35 standouts poised for big seasons in Bucks County area girls basketball

Which players will be making major impacts in girls basketball this season? These 35 Bucks County area players are poised for big seasons.

Check them out here because you'll be hearing these names all season long.

More: Who are this season's stars of the hardwood? Check out our Top 12 girls basketball players

Piper McGinley, Abington, senior: The guard is a lockdown defender who can defend the post as well as the point guard and is a disruptive force to opposing offenses. She also runs the floor well and can get to the basket.

Maya Johnson, Abington, junior: A shifty point guard, she can drive the lane and sees the floor well. Johnson averaged four assists a game last season and hit 76 percent of her foul shots.

Talia DiMichele, Bensalem, junior: The volleyball standout had a breakout season last year as a sophomore when she sank more than 30 three-pointers. The guard will help stretch the floor for the Owls and use her athleticism for steals and fast-breaks.

Mackenzie Kauffman, Bristol, senior: The point guard helped the Warriors to the district finals last season, and is one of their few returning players this season. In addition to running the offense, Kauffman had multiple games with three or more steals, including in the BAL playoffs, when she had 12 steals and 12 points in the quarterfinal win.

Anna Barry, CB East, senior: A first-team All-SOL Colonial selection, the Patriots’ point guard led the team in scoring last year, averaging 12 points per game. She connected on 53 3-pointers and was adept at getting to the free-throw line, where she made 81 percent of her 83 attempts.

Natalie Berndt, CB East, sophomore: The guard made a quick impact as a freshman, when she scored a team-high 15 points, including four 3-pointers, in the Patriots’ third game of the season. She went on to shoot 46 percent from beyond the arc for the season, sinking 41 3s for the Patriots, highlighted by her five 3s and 17 points in a comeback win against North Penn.

Yoyo Samayoa, CB South, senior: Samayoa is one of the top scoring threats in the league – especially when the game is on the line, highlighted by scoring 18 second-half points in a comeback win against CB East. The Titans’ leading scorer last year, the point guard is a skilled communicator, off and on the court, for the young team and possesses a high basketball IQ.

Brianna McFadden, Conwell-Egan, senior: The versatile guard excelled as the Eagles’ ‘sixth player’ and when she was called into starting duty due to injuries, she showed she was more than capable. McFadden was third on the team in scoring and second in assists, and hit 30 3-pointers.

Brooke McFadden, Conwell-Egan, senior: The senior wing is the Eagles’ top scoring threat who can shoot from anywhere on the court. She led the team from beyond the arc with 30 made 3-pointers, and averaged 11 points, two assists and two steals per game. On defense, her reach and high-energy wreak havoc on opposing offenses and creates additional possessions for the offense.

Delaney McCaffery, Council Rock North, senior: A four-year starter, McCaffrey led CR North in scoring for the past three years. The point guard averaged 10.5 points per game last season, and had a team-high 2.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

Ceara Barnes, Dock Mennonite, senior: The senior and multi-sport athlete, who won a state championship in girls soccer earlier this month, is one of just three returning players for the rebuilding Pioneers.

Shylah McCleve, Harry S. Truman, junior: She led the team in scoring as a sophomore, and will look to do the same this year as the Tigers take the next step in their rebuild. The forward averaged over 11 points per game last season, and also led the Tigers in rebounds and blocks. She was the lone Tiger to receive All-SOL honors with an honorable mention.

Kathryn O’Kane, Council Rock South, junior: The talented point guard excels at creating shots for her teammates, and she isn’t afraid to take the shot herself when the opportunity arises. She also takes pride in her defense, and often has as many rebounds as assists in a game. At 5-5, O’Kane is willing to drive to the rim, and her vocal leadership and work ethic are assets in running the offense.

Katie Purpura, Council Rock South, senior: A versatile player who is a difference-maker on and off the court, the guard's high energy level, toughness and court vision are feared by her opponents. Her skill set allows her to dominate a game without taking a shot, and the Golden Hawks will be relying on her leadership and experience this season. She recently committed to St. Thomas Aquinas.

Liliana Metrick, Council Rock South, junior: A knockdown 3-point shooter, Metrick broke the team record for 3-pointers in a game when she sank seven in a game last season. The guard surpassed 20 points in multiple games, and has put plenty of work in over the offseason to improve other aspects of her game.

Kitty Randa, Hatboro-Horsham, senior: The Kutztown University commit is the Hatters’ lone senior and was an All-SOL honorable mention pick last year. Pretty impressive considering Randa didn’t join the team until her sophomore year and hadn’t played basketball since middle school. She has made a noticeable impact on the Hatters, and is the anchor of the team.

More: Tip-Off Primer: What to know about girls basketball in the Bucks County area this season

Ella Brown, Pennridge, junior: Brown had a stellar sophomore campaign for the Rams, who hosted a district playoff game for the first time in more than 15 years. The young guard led the team in minutes last season and averaged 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting 48 percent from the floor.

