bourne

McKinley Wenzel is also a third-year varsity starter and will be entering her junior season as combo guard. She was a top 10 scorer (8th) in the SCC last year with 11.4 points per game and led the Canalwomen in three-pointers and assists.

"She is extremely fast with the basketball with the ability to get to the rim or shoot from range. She is an unselfish player who moves the ball up the court quickly, and sees the court and shares the ball well," Coach Wenzel said.

Sabrin Marchoud, Cape Tech

The forward will be the senior captain this season with the departure of Mayflower League MVP Jada Miranda and her cousin Lashae Miranda.

"Sabrin has been a part of the program for the past four seasons. She has big shoes to fill this season, but will be an asset to the team this season. We as coaches are excited to see what she can do," Cape Tech head coach Nick Conti said.

Lindsay Payne, Cape Tech

Payne will join Marchoud as a senior captian this season at shooting guard.

"Lindsay has been a part of the program for the past four seasons and is getting the captain position, as well as a starting role on the team this season. She has worked hard to accomplish this position and is an asset to the team," Conti said.

Julianna Santana, Cape Tech

Santana is a sophomore shooting guard ready to make an impact and step up this season.

"Julianna has worked hard to be on the varsity team and was a starter last season for us. She will be a big asset to the team this year," Conti said.

Lily Connors, Falmouth Academy

The senior guard will bring experience on a team full of sophomores and freshmen.

"Connors provides leadership from years of playing varsity sports at Falmouth Academy. She’ll also be a key mentor to freshmen aspiring to fill her shoes once she graduates," Falmouth Academy head coach Scott Lajoie said.

Sophie Holmes, Falmouth Academy

Holmes is a freshman guard ready to build off of her eighth grade season.

"Holmes has remarkable skills and court awareness that will benefit the team defensively as well as offensively. It runs in the family as she is sister to perennial basketball all-star, Falmouth Academy senior Nate Holmes," Lajoie said.

Fay McGuire, Falmouth Academy

The sophomore forward/wing will look to bring her skills from the field to the court.

"McGuire, a striker who racked up goals this past season for the soccer team, brings her knack for scoring to the hardwood," Lajoie said.

Delilah Oliver, Martha's Vineyard

The junior guard will be a captain for the Vineyarders this season.

"Delilah is a dynamic player and has both an outside and inside game. She can attack the rim and has a great outside shot. Her love for the game is evident every time she is on the court," Martha's Vineyard head coach Melissa Braillard said.

Mia Fougere, Mashpee

Despite being a freshman, Fougere has been on varsity for two years and will serve as one of the captains.

"Her skill set has improved immensely and she has put in countless hours all offseason. The freshman is ready for a breakout season," Mashpee head coach Jasmyn Silva said.

Hailey Garcia, Mashpee

Garcia is making her return to the court after an ACL injury last season, and will be a senior captain.

"We really missed Hailey last year. This soccer and basketball athlete will help us tremendously throughout the season. She is strong and can finish through contact down low. Hailey will be huge for us this year," Silva said.

Ciara Hendricks, Mashpee

Ciara made varsity as a freshman last season and will build off that in her sophomore season.

"She is always one of the hardest workers on the floor. She's a great on ball defender and she has a desire to improve and holds herself accountable everyday. She is hands down the most improved on the team and I can't wait to watch her continue to develop for years to come," Silva said.

AJ Gates, Monomoy

Gates is a five-year player for varsity and will be the senior captain guard, filling the shoes of Melissa Velasquez, who was named co-MVP of the Maritime Division last season.

"Gates is a team leader, good ball handler, shooter, and a two sport five-year player (softball)," Monomoy head coach Craig Andrews said.

KiKi Pigo-Cronin, Monomoy

Pigo-Cronin will also be a senior captain for the Sharks.

"She is a strong rebounder and defender. She is a multi-sport athlete (soccer), and physical and an explosive scorer," Andrews said.

Jojo Ready, Monomoy

The junior forward plays hoops year round and is ready to be a key contributor for the Sharks this season.

"She is a standout participant with Swish Basketball (basketball instructor). This should be a breakout year for Jojo. She is a premier shooter (scorer) and brings high energy to the court," Andrews said.

