Leaders on the court: Top girls basketball players to watch from Newport County

Who's going to do damage in the paint? Who's going to be lighting it up from 3-point land? Who's going to be filling the lanes on the fast break? Who's going to be a lock-down defender.

We present here a Newport Country list of girls' high school basketball players to watch. In some cases, it's players who have already accomplished a lot; in other cases, it's players who are ready to bloom. Four of our featured athletes are sophomores.

OLIVIA DURANT, Portsmouth High, senior, guard

A seasoned veteran Durant will play point guard and shooting guard, sometimes, it may seem, at the same time. A year ago, she averaged 9.5 points per game and her 40 made 3-point shots ranked eighth in the state. A second-team Division 1C selection and fourth-year varsity member, Durant is the wrong player for foes to send to the foul line as she shot her free throws with 84 percent accuracy a year ago.

JENNA DEL DEO, Tiverton High, junior, forward

On a team that lost six of its top seven players from a year ago (5 graduated, 1 transferred), Del Deo, a captain, will be expected to carry much of the load. She was first team all-Division 2 and a state-wide top-15 scorer at 14.5 ppg. “We will go as Jenna goes,” head coach Michael Brigham said. “She always draws the opponent’s best defender, but she is tough. She is very strong in the post and deadly mid-range.  She has added the 3 to her game, so she should have a great season.”

ELLA BOLANO, Middletown High, senior, guard

Look for Bolano, a captain, to be one of the area's most productive players this season. Determined to be her best at both ends of the court, Bolano last year was a consistent scorer, averaging 10 points per game despite being closely watched by opponents. “She has shown great leadership … and a willingness to adapt to new things,” Middletown's new head coach, Owen Keenan, said. “She will be our go-to player this year.”

TESS MARGOLIS, Rogers High, sophomore, forward/guard

On a senior-laden team that advanced to the Final 4 in both the state D1 and open tournaments, Margolis was the sixth man. This year, she will be expected to score, to rebound, to handle the ball, to score and to defend, all at a high level. Coach Frank Brown thinks she's up to the challenge. “She has a high basketball IQ,” he said. “She's a great kid and has a strong work ethic.”

AVA MOORE, Portsmouth High, senior, guard

Another fourth-year varsity player, Moore is the Vikings' very capable shooting guard. She was a third-team Division 1C selection a year ago when shot 82 percent from the foul line. The team's top defender for the last two years, Moore in 2022-23 was given the team's player of the game honor five times for her defensive work. “If we wanted to limit a player's scoring, Ava was the go-to defender,” head coach Risha Pellegrino said.

TELAYIAHA APONTE, Rogers High, sophomore, forward

A newcomer to the varsity, Aponte is expected to make a significant impact. A notably strong rebounder, she's determined to limit opponents to one shot. She's also a scoring threat in the paint and should be adept at drawing fouls. “She has great hands and can catch anything thrown her way,” head coach Frank Brown said. “She wants to learn and is always early to practice. A great kid and enjoyable to coach.”

LAMAYA GONSALVES, Middletown High, sophomore, guard

Asked to mainly distribute the ball a year ago, Gonsalves averaged about 3 points per game. This season, new head coach Owen Keenan anticipates the talented sophomore to be a main scorer. “She has worked hard on her shot, can finish at the rim, and I anticipate 8-10 points per game from her this year,” Keenan said. “She plays great defense, and is quick as lightning. Point guard is a very important position, and I'm looking forward to having her for three years.”

ELLERY PACHECO, Tiverton High, junior, guard

Pacheco rose to the occasion last season as a sophomore, turning her game up several notches in the second half of the schedule. A captain and intense competitor, she is a fine outside shooter and much more. “She sets the tone for us,” head coach Michael Brigham said. “Just an all-around solid player. Her strength is her speed and toughness on D. In the playoffs last year, she shut down two of the state’s top scorers.”

KYLIE DELEMOS, Portsmouth High, sophomore, guard

As a freshman, Delemos, a point guard, played in 16 varsity games, including several starts when teammates were injured, so she is an experienced player. She has the tools and grit to be a major contributor this season. “She is a fierce defender and has great court vision,” head coach Risha Pellegrino said. “As a point guard, she is unselfish and makes plays happen with difficult passes and assists.”

FRANCESCA GOLDMAN, Middletown High, senior, guard/forward

The Patriot is a team-first player, a captain who is ready to do whatever is needed. On offense, she operates on the wing and coach Owen Keegan anticipates her giving the Patriots an offensive boost. “Another great leader, who the kids all love,” Keegan said. “She is very receptive to coaching, and has a great attitude.”

KATIE RICHARDSON, Tiverton High, senior, guard

The athletic Richardson came off the bench last season and is expected to contribute even more in 2023-24. Quick and a good jumper, her strength on offense is taking the ball to the basket. An excellent defender, she's especially effective in Tiverton's presses. “A very good all-around player that should make big contributions this year,” head coach Michael Brigham said.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Girls high school basketball players to watch in Newport County