NEPSAC Class AA underwent a transformation last winter, and it led to one of the most memorable playoff races of the season.
This year, there's plenty of star talent back in the field. New England's top-ranked senior will suit up in this class, along with several talented bigs, some lightning-quick point guards and versatile wing scorers.
Worcester Academy guard Elyse MacDonough, now at St. Bonaventure, took home our first AA Player of the Year award last year. With several teams in the perceived title hunt, the race for our postseason award should be fun and contentious.
Here's a look at the 10 standouts making up our preseason watch list.
NEPSAC PREVIEW:Â Our first Top 10 | Class AAA preseason watch list
Fope Ayo, Austin Prep
Class of 2026, 6-5 center
Hometown: Methuen, Mass.
NCAA: Michigan
Ayo is the top college prospect in the region’s senior class, ranked No. 45 nationally by ESPN. Her size and mobility make her a fearsome defender, and she won our AA Defensive Player of the Year award last winter. She’s also grown to be a more consistent post threat on offense.
BIG DECISION:Â Ayo breaks down why she chose Michigan
Gracyn Barnes, Worcester Academy
Class of 2027, 5-6 guard
Hometown: Grafton, Mass.
Barnes began her breakout late in the Hilltoppers’ AA title run last winter. Then she had one of the best springs of any New England prospect in her class and landed her first Division 1 offers. She’s a super fast guard with a high motor on both ends of the floor, and her scoring touch has developed quickly.
Jill Dingler, Darrow
Class of 2026, 5-7 guard
Hometown: Storrs, Conn.
Dingler led Darrow in scoring (16.1 points) as the Ducks surged to the AA championship game. She also contributed 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds as a versatile guard who can do a bit of everything. Darrow added a bunch of transfers to its backcourt, so Dingler’s returning skill-set should prove valuable.
Maeve Early, Marianapolis
Class of 2027, 5-10 guard/forward
Hometown: North Brookfield, Mass.
If Marianapolis takes the next step forward as a team, it’ll be Early helping lead the way in a strong 2027 class. She’s a great 3-point shooter who continues to grow in taking defenders off the dribble and making plays. Early can excel on and off the ball, which makes her a good fit in this fun, versatile Marianapolis offense.
Olivia Fleming, Northfield Mount Hermon
Class of 2026, 5-6 guard
Hometown: Windham, N.H.
NCAA: Lehigh
The steadying force at point guard, Fleming averaged 11.7 points, five rebounds, three assists and 2.2 steals as a junior. She’s adept at changing speeds to create her own shot and can get into her bag as a creative passer. Fleming is the leader of the NMH program and coach Grace Rehnquist highly respects her basketball I.Q.
Ella Getz, Worcester Academy
Class of 2026, 6-1 forward
Hometown: Wayland, Mass.
NCAA: UNH
Getz’ versatility was huge for Worcester Academy’s frontcourt and overall championship campaign. She averaged 11.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.3 steals as a threatening 3-point shooter and driving scorer. Getz spent the offseason recovering from a torn labrum but should be ready to go for the season.
Daniella ‘DD’ Harcourt, Darrow
Class of 2027, 6-4 center
Hometown: Colonie, N.Y./Nigeria
With Daniella McLean’s sudden reclassification and enrollment at Washington, a large void opened in Darrow’s frontcourt that Harcourt will have to fill. But she’s underrated as a NEPSAC prospect; Harcourt can move very well for her size, win on the glass and finish around the basket. She’s generating Division 1 interest and is a breakout candidate.
Selah Prignano, Wilbraham & Monson
Class of 2026, 5-9 guard
Hometown: Newington, Conn.
NCAA: Sacred Heart
Prignano’s 12.7 points and 5.2 rebounds helped her make our All-Class AA Second Team. She’s also an elite perimeter defender and transition player. Coach Durelle Brown has talked about letting Prignano play more of her natural 2-guard position this winter, which should help her thrive further.
Caterina Ravosa, Wilbraham & Monson
Class of 2026, 6-2 forward
Hometown: East Longmeadow, Mass.
NCAA: Fairfield
Ravosa asserted herself as one of New England’s most dominant post players last year with her 20.9 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. She’s a 2,000-point scorer and nearly unstoppable at this point with her touch around the basket and behind the arc. If Ravosa turns her defense up another notch, she’ll be a pretty complete big.
Molly Sisson, Northfield Mount Hermon
Class of 2026, 6-3 center
Hometown: Rochester, Mass.
NCAA: Eastern Michigan
Sisson was a standout at St. Andrew’s before transferring to NMH. She immediately adds an important physical presence and low-post scorer to the title contender. I also wouldn’t gloss over Sisson’s passing, and she’s working on being a consistent knockdown threat from 3. If NMH wins a championship, it could be because Sisson outshines some of the elite post players in this NEPSAC class.
Five more names to know: Tiffany Burns (Austin Prep), Jaliah Duplessy (Brimmer & May), Baileigh Kimball (Marianapolis), Zariah Ottley (NMH), Autumn Udoh (MacDuffie)