Jordyn Streitmatter, Nauset

The senior guard will be one of the leaders for the Warriors this season.

"Jordyn is a prolific outside shooter with the ability to slash through the defense and drive to the hoop. She is always hungry for the ball and looks to take quality shots," Nauset head coach Jean Leyton said.

Gabby Foster, Nauset

Foster is another senior (forward) who will play a key role for Nauset this season.

"Gabby is willing to play any position. She has a good outside shot, and has worked hard on her post play to score around the basket. We can rely on her to run the defense, as she is an excellent communicator," Leyton said.

Devin Crofford, St. John Paul II

As a freshman, Crofford was named the Cape & Islands Lighthouse Division MVP as she averaged 11 points per game last season. The guard/forward will look to carry that all-star play into the season.

"Devin is excellent at handling the ball in transition, and if left open, will not hesitate to bury the three," St. John Paul II girls head coach Gus Adams said.

Michaela Enright, St. John Paul II

Enright will play as a forward in her sophomore season.

"Michaela is a versatile player who is capable of playing multiple positions, both on the offensive and defensive end. She will be expected to contribute more on offense this year," Adams said.

Marlo Jumper, St. John Paul II

Jumper started at point guard last season as a freshman. With a year of varsity under her belt, she is ready to improve in her sophomore season.

"Marlo had a successful freshman year running the point and shot well from the perimeter. She is an intelligent player who plays with confidence, regardless of the opponent," Adams said.

Avery Cobban, Sandwich

In her sophomore season last year, Cobban averaged 6.7 points. 4.4 rebounds, and 3.3 steals per game.

"Avery can play the point or the wing. She is our most consistent shooter and takes it to the hoop strong, but what Avery excels at the most is her uncanny ability to rebound. It is her toughness and hard nose play that will be a handful for opposing teams," Sandwich head coach Mike Barrett said.

Maddie Lawrence, Sandwich

In her sophomore season last year, Lawrence led the Lady Knights in points (13 points per game) and rebounds (8) to go with 1.7 steals per game on the defensive end.

"Maddie is one of the best posts I have ever coached who can go right or left, but it is her defense that she doesn’t get the credit she deserves. She is a dominant force inside who frequently has 10 boards a game, along with three or four blocks," Barrett said.

Aubrie Schwager, Sandwich

Schwager averaged 8.4 points, 3.1 assists, and 3.7 steals in her sophomore season last year.

"Aubrie is the floor general who relies on her physical play at the point. She sees the floor well, can take it up the hoop or step back for the three. The more Aubrie plays in control, the more dominant at the point she becomes," Barrett said.

Sophia Gay, Sturgis West

The senior point guard is one of four captains for the Navigators.

"Sophia Gay will look to help lead the Navigators to victory as the starting point guard," Sturgis West head coach Christian Oakley said.

Ryley Mayo, Sturgis West

Mayo is a sophomore making her debut for the Navigators this season and hopes to make an immediate impact.

"Ryley Mayo will look to make a statement as she offers a great skillset on the court," Oakley said.

Cora McDade, Sturgis West

McDade is a sophomore who will run the point for the Navigators.

"Cora McDade will look to have a big impact on offense for the Navigators this season," Oakley said.

Alaina Hines, Upper Cape

In her junior season, Hines was a force on both sides of the ball as the small forward led the Rams with 18 points and five steals per game.

"Alaina has played with me for three years. She has the defensive basketball IQ, which causes her to get many steals. She’s very quick up and down the court. Alaina is not afraid to rebound and takes it coast to coast. She has played soccer, lacrosse and basketball. She will average double digits (points) a game this season," Upper Cape head coach Andre Smith said.

Adryanna Turner, Upper Cape

Turner will play at point guard for her last varsity season.

"Adryanna has played three years also. She has been improving each year. She has learned to shoot the ball well, but also play team basketball. She is also a three-letter athlete. She knows how to play each position that makes her versatile with our offense," Smith said.

Contact Courtney Jacobs at cjacobs@capecodonline.com. Follow him on X/Twitter: @CJ_Journalist.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod high school girls basketball players to watch winter 2023-24