CHSAA girls: St. John the Baptist favored

For opponents of St. John the Baptist, it may feel as if they're facing a college squad instead of a high school team.

CHSAASt. John the Baptist, the defending Long Island champion features three Division I signees - Alexis Smith (Illinois), Kamala Thompson (Dartmouth) and St. Michael's transfer Alyssia Rohlehr (Albany) - in addition to juniors Anastasia Williams and Brianna Thomas who've drawn D-I interest. The Cougars, who are ranked 49th in the nation by ESPN, have tremendous depth which allows them to play an up-tempo offense and pressure defense.

St. Anthony's has just two seniors, but its young roster is loaded with talent and depth. The Friars are led by shooting guard Kerrin Maurer, 6-3 Bucknell-bound forward Micki Impellizeri, and Symone Kelly, a 6-2 forward who dominates inside and averaged 10.3 rebounds. That dynamic trio is backed by 6-foot sophomore Johanna Impellizeri and point guard Rebecca Musgrove. The Friars also have athletic freshman transfers in Lauren Williams, an aggressive slasher, and Chastity Taylor, who will be eligible to play in January. St. Anthony's won the state CHSAA Class A championship last year and coach Ken Parham thinks this group can be better. "In terms of talent," he said, "I believe we're ahead of last year. We'll see if that translates into more wins, but I like this team a lot."

Kellenberg, which reached the final last season, has a new coach in John Heitner, and returns 6-foot center Khadijah Donaldson, who owns the low post. The offense is sparked by speedy point guard Nicole Trepata along with Carly O'Boyle and Katie Flynn on the wing.

Holy Trinity has excellent shooters in Katie Poppe and Kelly Carey, but the Titans have worked to become more versatile and are now emphasizing defense. Kristen Korzevinski excels in transition and senior point guard Meghan Orlando is a good orchestrator.

St. Mary's, a state Class A semifinalist, graduated two stars, but sharpshooter Maddie Jankowski, who averaged 14 points, is fully capable of stepping up. As are point guard Neila Collins, Jessica Mattone, 6-1 center Alyssa James and 5-11 freshman forward Jasmine Bryant. Sacred Heart, which could be a surprise contender, is led by senior captains Taylor Higgins, Kaitlin Lacasse and Claire Canty. St. Dominic struggled last year, but has a fast, guard-heavy group that includes Dana Campbell and Katie O'Brien, both of whom could be among the league's best scorers. Our Lady of Mercy is led by versatile forward Olivia Walsh, who does a little of everything.

IPPSALPortledge won its first IPPSAL title since 2000 but graduated nine. Still, the Panthers should remain elite with point guard Kristie Kelly, 5-10 power forward Ceci Mulry and Lisa Dourmashkin, who's good at driving the lane.

Lawrence Woodmere Academy, last year's league runner-up, returns only one starter (Nadia Williams), but coach Mike Cohn is impressed with "the new young talent." Our Savior New American, which reached the semifinals, will also contend. Waldorf returns eight from last year's team, led by forwards Annabella Surge, Olivia Paone and Isabella Fraim.

INDEPENDENT

Long Island Lutheran won the NYSAIS Class B championship and reached the Federation semifinals a second straight year. The Crusaders are led by Adelphi-bound forward Sam Milhaven, Sade Gibbons and Christina Raiti, who's a lethal shooter. Paige Kriftcher is recovering from a torn left ACL and is expected to improve as the season progresses. She averaged over 13 points per game last season.