Emily Wilson, New Hope-Solebury, junior: She can play all five positions, providing much-needed versatility for a small team like the Lions. Wilson was the team’s third-leading scorer last year, averaging 8.5 points per game, behind Reagan Chrencik (Gettysburg) and Gabby D’Agostino (transfer), and will have more opportunities this season.

Ava Pistone, Quakertown, senior: As one of the Panthers’ few returning players, Pistone will be a vital component on both offense and defense. The guard averaged 7 points and 4 rebounds last year and led the team in steals with 38 (averaging 2 per game).

Brooke Fenchel, Souderton, senior: Fenchel is the only returning player with considerable varsity experience for Souderton, which has been one of the best teams in the league the past few years. The guard/forward has plenty of playoff experience as a three-year starter and averaged 3.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game last season.

Mikel Lancit, Upper Moreland, junior: With injuries hampering the Golden Bears in the playoffs, Lancit stepped up, helping the team advance to the state quarterfinals. A high-energy and high-impact player, Lancit plays at both ends of the court. She had multiple steals in most games last year, and also hit a game-winning 3-point buzzer-beater. The guard is a solid ball-handler who can knock down jump shots and be a disruptor on the defensive end.

Bri Hunter, Palisades, senior: The Pirates forward brings strength and an aggressive game to the court. Hunter is a persistent rebounding threat who never gives up on a play, averaging 6.8 rebounds per game last season, as well as 3.3 points and 1.6 steals.

Olivia Boccella, Lansdale Catholic, senior: The Catholic University commit and second-team All-Catholic selection made a name for herself in the postseason. Boccella knocked down four 3-pointers in the Crusaders’ PCL semifinal win, and in the league championship, she sank a last-second 3 to clinch the victory. She averaged 10 points per game and connected on 69 3-pointers for the season.

Bailey Balkir, Gwynedd Mercy, sophomore: The point guard was one of two freshman starters last year for a Monarchs team that made it to the district semifinals and the second round of the PIAA 5A state playoffs. She was second on the team in scoring with 8.2 points per game and is already garnering interest from colleges.

Emilia Coleman, Gwynedd Mercy, sophomore: After an impressive freshman season, the guard/forward is generating strong Division 1 interest. Coleman led the Monarchs with 5.2 rebounds per game, and was third in scoring with 6.5 points.

Morgan Volz, William Tennent, senior: The forward was a double-double machine last year, averaging 10 points and 10 rebounds per game. The Drew University commit is constantly working to sharpen her skills. Her versatility allows her to play with her back to the basket or step out and knock down shots.

Avery Kocur, William Tennent, sophomore: The high-impact guard earned first-team All-SOL honors as a freshman. A fierce competitor with a strong work ethic, Kocur plays both ends of the court and is a three-level scorer.

Autumn Landis, Faith Christian, senior: The guard was a key component of the Lions’ state quarterfinal team last season with her 3-point shooting. She is also a strong defender and will be called upon to be a primary scorer this season.

Aubrey Sauers, Faith Christian, sophomore: Sauers gave the Lions a huge spark off the bench last season, whether it was hitting a clutch free throw or layup in the playoffs, or wearing down the opposing defense late in games. This year, Sauers, who brings energy to both sides of the court, will start at point guard.

Fiona Reckner, Council Rock South, junior: Reckner has plenty of intangibles that make her indispensable, and after plenty of work in the offseason, she will show more of her skillset this season. With a non-stop motor and explosive first step to the rim, Reckner will be a top playmaker and scorer for the Golden Hawks. She is a great rebounder, and can hit a 3-pointer when needed.

Gabi Senior, CB West, senior: The guard is an excellent shooter and should lead the Bucks in scoring this season.

Ava Gumienny, Villa Joseph Marie, senior: A captain and team leader, Gumienny possesses a great shot, excellent vision on the court, and is adept at making sure all her teammates are involved. Her play off the ball will be a key to the Jems’ success.

Riley Deal, Villa Joseph Marie, junior: A true point guard, Deal can see the floor and manage the game flow while distributing the ball with excellent judgment and precision. She is a high-energy player whose efforts rub off on her teammates.

Nadia Yemola, Lansdale Catholic, junior: Yemola averaged 10 points per game as a sophomore and non-primary scorer, and received several college offers. This year she will have the chance to do more.

Sophia Martinez, George School, senior: The guard led the Cougars in both assists and steals, and was third in scoring. Her experience is crucial to the young teams, as is her ability to knock down shots and get to the basket.

Jess Aponik, Germantown Academy, senior: The senior guard and Kutztown commit is a versatile player who has filled numerous roles on the team.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Girls High School Basketball: 35 Players to Watch in Bucks County area