As I've mentioned multiple times before this season, the MIAA graduated an especially strong 2025 class last year. That means there's a ton of room around the state for new stars to emerge.
The winter season is underway, and I'm excited to see who takes the leap to statewide recognition as one of the MIAA's top talents. It could be a player stepping up into a critical role on a state championship contender. Or, we could see someone take charge and lead a less-heralded program to the forefront.
Last year I tried this exercise and am proud of how the picks lived up to my personal hype. Among the highlights: Bishop Feehan's Mollie Mullen (now a Div. 1 commit), Norwell's Reagan Dowd (South Shore League co-Player of the Year), Wachusett's Sophie Gibbons (star on the title-winning Mountaineers), NDA Hingham's Elle Orlando (already at 1,406 points), and Whitman-Hanson's Maliah Pierre (Patriot League Player of the Year).
That makes me even more eager to see how this year's list pans out. Here are 10 breakout talents to watch.
MIAA HOOPS IS HERE:Â Preseason Top 10 | Player of the Year watch list | Championship predictions
Abby Broderick, Medfield
Class of 2028, 5-10 guard/forward
Medfield coach Mark Nickerson has touted Broderick's potential since before her first game at Medfield. As a freshman, Broderick broke into the starting lineup and played a solid supporting role on the Division 2 champions. This winter, following Izzy Kittredge's transfer to Nobles, Medfield needs another go-to scorer alongside Naya Annigeri and Tess Baacke. Broderick, a high-level perimeter shooter who can attack in a straight line, could help fill that void. She's also one of the team's better on-ball defenders and holds a Division 1 offer from Rhode Island.
Alex Cassidy, Norwell
Class of 2027, 5-11 forward
The Clippers lose a significant core that led them on back-to-back state final runs in Division 3. Their next era starts with Cassidy, who has been a reliable rotation player since her freshman year. Cassidy is strong and a tremendous rebounder who can finish consistently around the basket. She could carry the torch of Norwell paint dominance passed from star sisters Grace and Maddie Oliver.
Ashley Cohen, Bedford
Class of 2027, 5-6 guard
Cohen has already captured two Dual County League Player of the Year awards in her last two high school seasons. But she could be ready to break through at a statewide level. Cohen put up 15 points, 4.5 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 2.6 steals as a sophomore, and she has an outside chance at surpassing 1,000 career points in her junior year. Cohen has a super quick release on her jump shot and can light up the 3-point arc when she's on.
A'laya Colbert, North Quincy
Class of 2027, 6-0 center
Colbert moved to Quincy from Atlanta last year — one reason she started totally off the radar. By March, she was one of the most impactful players during North Quincy's breakout run to the Division 2 semifinals. The Raiders will again be in the state championship hunt. After a year acclimating to her new school and team, Colbert is primed for a leap as a smooth center with great footwork and touch around the basket.
Eva Downing, Braintree
Class of 2027, 5-9 guard
Downing started flashing scoring potential during the second half of last season as Braintree surged to the top tier of Division 1. She scored 20 points against Walpole on Jan. 31, had 17 with four 3s in the second round of the Division 1 tournament against Needham, and ultimately reached double figures in Braintree's last three tournament games. Braintree needs a step up offensively to contend for a title, especially after graduating Frankie Spadorcia. Downing's ability to catch fire behind the arc and make smart decisions off the dribble should make a big difference as a junior.
Kayla Dunlap, Natick
Class of 2028, 6-0 forward
In limited action at the Eastern New England Showcase in November, Dunlap showed unique length, speed and flashes of skill with a made 3-pointer and several deflections. Her immediate impact as a freshman helped Natick to a surprise breakout season as a team, with Dunlap averaging 12 points per game. Dunlap is already off to a strong start after posting 25 points, five steals and four rebounds in Natick's season-opening win against Brookline. She forms a star duo with junior Bridget Pole and could help the Redhawks be a true Division 1 contender.
Gabi Lorenzini, St. Mary's
Class of 2028, 5-9 guard/forward
The Spartans always have college-level young talent aplenty; SySy Mcausland Emmanuel and Charleigh Green have received Division 1 interest. But Lorenzini has flown under the radar and could be the most impactful player on the roster this season. She already led St. Mary's with 19 points in its season-opening win against Pope Francis. Lorenzini is a capable shooter off the catch and a high-motor wing who isn't afraid of contact.
Kaylee Maier, Dracut
Class of 2027, 5-5 guard
Maier was an Eastern New England Showcase standout for me and one of my favorite players to watch from the MIAA this offseason. Now as the lead guard on a Dracut roster looking to ascend in the Merrimack Valley conference, she has a runway to a ton of buckets. Maier can create her own shot as well as any player in the MIAA. But she's also got solid court vision – and with a fellow rising star in freshman Lily White, that should come in handy. I'm excited to see what both are capable of.
Tatum Morgan, King Philip
Class of 2027, 5-3 guard
Morgan's sophomore leap aligned with King Philip's head-turning run to the Division 1 quarterfinals. She led the Warriors with 13.3 points per game, knocked down 2.1 threes per game and showed off a better ability to get to the basket and finish creatively around the rim. King Philip has a shot at winning the Hockomock League outright this winter, and another jump from Morgan would help them lock up the crown.
Camry Williams, Woburn
Class of 2028, 5-7 guard/forward
After several years dominating the Middlesex League and contending with the best of Division 1, Woburn enters a transition season in search of leadership. Williams, who played major minutes as a freshman, could be the one to step up. She's a crafty left-handed wing who's capable of hitting 3s off the catch, but she's at her best right now overpowering mismatches in the post and scoring around the basket. Williams is already a great vocal communicator and tough defender despite being a bit undersized for her role. I'll never count out the Tanners because they are such a consistently great defensive team, so we'll see if Williams can help lead the charge on offense.
