Compiled By Jason Hickman
MaxPreps.com
Maya Moore of Collins Hill High in Suwanee, Ga., is the reigning Naismith National Player of the Year. The versatile University of Connecticut pledge should be a shoo-in to repeat that honor, right?
Not so fast. It's a great year for elite talent in the girls' game, and Moore will have to fight off a swarm of capable suitors for the title of premier player in the country.
At the top of that list is junior Elena DelleDonne of Ursuline Academy in Delaware, who is in the process of building a resume that could be unmatched by the time she heads to the next level in 2008.
As a sophomore, the 6-5 star averaged 27.7 points per game, and didn't do it just by shooting over smaller defenders in the post. DelleDonne connected on five three-point attempts in a 50-point, 15-rebound performance in Delaware's championship game. She also broke the national record by hitting 80-consecutive free throws during her sophomore campaign.
Arizona's Kayla Pedersen and Washington's Angie Bjorklund join the list legitimate Player of the Year candidates.
These teams are based on high school productivity and success, not recruiting potential. Without further explanation, here is the 2006-2007 MaxPreps' Preseason Girls All-American Team.
First Team
|
April Sykes |
G |
5-11 |
Jr. |
East Oktibbeha, Miss. |
Earned first team All-State honors as a sophomore, putting up 30 a night with 10 boards.
|
Angie Bjorklund |
F |
6-0 |
Sr. |
University, Wash. |
Future Volunteer did it all during team's tourney run; score (19.3), rebound (8.5), and pass (3.5).
|
Maya Moore |
F |
6-1 |
Sr. |
Collins Hill, Ga. |
Naismith National Player of the Year in 2006 after posting 23.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 5.4 steals a night.
|
Kayla Pedersen |
F |
6-4 |
Sr. |
Red Mountain, Ariz. |
Reigning Arizona Player of the Year averaged 23 points and 12 rebounds as junior.
|
Elena DelleDonne |
F |
6-5 |
Jr. |
Ursuline Academy, Del. |
Dirk Nowitzki of girls hoops, scored 50 points and snared 15 board in Ursuline's 2006 state championship game.
Second Team
|
Italee Lucas |
G |
5-8 |
Sr. |
Centennial, Nev. |
Nevada's Player of the Year as a junior after averaging 22.8 points, 8.6 assists per game.
|
Cetera DeGraffenreid |
G |
5-6 |
Sr. |
Smoky Mountain, N.C. |
Led state by pouring in 32.7 per game as a junior, committed to North Carolina.
|
Vicki Baugh |
F |
6-4 |
Sr. |
Sacramento, Calif. |
At 6-4, can play anywhere on the court, averaging 19.7 points, 4.7 boards, 2 blocks as junior for a 32-4 Sacramento squad.
|
Jantel Lavender |
F |
6-3 |
Sr. |
Central Catholic, Ohio |
Three-time All-State selection and a double-double machine, averaging 23 and 19 a year ago.
|
Regina Rogers |
F |
6-3 |
Sr. |
Chief Sealth, Wash. |
One-half of nation's most dominant post combo along with 6-4 Christina Nzekwe - averaged 16 points, 11 rebounds as junior.
Third Team
|
Lorin Dixon |
G |
5-4 |
Sr. |
Christ the King, N.Y. |
Lost first game of high school career Dec. 1, but should shine in 2007 for New York City power.
|
Tayler Hill |
G |
5-8 |
So. |
Minneapolis South, Minn. |
"Lady LeBron" already a celebrity in Minneapolis after averaging 22.5 points as a frosh. Has games of 28 and 30 so far this season.
|
Rebekah Gardner |
G |
5-11 |
Jr. |
Ayala, Calif. |
All-State selection as sophomore, tallying 28.8 points and 10 boards per outing.
|
Michelle Jenkins |
F |
6-3 |
Jr. |
Southridge, Ore. |
Shared the spotlight on loaded Southridge squad as a sophomore, should develop into a star this season.
|
Ta'Shia Phillips |
F |
6-6 |
Jr. |
Brebeuf Prep, Ind. |
Miss Basketball candidate and reigning Gatorade Player of the Year after posting 18 points and 13.5 boards a night as sophomore.